What Are Goats?
Goats are domesticated animals that have been bred and raised by humans for thousands of years. They are versatile livestock, known for their ability to thrive in various environments and for their multiple uses, including milk production, meat, fiber, and even as pack animals. Goats are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to efficiently digest tough plant materials. This makes them particularly well-suited for grazing on marginal lands where other livestock might struggle. With over 300 recognized breeds worldwide, goats come in a variety of sizes, colors, and temperaments, making them adaptable to different farming and homesteading needs.
This page is not exhaustive, or detailed, but written in the hope to inspire some thoughts about the good and bad – as we have experienced it in recent years. It’s better to check with your laws and environment, your facilities, suppliers and abilities before you leap in. Sometimes it makes more sense to have a smaller breed of animal, like rabbits or quail, than larger (or very large ones). Consider your natural environment, what you want from it, and what can happen to it. If we missed anything here, make contact and share your experiences. 
Why We Prefer Goats Over Sheep or Cattle?
Goats offer several advantages over sheep or cattle, particularly for small-scale farmers or homesteaders. They are generally more manageable due to their smaller size and are known for being hardy and adaptable animals. Unlike cattle, which require extensive grazing land, goats can thrive in smaller spaces and are excellent at foraging on a wide variety of plants, including shrubs and weeds that might be unpalatable to other livestock. Additionally, goats are typically less prone to certain diseases that affect sheep, such as foot rot. Goats also tend to have more engaging and curious personalities, making them not only useful but also enjoyable to have around. Their ability to produce milk, meat, and fiber, along with their relatively low maintenance requirements, makes them a versatile and valuable addition to any farm.
3. The History of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat originated in West Africa. Initially, they were imported primarily as zoo exhibits, but their small size, friendly nature, and high milk production quickly made them popular among small farmers and hobbyists. Over time, selective breeding led to the development of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat as a recognized breed with distinct characteristics. They are prized for their ability to produce a substantial amount of high-butterfat milk relative to their size, making them an ideal choice for homesteaders, small scale farmers and small dairy operations. Despite their small stature, these goats are known for their hardy constitution and adaptability, able to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions.
4. The Advantages of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Nigerian Dwarf Goats offer several advantages that make them an appealing choice for small-scale farming. One of their most significant benefits is their milk production. Despite their small size, they can produce between to 1 and 2 liters of milk per day, with a butterfat content of 6-10%, making the milk rich, creamy, and ideal for making cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. While they produce a substantial amount of milk, they still produce less than larger goats and thus are easier to manage and prevent issues like mastitis, discomfort and milk-reduction at times. Their small size also means they require less space and feed than larger dairy breeds, making them more economical to keep. Additionally, Nigerian Dwarf Goats are known for their friendly and gentle temperaments, which makes them easier to handle and a good choice for families or novice goat keepers. Their playful and engaging personalities often make them favorites among livestock. Great companions, permaculture workers, invasive brush-clearers, lawnmowers, pets, meat’ers and milkers… we truly believe NDG can be all of any of these. We have seen our customers use them for many purposes, and –report the success and pleasure they are to work with. 
Their smaller size makes them easier to handle, medicate and work with, even for smaller framed or older people. A smaller frame does not mean less meat, as they produce quite sizable amounts of meat for their size, compared to other animals. The small footprint and browsing nature leaves no damage in our delicate Karoo veld; in fact, we have seen an increase in native grasses here. They have a variety of colors coming from their pheomelanin and eumelanins, and a diversity of ‘shapes’ from lean to large, meaty to milky – making it easy to propel your herd in the breeding direction you want to achieve. While not unique to NDG, they are known for yielding twins and triplets pretty often. Another advantage of the smaller size versus high meat and milk output, is a drastically smaller consumption of DM (dry mass) and food per day. This not only costs less, but makes growing your own feed a little bit easier. They are easier to keep fenced in, especially with electric fence training, but… see below. When it comes to browsing, they don’t wander off too far, and will return easily every day (given a scheduled treat training). Lastly, they produce a lot of precious manure for your natural systems and gardens.
5. The Disadvantages of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat
While Nigerian Dwarf Goats have many advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider. Their small size, while generally an advantage, can also be a disadvantage in terms of predator vulnerability. These goats are more susceptible to attacks from dogs, jackals, and other predators, so they require secure fencing and sometimes additional protection. Another potential downside is their energy and curiosity, which can lead to escape attempts and mischievous behavior if they are not adequately entertained or contained.
Fortunately, they do take to training and scheduling to help circumvent this. Lastly, while they are generally hardy, Nigerian Dwarf Goats can be prone to a few health issues if not cared for properly. 
NDG requires some space, between 20 and 25 square meters per goat, and for isolation between bucks and does (as bucks will continue to try and mate with pregnant does – frustratingly). This is not just a Nigerian Dwarf Goat issue, but noticable due to their size and manner of keeping. Bucks are smelly, as most goats, and can ruin your best moods and patience. Physical seperations, and having wethers to keep bucks company, is a must.
You need a minimum of two does, to keep each other company, and a wether for the buck, making it four goats minimum, and about 100 square meters of space. The ideal fence will be strong, and electrified, and will keep them in, until they are startled by babboons or jackals. You need to protect your outsioode perimeter from intrusion by creepy predators to prevent this. They do not wander off far, but will wander; in many cases, into gardens and areas you don’t want them to be in. Due to their size, owners tend to see them as less risk, when they should be thought of as any other goat (in terms of being mischievous and trying). If you’re not letting them roam on natural veld and rocks, you will have to make time to care for them, their hooves, etc. Again, not unique to NDG, but easy to miss due to size.