NIGERIAN DWARF @ ZODIAC MINI GOATS
In early 2016 we embarked on a breeding program using selected Australian Miniature does for a first cross. All initial and subsequent cross doe kids are retained and bred back to 100% Nigerian to increase the ND genetics in each generation. This process has delivered us a base of quality foundation animals resulting from a wide genetic pool.
In terms of imported bucks, we used Castle Rock Guy Noir and Lost Valley Cairo extensively in the first few years, along with Beaujest Julian Gitche. We also had a 75% dairy cross buck - Topaz Basil (out of Pecan Knoll Bob the Builder) that gave us some lovely foundation does with good dairy characteristics. After two years of AI programs, we purchased our first 100% buck in early 2018 - First Fleet Hobbes.
Our main herdsires across the past few years - First Fleet Flinders (FF Miranda x Lost Valley Cairo), and First Fleet Naturaliste ET (Castle Rock Harvest Moon x Chinook Winds Gold Dubloons). In 2022 we introduced a couple of new bloodlines via First Fleet New Moon ND100 (Castle Rock Mad About the Moon x FF Dora (via Naturaliste), First Fleet Grayson ND100 (FF Gray Area via Castle Rock Guy Noir over FF Kamala (via Julian Gitche)) and First Fleet Innocent Bystander ND100 (Castle Rock Guy Noir x FF Louise (Nat & Baudin lines)). January 2023 we welcomed First Fleet Dante ND100 (Twin Creeks Watermark x FF Madeline (via Castle Rock Triumph). All our current bucks are clear of the mutant myotonic gene. Having clear bucks is great as this means you cannot produce an affected animal.
Our current herd is almost exclusively Purebred animals 93.75% and above. We only thee 87.5% does remaining as they are still in the show ring. We are hopeful of getting some updated photos of our herd up in the next few months.
If you are wondering how big the dwarf goat is, check out the photo below of a full size dairy goat vs a Nigerian Dwarf goat.
