Maximum Breeding and Milking Age of a Nigerian Dwarf

Blue Ridge · #1 01/16/14, 11:22 AM

I find lots of information about how "young" you can breed an ND.

But, little about how old they will typically breed/kid and give milk on the stand.

Or when should they be retired?

Thanks for your input.

punchiepal · #2 01/16/14, 01:20 PM

I have often heard don't breed before 9 months old and 45#.

We have had does cycle VERY early, as in only months old, so they get watched closely to prevent breakouts. LOL We haven't bred any here before the next fall, so 18 months or so. It's easier to keep everyone on the same schedule. I purchased a doe that was bred at 11 months old. Not sure if that is why or what but she is still a small doe at 4 years old, not even 60# not pregnant. Girl can multiply though, had twins, quads, 5, and looking to be carrying a fair load this year.

A few times I have heard of a 8-10 yo ND being bred. I have a 6 yo ND going strong and a soon-to-be 11 yo (in march) PB saanen bred and looking great.

LomahAcres · #3 01/16/14, 02:54 PM

I don't know about nigies, but I assume its fairly relative to standards. I keep using my bucks as long as they are fertile and healthy. Sometimes they don't have the drive as they get older to cover a lot of does, so I'll use them less. Life expectancy is 8-10 years. With good lines and the right care they can be productive up until the very end.

For does - life expectancy is about 10-12 years. There is a lot that will factor into productivity. If you kid your does out every year that will take a toll on them - if you hold some back and milk through that will actually lengthen their life expectancy. Animals who are moved or re-homed at an older age are not likely to outlive goats who were born in your herd. Show herds, or larger herds are more likely to have higher stress levels then smaller stay-at-home herds. Again - with the right lines and care they can keep going to the very end, but it's more of a 'individual animal' type question. I think a ruff fair estimate for productivity would be 1-2 years before the end of their life expectancy.