The Nigora goat is a dual-purpose breed of domestic goats, raised for it’s fiber and milk production. It was developed in the United States in the early 1990s. The breed was developed through cross-breeding of Nigerian Dwarf bucks with white Angora does, which is a mohair breed.
A breed association was formed in 2007, named the American Nigora Goat Breeders Association. Another breed association was formed in 2014, named the Nigora Goat Breeders Society.
The early Nigora goats contained a mixture of Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goat bloodlines. And today’s breed may also contain the bloodlines of registered Swiss type mini dairy goat breeds. Read more information about this goat breed below.
Nigora Goat Characteristics
Nigora goat is a small to medium sized animal. It has a rectangular shaped well build body. The head of these goats is blunt triangle and they have a straight strong jaw.
Both bucks and does may have horns, and the breed is found in many color varieties. The average height of this breed is 19-29 inches (48-74 cm) for both bucks and does. Photo from the American Nigora Goat Breeders Association.
Uses
The Nigora goat is a multi-purpose breed. It is mainly kept for for fiber and milk production. But the breed is also very good for raising as pets.
Special Considerations
These goats are generally of good behavior. They are very friendly and have relatively calm temperament. That’s why this breed is also very good for raising as pets.
They are very strong and healthy animal. The does are good milk producers. And the breed is also good for fiber production.
Depending on the length and type of the fibers, the Nigora goat’s fiber is classified into three types. Which are Angora-type mohair, cashgora and cashmere.
Angora-type mohair is long and lustrous, the cashgora is of medium length which combines mohair with cashmere-type undercoat. And the cashmere type is shorter cashmere fiber. However, review full breed profile of this beed in the following table.
| Breed Name | Nigora |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Dual purpose. Fiber & Milk |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Buck | 19-29 inches (48-74 cm) |
| Doe | 19-29 inches (48-74 cm) |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Various |
| Good for Stall Fed | Not sure |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
Nigora Goat Interesting Facts
Here are some of the interesting facts about Nigora goats that you may find intriguing.
- The name “Nigora” is a combination of the words “Nigerian” and “Angora.”
- Nigora goats are a small breed, weighing between 60 and 100 pounds.
- Nigora goats have a lifespan of around 12 to 14 years.
- They have soft, curly fleece that resembles that of an Angora goat.
- Nigora goats are available in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and grey.
- They are known for being friendly and affectionate, making them great pets.
- Nigora goats are highly adaptable to different environments and can thrive in both cold and hot climates.
- These goats are highly intelligent and have great problem-solving skills.
- They are excellent climbers and jumpers, so proper fencing is necessary to keep them contained.
- Nigora goats have a high milk production rate compared to other small breeds, producing up to a quart of milk per day.
- They are highly fertile and can breed year-round, with gestation periods lasting around 150 days.
- Nigora goats are easy to care for and require minimal grooming.
- Their fleece can be used for a variety of products, including yarn, blankets, and clothing.
- Nigora goats are known for their calm demeanor and are great around children.
- They are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings.
- Nigora goats have a high feed conversion rate, which means they can turn feed into meat and milk efficiently.
- They have a gentle nature, making them easy to handle and train.
- Nigora goats are hardy and resistant to many diseases, making them a great choice for small-scale farming.
- They are known for their longevity and can be productive for many years.
- Nigora goats are adaptable to different types of feed, including hay, pasture, and grain.
- These goats are social animals and prefer to be in groups.
- Nigora goats are an excellent choice for small-scale farming or as a pet due to their easy-going nature and adaptability.
Best Tips for Raising Nigora Goats
If you are considering raising Nigora goats, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that they are healthy and happy. Here, we will provide you with best tips for raising Nigora goats.
Provide adequate shelter
Like all goats, Nigora goats need a shelter to protect them from the elements. The shelter should be big enough to accommodate all of your goats, and it should be well-ventilated. You should also provide clean bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to keep your goats warm and comfortable.
Offer plenty of fresh water
Goats need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Make sure that you have a reliable source of water, such as a trough or automatic waterer, and check it regularly to ensure that it is clean and functioning properly.
Provide adequate pasture
Nigora goats need plenty of space to roam and graze. Ideally, they should have access to a pasture that is large enough to accommodate all of your goats and provides plenty of fresh grass.
Supplement with hay and grain
While pasture is important for Nigora goats, it may not always be enough to meet their nutritional needs. Supplementing with hay and grain can help ensure that your goats get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Provide mineral supplements
In addition to hay and grain, Nigora goats need access to mineral supplements. These supplements help ensure that your goats get all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
Keep a clean environment
Nigora goats are susceptible to various diseases and infections, so it’s important to keep their living environment clean. Regularly clean their shelter and pasture, and dispose of any manure and soiled bedding.
Vaccinate your goats
To protect your goats from common diseases, it’s important to vaccinate them regularly. Consult with a veterinarian to determine which vaccines are necessary for your goats.
Trim hooves regularly
Hoof health is crucial for Nigora goats, so it’s important to trim their hooves regularly. If hooves are left untrimmed, they can become overgrown and lead to pain and infection.
Check for parasites
Nigora goats are susceptible to parasites, such as worms and lice. Regularly check your goats for signs of infestation and treat them promptly if necessary.
Provide appropriate fencing
Nigora goats are agile and can jump over low fences, so it’s important to provide appropriate fencing to keep them contained. A fence that is at least 4 feet tall and has small openings is ideal.
Socialize your goats
Nigora goats are social animals and enjoy interacting with other goats and humans. Make sure that your goats have plenty of opportunities to socialize with each other and with you.
Handle your goats regularly
Regular handling can help your Nigora goats become more docile and easier to handle. It’s important to start handling them at a young age to ensure that they are comfortable with human interaction.
Provide toys and enrichment
Nigora goats are intelligent animals that enjoy mental stimulation. Provide them with toys, such as balls and puzzles, and enrichment activities, such as obstacle courses and foraging challenges.
Keep an eye on breeding
Breeding Nigora goats requires careful attention. Make sure that your goats are of appropriate age and health, and consult with a veterinarian or experienced breeder for guidance.
Keep a breeding record
Keeping a breeding record can help you track the lineage and genetics of your Nigora goats. This can be helpful when making breeding decisions and can also be useful for selling offspring.
Keep an eye on pregnancy
If you have pregnant Nigora goats, it’s important to keep a close eye on them to ensure that they are healthy and that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Provide appropriate nutrition during pregnancy
Pregnant Nigora goats have increased nutritional needs, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate nutrition during this time. Consult with a veterinarian or experienced breeder for guidance on what to feed your pregnant goats.
Be prepared for kidding
Kidding can be a stressful and intense time for both the goat and the owner. Make sure that you are prepared for kidding and have the necessary supplies on hand, such as clean towels, iodine solution for umbilical cord care, and a heat lamp if necessary.
Monitor kids closely
Newborn Nigora goat kids are fragile and require careful monitoring. Make sure that they are nursing well and that their umbilical cords are clean and healing properly. Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Wean kids at the appropriate time
Nigora goat kids should be weaned at around 8-12 weeks of age. Make sure that they are eating solid food before weaning, and separate them from their mothers gradually to minimize stress.
Provide appropriate nutrition for growing kids
Growing Nigora goat kids have increased nutritional needs, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate nutrition during this time. Consult with a veterinarian or experienced breeder for guidance on what to feed growing kids.
Stay up to date on goat care best practices
Goat care best practices are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest information. Read goat care books and articles, attend goat care workshops and conferences, and consult with experienced goat owners and veterinarians.
