West African Dwarf Goat: Characteristics, Origin, Use & Best 10 Farming Benefits

About West African Dwarf Goat West African Dwarf Goat is the domesticated goat of West Africa. They are on the small side compared to their wild counterparts, with the male weighing around 100 pounds and the female around 80 pounds.

Their meat is said to be tender and has a mild flavor, making it ideal table meat. They are believed to have originated in Southern Sudan and Northern Nigeria.

Nomadic people initially used these goats as pack animals or guarded animals because they got great stamina and could keep up with them for long distances through challenging terrain.

Characteristics

  • The West African Goat is a small hair goat with a fast growth rate.
  • They have good mothering ability and are one of the most prolific breeds in goat breeding, often producing twins and triplets.
  • Although they are small, their meat is very tender, making them a niche market for the people of Africa who believe that goat meat has flavor but can be too harsh.
  • West African Dwarf Goats have short coats, which makes them easily adaptable in hot climates because their coats do not retain heat.
  • West African Dwarf Goats are known to have good resistance to blood parasites.
  • West African Dwarf Goats have a fast growth rate compared to other breeds of goats.
  • Despite their small size, West African Dwarf Goats are often used by farmers as pack animals.

History

West African Dwarf Goat is believed to have originated in Southern Sudan and Northern Nigeria. African Dwarf Goat is one of Africa’s most productive goat breeds and is called N’Dama. The West African Dwarf Goats are very popular and usually come in various colors – red, black, white, brown, spotted, etc.

West African goats have small udders. These goats come from West Africa, where the climate is hot. The udders of the West African Dwarf Goats are much smaller than those of other breeds. Owners, who raise them in cooler temperatures, feel that their milk yield is not good, so they do not prefer them for milking purposes.

Origins

The West African Goat is the domesticated goat of West Africa. They are on the small side compared to their wild counterparts, with the male weighing around 100 pounds and the female around 80 pounds.

Uses

The West African Goats are mainly used for meat, but their milk is greatly appreciated by those who have sampled it. West African Dwarf Goats are known to have good resistance to blood parasites, so they can also be used for cross-breeding.

A African Dwarf Goat has a short coat which makes them easily adaptable in hot climates because their skin does not retain heat. Despite their small size, West African Dwarf Goats are often used by farmers as pack animals.

Quick Fact of West African Dwarf Goat

Breed nameWest African Dwarf Goat
Country of originWest Africa
TypeLivestock
StatusDomesticated
ColorBlack
Coat colorRed, white, spotted
Average sizeMale 100-200 lbs, female 80-120 lbs
HeightMale 12-15 feet, female 11-12 feet
Maximum weightMale 200 lbs, Female 100 lbs
DietBrowse grasses and legumes
Legs and hoovesShort; semi-long
WoolFine or medium

Best 10 Farming Benefits

1. West African Dwarf Goats are one of the most productive breeds of goats in Africa.

2. They have good mothering ability and are one of the most prolific breeds in goat breeding, often producing twins and triplets.

3. West African Dwarf Goats are also great to pack animals.

4. They are also used as guard animals in hunting because of their intelligence, endurance, and courage.

5. They are known to have good resistance to blood parasites, making them a deep breeding breed for cross-breeding purposes.

6. They are very good at survival in harsh climates.

7. They can be used as dual-purpose animals because they are known to have good meat and milk production.

8. West African Dwarf Goats can also be used by people who use goats as pack animals because they have good stamina and keep up with them for long distances through challenging terrain.

9. They are great for kids because they are gentle and approachable even if they don’t know you, making them the perfect pet for minor children or toddlers.

10. West African Dwarf Goats are also known to have good resistance to blood parasites so that they can be used for cross-breeding.

Conclusion

West African Dwarf Goats are magnificent animals to raise because they are so adaptable and come in a wide range of colors. They are very productive and can do a great job farming due to their hardiness, intelligence, stamina, and agro-tolerance. I hope this article’s information will help you learn more about West African Dwarf Goat. Thank you for reading.