Wingin' it Farms

Often breeders simply promote their own breed of goat, which is understandable, because they love that particular breed. However, looking at a persons needs and goals are far more important. We have a variety of breeds and enjoy them all. Promoting a particular breed is not our goal, providing a broader look at the different dairy goats available to help others in their quest is. 

The Chart Below is based on our experiences of owning the 

Dwarf, Mini, and Standard Breeds

Quick Glance Chart 

Of course our chart is not the whole picture, there are many factors to consider!

First you will want to look at the fact that a first freshener will not be as good as she will be on the 2nd or 3rd freshening this is most critical for the Nigerian and second would be the Mini. Also, the production aspect will very greatly. Some factors to take into consideration: How many kids were in the litter, how you milk,  genetics, parasite resistance and overall herd management. Length of lactation will also vary depending on the individual goat. For more info you may want to look at “milk Productivity” article. 

Nigies- can range from 2 cups- over 1 qt as a FF. 1 qt is not common on FF. There are many that want to exaggerate the productivity of this breed. 4-6 cups per day is good for your average Nigie. 1 1/2 quarts being on the high end for the average Nigie.Although some may peak at 2 qts per day, rarely will you see that level of production for a long duration. The Nigerian cannot adequately provide for a family of 4 without having quite a few does in milk at one time. Depending on the individual family's need, that may be a lot of time and effort to milk 2x a day, prep and clean up time for each goat exceeds milking time for 2-3 cups per doe. These goats are wonderful though and we generally keep a few in milk year round as "fill in goats". Nigies are wonderful pets!

Mini's- Mini's are pretty much right in the middle and truly a perfect family milker, great for the homestead. Again the above factors need to be taken into account. The mini has the best of both worlds. Smaller in size, yet able to produce more than the Nigie without the excess of a Standard breed. Ranging on average ½ gallon -3/4 gal per day. (2-3 qts). Advanced generations and LARGE mini's will often produce 3qts- 1gal. For most small to mid size families 2 mini's bred at different times of the year should be able to provide all their dairy needs. Like the Nigie, FF in general will lack in production. When looking at mini's remember there can be a variety of size differences. We prefer to breed Standard does that are on the smaller side to our Nigie Bucks to keep the Mini- mini.  

Standard Breeds- generally give 1 gallon per day. FF may give 3qts-1 gal. Again depending on factors already mentioned and also the breed type you may have a 5-6 qts producer. That is 1 1/4- 1 ½ gallons per day on the breeds that are heavy producers. Often even 1 gallon per day can be more than what a small family can utilize.Having 2 goats breeding one at the beginning of the season (Aug/Sept) and breeding one at the end of the season (Jan/Feb)will keep a family in constant supply with a season of overlap. If making large amounts of cheese and other dairy products as well as drinking milk a mid-size family(6 people) may be able to utilize the amount produced. If raising a yearly feeder pig any excess milk is easily utilized.  Housing and care for a few standard breeds may be easier on the goat keeper than 5-6 Nigerians. We love having our Standard breeds!

We have found all of our Standards to be as wonderfully sweet and gentle and pet like as our smallest goats, without as much attitude!