Of course, the best part of having Nigerian Dwarf goats is the splendid milk they produce.  In spite of their small size, Nigerian Dwarf goats can produce a surprisingly large amount of milk.  Our senior does typically produce 48-60 oz. of milk per day after freshening.  Additionally, the milk these little goats produce is higher in butterfat (6-10%) than cows milk or other dairy goat breeds.  Due to the high butterfat and protein content, their milk makes wonderfully delicious butter, cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, and even soap products.

So, why choose goat’s milk over cow’s milk?  Let’s face it, not all milk is “created equal”.  There are differences between cow milk and goat milk.  1.  Goat’s milk is less allergenic.  2.  Goat’s milk is naturally homogenized.  3.  Goat’s milk is easier to digest.  4.  Goat’s milk rarely causes lactose intolerance.  5.  Goat’s milk matches up to the human body better than cow’s milk.₁

~   Fact:  65% of the milk consumption worldwide is from goat’s milk ~

Those are all excellent reasons to raise goats.  But, truthfully, the primary reason we elected to raise Nigerian Dwarf goat’s on our homestead is because of their pleasant, easy-going dispositions, their mothering ability, they eat less than full size goats and cows, and their milk is hand’s down the best tasting dairy out there, bar none.

₁ Dr. Thomas Cooke, The High Road to Health, Univ. of Mt. Capra, 2007