Purebred Nigerian Dwarf Goat breeders located in beautiful, scenic Hunterdon County, New Jersey
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On Facebook: Lady Walkers Half Moon Farm On Instagram: ladywalkersfarm Lady Walkers Half Moon Farm is a breeder of Nigerian Dwarf goats in central, western NJ. We have been breeding goats since 2010. Our first priority at Lady Walkers is to raise healthy and happy goats! We interact with our goats on a daily basis. We are as happy to see them as they are to see us! For several years, we tested our entire herd for CL, CAE, Johnes and Brucellosis. After three years of all negatives, we made the decision stop testing every goat for the various diseases, but rather to test every milking doe for CAE each year. Of course, any new goats over one year old entering the herd are tested for CL, CAE, Johnes and Brucellosis, before purchasing (on the seller's end) and then again here, by our vet, upon arrival. Any new kids under one-year old entering the farm must come from herds who test regularly with all negative results. You will find the dates of the most recent disease tests under each goat's name. The origin of our farm name When we moved to our farm, we brought with us my husband's two Tennessee Walking Horses, Handshaker's Painted Money and Gen's Hard Money. We wanted a farm name that represented the Tennessee Walking Horse, so we came up with LADY (Lori and Don Yeske) WALKERS (for his Tennessee Walking Horses) The HALF MOON part of our farm name represents the colors of the horses (black and white). We shortened our farm name when choosing our herd name: Lady Walkers. Our goats are registered with the American Dairy Goat Association. Some of our goats are also registered with the American Goat Society. Our tattoo sequence has been registered with ADGA, AGS, NDGA and TMGR. We are members of: American Dairy Goat Association American Goat Society Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association American Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Association We participate in ADGA Linear Appraisal. We attend a variety of ADGA-sanctioned Dairy Goat shows every year. 
"Bojack" and "Rio"
(Handshaker's Painted Money and Gen's Hard Money) Original oil painting by Cayley Plutnick A little about Nigerian Dwarf GoatsThe Nigerian Dwarf goat shares the desirable characteristics of dairy conformation evidenced in the standard-sized breeds, though they are proportionately smaller in scale. Nigerians are angular and refined, with flatter, flintier bone and much less muscling. Its legs are refined and longer in relation to body size. They evidence more "stretch" from a longer, leaner neck to a longer more level rump. Because of its inherently functional type, the Nigerian Dwarf is a reproductively sound breed. All colors and color patterns occur. The Nigerian Dwarf has the ability to fill a unique niche in the dairy goat world. It is ideal for those who have limited space, who do not need large quantities of milk or lack acceptable outlets for the surplus, or those who require animals easily managed by one person. The Nigerian Dwarf is a fully-functional, productive dairy goat that just happens to be small. (taken from Caprine Supply's Goatkeeping 101, Second Edition) http://www.caprinesupply.com |
More about Nigerian Dwarf Goats
The following information is taken from The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy website at http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/nigerian.html
Breed Status: April 2013 graduated from "Recovering" status!
Two miniature goat breeds are found in the United States, the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. These breeds share a common genetic origin in the variable population of small African goats imported to the United States between the 1930's and 1950's. Used originally as exhibition animals in zoos, the goats later became popular as companion animals.
The Pygmy goat breed was recognized by the American Goat Society in 1976. During the last two decades, it has been standardized through selection for small size and stocky conformation.
The breed includes a limited color range,
primarily agouti, though other solid colors along with the belted color pattern are also accepted. The Nigerian Dwarf breed originated from the same genetic foundation as the Pygmy, but these goats have been selected to resemble miniature dairy goats with more slender bodies. All colors and patterns, including bi- and tri-color combinations. are accepted. Horns may or may not be present.
Nigerian Dwarf goats vary in size, with bucks' height up to 23 1/2" at the withers and does' height up to 22 1/4". The ideal size of the breed, however, remains a point of debate within the breeder community and there are now several breed organizations reflecting differing philosophies.
The Nigerian Dwarf was originally selected as a companion and show animal, with emphasis on the breed's graceful appearance and gentle disposition. The production qualities of the breed, however, have also attracted attention. Nigerian Dwarf does produce one to two quarts of milk a day. The milk is high in butterfat and makes excellent cheese and butter. Does generally breed year-round and produce twins. They can be milked for up to ten months, but can also be allowed to dry up on their own if milking is no longer desired. These production qualities make Nigerian Dwarf goats good candidates for small scale milk production where a year-round supply of a moderate amount of milk is the goal.
The versatility of the Nigerian Dwarf, as well as its hardiness and gentle disposition, have given it great appeal, and the breed's population has increased significantly in recent years, registering nearly 7000 purebred animals in 2002. The breeder community faces a challenge, however, in determining the parameters of the breed. Selection for production qualities may tend to increase the size of the goats, while selection as a companion animal may emphasize small size. Breed conservation will be best served by building consensus around a vision for the breed that includes its unique combination of characteristics.
The following information is taken from The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy website at http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/nigerian.html
Breed Status: April 2013 graduated from "Recovering" status!
Two miniature goat breeds are found in the United States, the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. These breeds share a common genetic origin in the variable population of small African goats imported to the United States between the 1930's and 1950's. Used originally as exhibition animals in zoos, the goats later became popular as companion animals.
The Pygmy goat breed was recognized by the American Goat Society in 1976. During the last two decades, it has been standardized through selection for small size and stocky conformation.
The breed includes a limited color range,
primarily agouti, though other solid colors along with the belted color pattern are also accepted. The Nigerian Dwarf breed originated from the same genetic foundation as the Pygmy, but these goats have been selected to resemble miniature dairy goats with more slender bodies. All colors and patterns, including bi- and tri-color combinations. are accepted. Horns may or may not be present.
Nigerian Dwarf goats vary in size, with bucks' height up to 23 1/2" at the withers and does' height up to 22 1/4". The ideal size of the breed, however, remains a point of debate within the breeder community and there are now several breed organizations reflecting differing philosophies.
The Nigerian Dwarf was originally selected as a companion and show animal, with emphasis on the breed's graceful appearance and gentle disposition. The production qualities of the breed, however, have also attracted attention. Nigerian Dwarf does produce one to two quarts of milk a day. The milk is high in butterfat and makes excellent cheese and butter. Does generally breed year-round and produce twins. They can be milked for up to ten months, but can also be allowed to dry up on their own if milking is no longer desired. These production qualities make Nigerian Dwarf goats good candidates for small scale milk production where a year-round supply of a moderate amount of milk is the goal.
The versatility of the Nigerian Dwarf, as well as its hardiness and gentle disposition, have given it great appeal, and the breed's population has increased significantly in recent years, registering nearly 7000 purebred animals in 2002. The breeder community faces a challenge, however, in determining the parameters of the breed. Selection for production qualities may tend to increase the size of the goats, while selection as a companion animal may emphasize small size. Breed conservation will be best served by building consensus around a vision for the breed that includes its unique combination of characteristics.
WHAT WE FEED OUR GOATS
We feed all of our goats local-grown Orchard Grass hay.
We also feed our does Chaffhaye, a premium-quality alfalfa which is mold, dust and GMO free.
http://www.chaffhaye.com/sheep-and-goats/
GOAT KIDS
Blue Seal Meat Goat Grow & Finish DC Pellet - Medicated
This 16% crude protein quality pellet feed provides balanced nutrition in every bite. Like Honor Show Chow (another good choice for pellet feed for goat kids and bucks), this feed has ammonium chloride (to lessen the likelihood of urinary calculi) and is medicated with decoquinate (for the prevention of coccidiosis). This is a high-fortified, complete medicated feed for growing and finishing goats. The fixed-component formula contains yeast culture for increasing digestibility and chelated trace minerals for increased bioavailability to promote muscle tissue and bone growth. Decoquinate has no withdrawal period. Crude fiber 8%.
http://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/goat-sheep-llama/811-meat-goat-grow-and-finish-dc.pdf
BUCKS
Blue Seal Meat Goat Grow & Finish DC Pellet - Medicated
This 16% crude protein quality pellet feed provides balanced nutrition in every bite. Like Honor Show Chow (another good choice for pellet feed for goat kids and bucks), this feed has ammonium chloride (to lessen the likelihood of urinary calculi) and is medicated with decoquinate (for the prevention of coccidiosis). This is a high-fortified, complete medicated feed for growing and finishing goats. The fixed-component formula contains yeast culture for increasing digestibility and chelated trace minerals for increased bioavailability to promote muscle tissue and bone growth. Decoquinate has no withdrawal period. Crude fiber 8%.
http://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/goat-sheep-llama/811-meat-goat-grow-and-finish-dc.pdf
JUNIOR, SENIOR AND PREGNANT DOES
Blue Seal Premium Dairy Goat Pellet
This is a high-protein, high-energy, fixed component feed (20% crude protein) designed to maximize production and promote healthy growth. The pelleted form eliminates the chance of goats sifting out ingredients. Premium Dairy Goat Pellet contains yeast culture and probiotics for a more stable digestive tract environment, resulting in improved digestion and overall goat health. This premium pellet also contains chelated trace minerals for greater absorption and utilization of zinc, copper, and manganese resulting in enhanced reproductive performance and growth. Crude protein 20%. Crude fiber 8%.
http://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/goat-sheep-llama/815-premium-dairy-goat.pdf
Blue Seal Caprine Challenger (used at times sparingly)
This coarse-textured sweet feed is formulated with crimped oats, flakes and cracked corn, pellets and molasses. It is an 18% crude protein feed. This very palatable feed is a highly- fortified, fixed-component formula ideal for dairy goats. It features chelated trace minerals for increased mineral bioavailability and yeast culture for increased digestibility. Crude protein 18%. Crude fiber 8%.
http://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/goat-sheep-llama/840-caprine-challenger.pdf
MINERAL AND VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS
Sweetlix 16:8 Meat Maker
This is provided free choice to all does at all times.
http://sweetlix.com/products/C14A34/meat-maker-products.aspx
Manna Pro Goat Mineral
This is provided free choice to all bucks at all times.
http://www.mannapro.com/products/goat/goat-mineral/
BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Black oil sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, zinc, iron, and selenium and also add fiber and fat to the diet. BOSS make the goats' coats shinier and increase the butterfat in their milk. We mix the seeds into our goats' grain; they eat them, shell and all.
BEET PULP PELLETS
Beet pulp adds fiber, protein, and energy to a goat's diet and contains calcium and phosphorus. We add small amounts of it to our bucks' grain in the fall and winter to help keep weight on them during rut.
BAKING SODA
We offer our goats free-choice baking soda which aids digestion by keeping the rumen pH-balanced.
Our handsome wether, Anakin!
