The mini Nubian is a breed of goats that came about as a result of cross-breeding the Nubian dairy doe and the Nigerian dwarf dairy buck. The aim was to generate a small goat that produces as much milk, which was achieved.
Some may choose to keep the mini Nubian as a pet or in a petting zoo because of their gentle temperament and others may keep them for their milk, which contains a high butterfat content.
In this article, you will read about everything you need to know about your mini Nubian from their appearance to their care, and much more.
What do Mini Nubian Goats Look Like?
The mini Nubian’s most distinct features are its small size and its cute floppy ears. They may vary in color but their pattern is always one of two variations, chamoisee, and sundgau.
With the chamoisee pattern, the mini Nubian will have a tan or red body with its ears, lower legs, and face having dark markings or stripes. They can also markings on the mini Nubian’s underbelly. These will be dark or light depending on the goat’s genetics.
The sundgau pattern results in mini Nubian goats with black or white body color. In some parts of their body, the goat will have white markings on the legs, ears, and facial stripes.
A mini Nubian goat will weigh an average of 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Compared to a regular-sized Nubian, they are a little lighter. When it comes to height, the female (doe) is around 25 inches tall and the male (buck) is around 30 inches tall.
Some mini Nubians are born with tiny horns and others are born polled, meaning without horns.
Mini Nubian temperament
Mini Nubian goats have a mild and lovely temperament. They relate well with their owners and are also sociable, with the ability to live peacefully with other pets. Aside from this, they are smart and can be taught a couple of tricks.
Although they are cute and cuddly, you should note that mini Nubians are noisy. They bleat loudly and regularly. These sounds can get high-pitched, especially during mating season. They do this as a mode of communication to other goats, probably as a mating call.
Mini Nubian habitat
Where your mini Nubian lives will determine its well-being, both physically and mentally. The minimum space requirement for one mini Nubian is 250 square feet. This will be enough for the goat to run around and lay in, as they are active and playful. In the event that you want to get a buddy or a couple, for your mini Nubian, you will need to add 250 square feet for every mini Nubian.
If you are raising the goat on a farm, the land could be bare or with grass. They also do not need a fancy enclosure. You just need to make sure they are protected from harsh weather conditions.
You could set up a large dog house or a three-wall structure, as long as the opening faces away from the wind so that your mini Nubian doesn’t catch a cold.
Goats do not require any fancy toys in their enclosure. All you need to do is ensure that they have plenty of bedding to lie on. Hay will make a proper substrate.
Every couple of days, ensure to clean the goat’s pen. This will prevent it from catching a horrible smell and also protect your mini Nubian from parasites.
What do I feed a Mini Nubian?
Most people will feed their mini Nubians whatever is available and according to preference. The standard mini Nubian feed comprises of:
- Good quality hay. This can be substituted for pasture-like nappier grass that has been chopped.
- Raisins. These contain plenty of antioxidants. Additionally, they make a nice vitamin-filled treat for your mini Nubian.
- Carrots. They also contain vitamins that are essential to the mini Nubian and help to strengthen their teeth.
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds. These seeds provide fiber, which improves digestion for your mini Nubian. Another benefit is that they improve milk production and enhance their coat health.
Your mini Nubian will also benefit from plenty of freshwater to drink. You should also look for salt licks. These provide minerals to your goat that strengthen their bones and improve milk quality.
If your mini Nubian is either pregnant, sick, being milked, or an infant, you should reach out to the vet. They will provide you with a more comprehensive feeding plan and suggest additional nutrients for your mini Nubian’s optimal health.
Health issues affecting mini Nubians
Mini Nubians are prone to a number of illnesses:
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) Virus
This virus spreads among the mini Nubians mainly through lactation and in some cases, through blood by sharing contaminated instruments and open wounds.
The disease causes chronic illness of the joints. If the goat tests positive, do not allow its kids to suckle from it.
Caseous Lymphadenitis
This is a bacterial disease that causes the formation of abscesses near the goat’s major lymph nodes. The bacteria makes its way into the goat’s body through open wounds caused by castration, tagging, tail docking, etc.
This illness results in a loss of hairs, damaging your mini Nubian’s hide and in severe cases, death.
G6- Sulfatase Deficiency
This is caused by a hereditary metabolic defect. It is recessive and it can be transmitted to the offspring in the following ways:
- If both parents do not have the gene deficiency, they cannot transmit it.
- If both parents are carriers (they carry the gene but do not have the deficiency), there is a 25% chance that the offspring will be affected by the deficiency.
A mini Nubian with the deficiency will suffer stunted growth, delayed motor development, and a short lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Before you get yourself a mini Nubian, it is important that you ask for the goat’s breeding history as well as their testing history. This will help you plan for their care better. If this information is not available, try to get the mini Nubian tested as early as possible.
If you are looking for more content on goats, you can read our post on Can goats eat watermelon rinds? If you are a cat person you might be interested in this: What are the Symptoms of Worms in Cats?
