The Mini-Nubian is a mid-sized goat originating from a cross between Nubian dairy goats and Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, bred with the goal of raising good milk producers in a smaller size. It is known for being a graceful, elegant animal standing between 23-31 inches and comes in any color or pattern of short, fine, glossy hair. Because this is a crossbreed, size and characteristics are dependent on the generation level of the goats. While Mini-Nubians are a relatively new breed, after the sixth generation they may be registered as purebred Mini-Nubians, for which there is a specific size standard. This breed was originally designed for small farms and homesteaders who milk by hand and needed a smaller animal for handling and feeding purposes.
Mini-Nubian Standards
Since Mini-Nubians are the result of a cross between a Nigerian buck and a Nubian doe, first-generation kids generally have more of the physical characteristics of the Nigerian. The goal is to reach the breed standards by the 6th generation. Once you reach the sixth generation, purebred registration is an option as long as your animals meet breed standards. Does are 22 to 25 inches tall at the withers and under 100 pounds, while bucks stand a maximum of 27 inches tall and weigh under 135 pounds. Emphasis is placed on a structurally correct animal with well-attached udder that milks with ease
The breed character setting the Mini-Nubian apart from other Mini’s is a nose that is never dished, but straight to strongly convex (with the strongly convex being more desirable). And distinctive, long, wide, and pendulous ears that when held along the face reach the end of the nose. They should be held close to the head where they attach and then widen and flare out and forward to a rounded tip, making the classic “bell” shaped ear standard Nubians are so well known for.
No part of the Mini-Nubian should be coarse, but instead dairy and refined (with masculinity for bucks); with soft supple skin and udders, strong correct legs, wide flat boning throughout, sharp shoulder blending into a long and graceful neck, and ample width and depth for kidding and milking purposes. ( MDGA standards)
Why Choose Mini-Nubians?
By crossing Nubians with Nigerians, you receive a small, high-quality-milk-producing goat. They possess a sweet and docile temperament, making them a good match for the small family farm.This mid-sized goat is know for its ease of milking; producing a high quantity and quality of milk whose butterfat yield is similar to that of the standard Nubian. By decreasing the size, you reduce feed costs as well as required space. While animal size is smaller, milk production remains strong, with Mini-Nubians producing from a quart to a gallon of milk a day.
Mini-Nubian generation Chart
