Pygmy Goat Characteristics – Growth rate, Milk Yield, and kidding

The pygmy goat was most commonly found in Cameroon Valley of West Africa. The pygmy goat is a popular breed of miniature domestic goat.

The pygmy goat was initially brought to Europe and was kept in a zoo, for the research. Later it made to America through breeders, which became household pets due to its miniature size.

Pygmy goats are adaptable, quite hardy, and can adapt to any climate.  Consider raising Pygmy Goats for profit or keep them as pets. Many more characteristics of Pygmy goat breed along with advantages of the breed are discussed below.

Physical characteristics of the Pygmy Goat

1. The colors of the Pygmy Goat can vary. Some of them are gray, white, brown, or black.
2. Pygmy goats can live for up to 15 years.
3. The African Pygmy Goat at the shoulder height averaging 15 to 20 inches tall.
4. Front and rear hoofs and cannons are darker than the main body coat.
5. They have long ears that fold forward and a long snout.
6. They have a thick body with a heavy coat and think legs that are very sturdy.
7. The body weight of an adult Bucks and Does varies from 27 to 39 kg and 24 to 34 kg respectively.
8. The age at sexual maturity in males varied from 3 to 4 months.
9. The average age of the first conception is 18 months.
10. Average lifespan: 8 to 18 years.
11. Pygmy goat’s heat(oestrus) cycle 18–24 days (average 21 days)

Production characteristics of the Pygmy Goat

The growth rate, milk yield, milk composition and reproductive(kidding) efficiency of Pygmy goats are explained:

1. Growth rate

• The bodyweight of an adult Buck and Doe varies from 27 to 39 kg and 24 to 34 kg respectively.
• The newborn kid of Pygmy goat weighs around 1.5kg.
• The average growth rates of kids are 2.7 kg/month
• In just 12 months, the goat can gain around 20kg.

2. Milk yield

• The average daily milk yield is 0.9 kg to 2.5kg. The milk yield in a lactation period of 120 to 180 days.
• The milk of Pygmy goat is very tasty and healthy. It contains about 4.5% to 11% of fat.
• Does with multiple kids produced more milk than those with single kids.

3. Reproductive efficiency(kidding)

• The age at sexual maturity in males varied from 3 to 4 months.
• The average age of the first conception is 18 months is preferable
• The gestation period is approximately 5 months
• The kidding cycle is once in around 8 months. There can be 3 kidding cycles for 2 years.

Advantages of Pygmy Goat

1. Pygmy goats are quite hardy and can adapt to any climate. Therefore the cost of health management is also very less.
2. The does have overall friendly temperaments, but bucks are known to be a bit stubborn and independent.
3. Pygmy Goats provide small amounts of high-quality milk but are considered a meat goat
4. Pygmy Goats are miniature and beautiful goat breed which is suitable as pets.
5. The average daily milk yield in 0.9 to 2.5 kg. The milk yield in a lactation period of 120 to 180 days with 4.5 percent fat content.
6. Goat milk is used for making various types of foods and it’s very easy to digest than the milk of cows.
7. Pygmy goats can achieve three kidding in two years. That said in every 7 months, goat delivers kids.
8. Diseases are less in Pygmy goats than other domestic animals.
9. They seek out and enjoy interacting with people, and will respond readily to vocal calls.
10. Pygmy goats are good for meat.

If you’re looking to purchase a Pygmy goat, there is a list of registered breeders on the National Pygmy Goat Association. Based on the pedigree the price of Pygmy goats varies. Also if you are purchasing from an ethical registered breeder, you will end up getting the best of the pygmy. The cost varies from $50 to $350.