NigoraFAQS

Nigora Goat FAQs

NIGORA GOAT FAQS SHEET

***(Work in Progress)***

--Q: What is a Nigora?

--A: A Nigora is a medium small fiber goat, a hybrid created by crossing the Nigerian Dwarf, a miniature dairy breed, with either Standard white Angoras (AAGBA) or Colored Angoras (CAGBA).

The Nigora comes in 3 basic types: “Standard Nigoras” which are appx 50/50 Nigerian to Angora breeding, “Light Nigoras” which are appx ¾ Nigerian to Angora breeding, and “Heavy Nigoras” which are appx ¾ Angora to Nigerian breeding.

“Grades” can also be used in a breeding program, if certain guidelines are followed. A grade is a goat that meets the Nigora standard, but is either from unknown bloodlines or from a Nigora or Nigerian crossed on another fiber breed, such as the Pygora, PCA (Pygora-Colored Angora), or Cashgora (Cashmere-Angora) goat.

--Q: What do Nigoras look like?

--A: Nigoras come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and have a wooly or fluffy coat— some people may even mistake them for sheep! (Unlike sheep a goat’s tail sticks straight up in the air.) Nigoras have ears that are either upright, airplane, or floppy and have a build much like that of the Nigerian Dwarf, with a rectangular frame and long graceful legs and neck.

--Q: How big do they get?

--A: A Nigora’s average size is around 21-22” for does and 24-25” for bucks, but the size is variable… “Light Nigoras” tend to be smaller due to more Nigerian breeding and “Heavy Nigoras” tend to be larger due to more Angora breeding. (Extremely small or excessively large size is not desirable).

--Q: What colors/patterns are Nigoras?

--A: (See Nigora_Goat_Notes file: “Nigora Goat Color & Pattern Translations.doc”)

--Q: What is Nigora fleece like?

--A: Nigora fleece is predominantly a "Cashgora" fiber type and comes in 3 basic categories:

"A"-- This fiber is very close in type to the Mohair of an Angora goat. It is lustrous, cool to the touch and falls in long curly locks or ringlets. Ideally should show no obvious guard hairs. Average length is around 6 (+/-) inches

"B"-- This is the most typical type of Cashgora fiber. It is a very soft, lofty fiber that is warm to the touch and may or may not show luster. It's main characteristic is fluffy ringlets with finer guard hairs. Average length is between 3-4 and 6 inches.

"C"-- This is Cashmere type fiber. Extremely soft and warm, very suede-like to the touch, fluffy and without luster. Cashmere fiber is accompanied by coarser prominent guardhairs in the coat. Average length is around 3-4 inches, with the greater amount being the more desirable. Qualifying fiber length should not be less than 1 inch.

Standard Nigoras have a greater tendency toward having Type "B" fleece, Light Nigoras tend more toward having Type "C" or "B/C" fleece, while Heavy Nigoras will lean more toward having Type "A" or "A/B" fleece.

--Q: What is the Nigora temperament like?

--A: Nigoras are in general sweet natured with calm dispositions, they have a goats natural innate sense of curiosity and caprine sense of humor and are fun to be around.

--Q: Are Nigoras easy to handle?

--A: Yes, their disposition and size make most Nigoras easy to manage

--Q: Do Nigoras require any special care?

--A: Nigoras are a generally robust and hardy goat, being very adaptable and capable of adjusting to different climates. Special consideration should be taken during very inclement weather, particularly after goats have been shorn of their fleeces, to make sure they do not get wet and chilled and become ill. Otherwise a Nigora should have the same basic care, as any goat requires.

--Q: What purpose is a Nigora used for?

--A: Nigoras are predominantly fiber producing goats, but the goal is to produce a multi-purpose animal that has good dairy capabilities as well; this is something that will be worked on as the breed advances. Nigoras also make great pets, companions for other livestock, and like other goats are confirmed brush munchers, blackberries and wild roses being especially relished.

--Q: Do Nigoras make good pets for children?

--A: Yes, Nigoras on average make wonderful pets for older children-- as long as care is given to teach children the do’s and don’ts of handling and caring for their pets properly. A Nigora (or goat of any breed) must never be taught head butting games or to jump up on peoples backs!

--Q: What can be done with a Nigoras fleece?

--A: Fleeces are especially sought after by hand crafters, spinners, and weavers for making fiber art items. These may include knit scarves, woven blankets, felted slippers or hats, locks of fleece used for doll hair, and more.

--Q: How do you care for fleece on the goat?

--A: Making sure a Nigora’s coat stays free of debris, bits of straw, hay, etc. is especially important if you wish to have a saleable fleece. Design mangers so goats can not pull hay down on top of themselves, and check regularly for bits of brush, leaves, burrs and so on that need to be removed. This is best done by picking the debris out of the fleece with your fingers, separating it with a metal tooth comb and brushing the fleece with a wire slicker or pin brush. For Type “A” fleece with very dense locks do not brush out, simply use the comb and your fingers to gently remove bits of plant material from the fiber.

--Q: Do Nigoras need to be shorn?

--A: Yes and no. Type “A” Nigora fleece will need to be shorn at least once a year, commonly in the spring. Type “B” and “C” Nigoras can be either shorn (quickest way) or they may be combed, or have the loosening fibers plucked, as soon as the goat begins shedding and continuing every 2-3 days until they are through with the shedding process. This takes longer but generally yields a superior fleece with fewer guard hairs in the plucked or combed fiber.

--Q: How much milk does a Nigora doe give?

--A: (Information pending, data N/A at this time)

--Q: How rich is the milk?

--A: (Information pending, data N/A at this time)

--Q: How often do Nigoras need to be milked?

--A: This will be the same for any dairy animal, milking being done morning and evening, unless kids are left on their dam.

--Q: Are Nigoras registerable?

--A: As of April 2007 there is a new breed association being worked on for the Nigora: The American Nigora Goat Breeders Association. The ANGBA will be the official parent group overseeing the Nigora registry and record.

--Q: What will the ANGBA offer its members?

--A: ANGBA will offer the following: 1. Recording, categorizing and tracking pedigrees and other information on goats in the Nigora breeding program; 2. Create and maintain a list of owners and breeders who are members of ANGBA (this includes breeders of Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goats used in Nigora breeding programs); 3. Record herd names; 4. Track ownership transfers; 5. Maintain a website that promotes the Nigora, the ANGBA, and its purpose, including providing information to the public such as breeder’s lists, etc. (more information to come).

--Q: How will Nigoras be registered/recorded?

--A: (Information coming soon)

--Q: What type of identification do Nigoras require?

--A: All recorded Nigoras will be required to be tattooed with the breeders herd prefix and the goat’s individual identification number; standard tattooing regulations for any breed of goat will apply. Microchips will also be documented but are not mandatory to have. [ANGBA will require compliance with the USDA Scrapies Eradication Program]

--Q: Can Nigoras be shown?

--A: Even though there are currently no shows particularly for Nigoras, it is encouraged for breeders and owners to show their goats in whatever open conformation, fiber, or 4-H classes their Nigoras may be eligible for. (More information coming soon).

--Q: How can I find a breeder?

--A: ANGBA will have a listing of breeders of Nigoras, Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goats on their website, (under development). Nigora_Goat_Notes at Yahoo Groups! Is also a good place to post looking for Nigora breeders in your area.

--Q: How much do Nigoras cost?

--A: Nigoras have been found priced anywhere from between $150 to $500 but prices may vary, being lower or higher according to the quality of the goat and from breeder to breeder.

--Q: What if there isn’t a breeder in my area?

--A: In this instance you can either: A. Find a Nigora breeder who will ship from out of the area, or B. Produce your own Nigoras. Seek out reputable breeders of Nigerian Dwarfs and Angoras, choose the best quality parent stock, and start your herd from there.

--Q: What is a Nigora’s expected lifespan?

--A: Although not enough information is available for averages, Nigoras have been known to live for 12-15+ years. Goats in general are considered “aged” by 6+ years old.

--Q: At what age are they considered mature?

--A: On average a Nigora can be considered an adult by 18 months of age

--Q: What age can Nigora does first be bred?

--A: Does have been known to be freshened by their yearling birthdays (meaning they were bred by 7 months of age to kid at 1 year old), but it is generally recommended to breed a Nigora doe for the first time as a yearling, making sure she is well grown and mature enough to breed first.

--Q: What age can bucks first start breeding does?

--A: A Nigora buck can be used easily by 7-9 months of age. Nigerian Dwarf bucklings have been known to be fertile as early as 7-8 weeks! So it is best to separate all Nigora bucklings from their sisters and other does by this age, just in case they decide to take after their Nigerian cousins in this respect.

--Q: How often can Nigoras reproduce?

--A: Nigoras are usually are capable of breeding at any time of year, most notably kidding in spring and fall. A doe could, then, produce 3 kiddings in two years (then giving the doe a year off to rest) but the most recommended method is to have the doe produce only one time a year.

--Q: What is the gestation length for Nigoras?

--A: 5 months or 150 days on average

--Q: What are the productive years for a Nigora?

--A: There isn’t enough documented information for averages as of yet, but some Nigora does have been known to have kids up to around the age of 10 years.

--Q: How big are kids at birth?

--A: Though it varies, most kids weigh between 3-4 lbs at birth;

singles will be larger and multiple birth kids smaller.

--Q: How many kids can they have at one time?

--A: Nigoras average between 2-3 kids, though less or more are possible. By comparison Standard Angoras usually have singles or less commonly twins, Colored Angoras have been known to produce 1-2 on average with up to 3 possible (though a rarity), and Nigerian Dwarfs are known as “the goats that have litters”, with upwards of 4-6 kids being possible at one time!

--Q: How many kids can a doe raise at one time?

--A: This will vary according to the individual doe, but the majority can care for 2 kids easily on their own. If it appears too taxing for the mother to feed 3 or more kids on her own (the doe seems overly thin, and the kids seem to be weak, or not growing as well as they should) then some type of supplemental feeding will need to be done for the babies to help the mother out.

--Q: What age are kids weaned at?

--A: Weaning age is between 8 to 16 weeks, depending on owner preference as well as how strong and vigorous the kids are and if they are eating solid feed well on their own.

--Q: What age do kids first get their fleece?

--A: Type “A” or “A/B” fleece goats will be born with soft wavy hair that will eventually grow into it’s characteristic wavy or curly locks by about 6-8 months of age on average. Type “B” and “C” kids are born flat coated, they will usually have their coats in about the same period of time as Type “A” goats, some will be sooner others later.

(Have more questions? Send them in and we’ll add them to the list)