Nubian goats – photos and description of the breed, care and maintenance, video

Hardy, noble animals – Nubian goats – produce milk with a high fat content. A distinctive feature of the breed is its delightfully long ears.

Origin of the species

The ancestors of the breed were imported from Africa, India and the Middle East. In England, exotic animals were crossed with local species of dairy goats and received the Nubian goat – sophisticated domestic animals.

Breed standards

Nubian goats weigh at least 60 kg and grow up to 75 cm at the withers. The Nubians are some of the largest dairy goats, but they also provide meat and hides for the manufacture of leather goods.

Nubian goats are prized for:

• milk with a sweet milk taste with a high fat content;
• a long milking season that lasts longer than most dairy breeds.

What a Nubian goat looks like

Nubian goats have long bell-shaped ears and small tails. Beautiful Nubian goats grow short and shiny fur and come in many colors, including:

• black;
• yellow brown;
• Brown;
• Red.

Goats are either solid or multi-colored. In profile, the nose is distinctly raised and rounded.

Dairy production details

Nubian goats produce milk with a fat content of 4% to 5%, which is twice as much fat as store-bought cow’s 2.5% milk.

This feature makes goats the best choice for those who:

• conducts household farming;
• makes its own cheese, ice cream, cottage cheese and other dishes.

Remember, goat milk is naturally homogenized, so a cream separator is needed if you are producing dairy products. The Nubian goat produces about 3-4 liters of milk per day. Diet plays a role in milk production.

Endurance

Due to their origin, Nubian goats are adapted to all climatic conditions and, as a rule, tolerate frosts well, but only if they survive bad weather in heated rooms without drafts. Long ears are more vulnerable to frostbite in extreme low temperatures.

Health problems and care

Parasites are enemy number 1 for all goats. To disrupt the life cycle of parasites, you will need:

• regular deworming;
• grazing in small herds on a rotational basis.

Nubian goat temperament

This species makes loud sounds. Nubian goats are affectionate and easy to handle.

Reproductive features

Goats become sexually mature as early as 6 months of age. Males give off a strong musky odor during the breeding season, which attracts females. Goats bear offspring for 140-160 days, give birth once a year in late winter or spring. Twins are often born, but not infrequently one or three kids appear.

How long do they live

Nubian goats live in captivity for 10 to 15 years if they get enough food and care, including veterinary care.

What are the benefits of the Nubian goat besides milk and meat?

Sometimes the breed is grazed in wetlands and other areas when it is necessary to reduce the number of invasive or unwanted plants such as poison ivy.

Features of the hierarchy of Nubian goats

The real leader of the herd is the female, not the male. Dominance is determined by how many offspring she has produced. Nubian goats create a group hierarchy. They clash heads, the winner dominates the defeated relatives, and brings up the kids. Animals make a high-pitched sneezing sound and stamp their feet when alarmed.

Nubian goats – video

Conclusion

Nubian goats are a great choice for villagers who love their own dairy products, but do not have the opportunity to keep a cow in the yard. These hardy, affectionate beauties are fun, their milk doesn’t allergize lactose-sensitive people.

Robert Holmes

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