Pygmy goat

A pygmy goat on a stump.

The Pygmy goat is a breed of miniature domestic goat. Pygmy goats tend to be kept as pets primarily, though also work well as milk producers and working animals. The pygmy goat is quite hardy, an asset in a wide variety of settings, and can adapt to virtually all climates.^[1] Castrated males are called wethers and can be shown in pet classes. There are also pedigree classes at shows for entire goats. There are separate pedigree lineages in the United Kingdom and (where they are sometimes called the African Pygmy) the United States.

Appearance

Females, called does, weigh 24 to 34 kg (53 to 75 lb) and males, called bucks, weigh 27 to 39 kg (60 to 86 lb). Wither height ranges from 41 to 58 cm (16 to 23 in). The color and pattern of their coats vary significantly, and can be categorized into caramel patterned, agouti patterned, and black patterned. Within these categories, there are caramel with black markings, caramel with brown markings, brown agouti, grey agouti, black agouti, black with white markings, and solid black.^[2][3]

Reproduction

Young pygmy goat

Pygmy goats are precocial and polyestrous breeders; bearing one to four young every nine to 12 months after a five-month gestation period. Does are usually bred for the first time at about twelve to 18 months, although they may conceive as early as two months if care is not taken to separate them early from male kids. Newborn kids will nurse almost immediately, begin eating grain and roughage within a week, and are weaned by ten weeks of age.

Polyestrous sexual behavior means that they experience heat and can be freshened (made to come into milk production) year-round. If milking is a priority, a continuous supply of milk can be obtained by breeding two or more pygmy does alternately. Some full-size dairy breeds are also noted for polyestrous sexual behavior.

Origin

The Pygmy goat was developed from the West African dwarf goat, a landrace of Central and West Africa, found most commonly in the Cameroon Valley. They were taken to Europe primarily by the British during the colonial era. They were later imported into the United States from European zoos in the 1950s for use in zoos as well as research animals. They were eventually acquired by private breeders and quickly gained popularity as pets and exhibition animals due to their good-natured personalities, friendliness and hardy constitution. Today, they are common as back-yard pets and in petting zoos.^[4]

Housing and care

Group of pygmy goats

Pygmy goats are adaptable to most climates. Their primary diet consists of greens and grains. They enjoy having items to jump on and may be able to leap onto small vehicles. They are also in need of a shed and open area accessible at all times. They also need a companion, which doesn't necessarily have to be its own species. They are prey animals and should therefore be sheltered in a predator-proof area -especially at night. Goats require fresh water at all times or they won't drink it. Pygmy goats are often affectionate if they are treated with respect. They can also be trained, though it requires quite a bit of work. It is important to make sure pygmy goats are comfortable and warm during the winter months.^[5] Simple measures such as feeding pygmy goats lukewarm water and lukewarm food, as well as ensuring their living quarters are free from drafts, can make pygmy goats a lot happier during the winter.^[6]

General information

• Scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus^[7]
• Average lifespan: 8–18 years
• Normal body temperature: 101.5-104 °F (39.1 - 40 °C)
• Normal pulse rate: 60-90 beats per minute (faster for kids)
• Normal respiration rate: 15-30 per minute
• Rumen movement: 1-1.5 per minute
• Gestation period: 145–155 days (average 150 days)
• Heat (oestrus) cycle: 18–24 days (average 21 days)
• Length of heat: 12–48 hours (average 1 day)
• Weaning age (recommended): 8–10 weeks
• Males sexually mature: 9–12 weeks
• Females onset of heat: 3–12 months*
• Dehorning (by veterinary surgeon): By 7 days
• Castration:
  • Using elastrator ring: by 2 weeks
  • Surgical method (by vet): No age limit

References

1. Colby, Brian, et al. Dairy goats-breeding/feeding/management. American Goat Society. 1972.
2. National Pygmy Goat Association. Best of Memo I. 1982.
3. National Pygmy Goat Association. "Color Choices for Registration". 2013.
4. National Pygmy Goat Association "Pygmies For All Reasons". 2003.
5. David Watts. "Pet Pygmy Goats: Henry and Joey". henryandjoey.co.uk. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
6. Kinne, Maxine. Pygmy goat care and management. 1987.
7. "Speciality Livestock - Agriculture.com". agriculture.com. Retrieved 11 December 2014.

External links

• The anatomy of a pygmy goat
• Pygmy Goat Club (United Kingdom)
• National Pygmy Goat Association (United States)