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Nigora

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Early example of Nigora goats (born between 1989 and 1999) both in and out of fleece. "Cocoa Puff of Skyview", The earliest known Nigora (black doe with Swiss trim, upper mid photo) was appx. 13-years-old in this picture taken in 2002.

The Nigora goat is a medium sized, dual-purpose milk and fiber goat breed. The Nigora originated in the United States in the early 1990s.[1] Early Nigoras contained a mixture of Nigerian Dwarf, white and colored Angora goat bloodlines, as well as some small "grade" fiber goat breeding; today's Nigoras may also contain the bloodlines of registered "Swiss type" Mini Dairy breeds. The conformation, character and style of the modern Nigora should be that of a healthy, proportionate animal: It should exhibit a rectangular build, refinement, bone structure, substance and angularity typical of a well formed miniature dairy goat, while also producing three distinct types of fleece. The fleece varies between mohair fiber and cashmere wool in character, with "cashgora" fiber being a blend of characteristics between the first two types.

The Nigora is being produced, and promoted, as a breed particularly suited for the micro-eco farming niche,[2] Urban goat keeping,[3] small homesteading, personal family use, and as pets. Their friendly dispositions, smaller size, and general ease of care also makes the Nigora suitable for children and prospective senior or special needs goat owners.[4]

Characteristics

Bloodlines/Breeding: Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats and/or registered Swiss Type Mini Dairy Breeds (i.e.: Mini Alpine, Mini Saanen, Mini Sable, Mini Oberhasli, Mini Toggenburg) crossed with any recognized Angora goat breed (i.e.: Commercial White, Colored Angora, or Navajo/Heritage Angora); there are also Grade and Breeding Stock programs for Nigoras. All goats applying for registration must meet the Nigora Breed Standard as set forth by the American Nigora Goat Breeder's Association.

Height: The suggested height range for Nigoras is a minimum of 19" with a maximum of 29"; does are generally smaller than bucks on average.

Ears: Ear set may vary between erect (like Nigerians and the Swiss type Mini Dairy breeds) or dropped (like the Angora) but without being pendulous; both ears should match in adult animals.

Eyes: Any color.

Color/Markings: All colors and patterns found within the Nigerian, Angora, or Swiss type Mini Dairy breeds are allowed.

Horns: There is no preference as to whether Nigoras are disbudded or remain horned; Naturally polled animals are allowed.

Fleece/Fiber: The Nigora exhibits a primarily "cashgora" type fleece with three distinct types--

Type "A": Leans toward mohair characteristics (some individuals may exhibit full mohair).
Type "B": Blend of mohair and cashmere (typical cashgora fiber).
Type "C": Leans toward cashmere characteristics (some individuals may exhibit full cashmere).

Sub-Types include "A/B" and "B/C" for fleeces that fall between types. Full descriptions of the various fiber types are found in the ANGBA Standard.[5]

Temperament: As a general rule, a Nigora should have a calm, amiable, laid back disposition and be neither aggressive nor excessively fearful when properly socialized.

Disqualification From Registration: Any goat that does not fit the Nigora Breed Standard for type and conformation, including goats containing any of the following breeds: The offspring of FULL SIZED Standard Dairy goats x any allowed fiber breed; Meat goat breeds (i.e.: Boer, Kiko, Kinder, Spanish, etc.); Nubian or LaMancha of ANY size; and Myotonic breeds of any kind.[6]

American Nigora Goat Breeder's Association

"Nigora Goat Notes", the online voice of the ANGBA, was the first official group dedicated to Nigora goats.[7] The purpose of the group, created July 28, 2006, was to gather together Nigora breeders and fanciers in effort to start an association for the breed; The American Nigora Goat Breeder's Association was officially founded a year later in 2007. Membership is free. ANGBA is seeking volunteers for a "Nigora Evaluation Project" which will help facilitate pending registry services. All Nigora owners/breeders are welcome to participate.

NOTE: The American Nigora Goat Breeders Association (ANGBA) is not affiliated in any way with the "Nigora Goat Breeders Society, LLC" (NGBS) created October 31, 2013, nor does ANGBA endorse or approve the breed standards of the NGBS.

Further reading

The following books cover nigora goats:

  • The Field Guide to Goats by Cheryl Kimball, 2009 Voyageur Press ISBN 9780760335222
  • Raising Goats For Dummies by Cheryl K. Smith, 2010 ISBN 978-0-470-56899-6
  • Storey’s Guide to Raising Miniature Livestock- Goats, Sheep, Donkeys, Pigs, Horses, Cattle, Llamas by Sue Weaver, 2010 Storey Publishing ISBN 978-1-60342-481-3
  • The Backyard Goat: An introductory Guide to Keeping Productive Pet Goats by Sue Weaver, 2011 Storey Publishing ISBN 978-1-60342-790-6

References

  1. ^ Nigora Goat History http://nigoragoats.homestead.com/CocoaPuff-Nigora-History.html
  2. ^ Center for the Micro-Eco Farming Movement http://www.microecofarming.com/index.html
  3. ^ Urban Livestock http://www.urbanfarmonline.com/urban-livestock/?navm=toplivestock
  4. ^ Why Miniature Dairy Goats? http://www.miniaturedairygoats.com/about_mini_goats.htm
  5. ^ American Nigora Goat Breeder's Association Standard of the Nigora Goat http://nigoragoats.homestead.com/ANGBA-STANDARD.html
  6. ^ American Nigora Goat Breeders Association: Nigora Goat Basics 101 http://nigoragoats.homestead.com/NIGORA-GOAT-BASICS-101.html
  7. ^ Nigora Goat Notes: American Nigora Goat Breeders Assoc News http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Nigora_Goat_Notes/
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