Nigora
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Nigora goats are goats that are produced primarily by the crossbreeding of a Nigerian Dwarf and an Angora goat.
Types
The Angora stock can be either Colored (CAGBA), Navado Angoras (NAGR) or Standard white (AAGBA). Preferably, Nigoras should not be more than 80% or less than 25% of either parent breed. The first generation cross between a purebred Nigerian and a purebred Angora is known as an "F1", and, while technically a hybrid, is the purest form of Nigora. Nigora goats that are predominantly Angora in breeding are called "Heavy Nigoras" (for their larger size and heavier fleece), Nigoras from predominantly Nigerian breeding are called a "Light Nigoras" (for smaller size and lighter fleece production), and goats that are of about 50/50 Angora/Nigerian breeding are known as "Standard Nigoras".
A Nigora may also be produced from "Grade stock"—a goat that meets the Nigora standard for conformation, type, fleece, size and color, and so on, but that is either from unknown parentage or from a Nigerian or Nigora crossed with another fiber breed, for example, the Pygora or Cashgora (a Cashmere goat crossed with an Angora). All "Grade Nigoras" that meet the standard must be bred back with the goal of producing Nigoras that have only documented Nigerian and Angora bloodlines within their pedigree, therefore only Nigerians, Angoras, or Nigoras from known or registered breeding should be crossed back on to Grades.
Nigora conformation
The Nigora is a hardy medium to medium small, well-balanced goat with an elegant appearance and a rectangular build (somewhat longer in the leg than the typical Nigerian Dwarf) and having the characteristics of both the Nigerian and Angora breeds. Ideally, the Nigora's face is straight to slightly dished, with a moderate length of foreface being the most desirable. Eyes may be any color and ears can be erect like a Nigerian's, drooping like an Angora's, or somewhere in between. Either way the ears must show balance and symmetry for the type they are. Nigoras may come in a wide variety of attractive colors and patterns and can display flashy, random white markings; any color, pattern, or combination thereof of the Nigerian and Colored Angora goat are allowed in the Nigora. A medium-fine bone structure is considered desirable on the Nigora; the basic frame being of a sturdy, well-put-together animal with no outstanding structural weakness or misconformity. Adult bucks should show obvious masculinity and adult does, femininity, with dairy character and structure resembling that of their Nigerian counterparts. Nigoras may be horned, naturally polled, or disbudded. Goats with any sign of being myotonic (Fainting Goat), or exhibiting a Roman nose and extremely pendulous ears (Nubian traits), extremely tiny ears (an American Lamancha trait), or being greatly oversized (standard dairy or meat goat cross), will not be considered for a Nigora breeding program.
Nigora fiber types
There are three basic fiber types common to Nigora goats:
Type A
This most closely resembles Angora mohair. Should be a lusterous fiber hanging in long, curly or wavy locks up to appx 6 inches in length. Has a cool feel to the touch. Ideally should be single coated with little to no obvious guard hair. Needs to be shorn yearly, possibly every 6 months depending on growth. Type "A" fleece is weighed by the pound.
Type B
This is the most typical Nigora fleece, technically known in fiber circles as "cashgora", and is a blend between fiber Type "A" (Mohair) and fiber Type "C" (Cashmere). This is a lofty, fluffy fiber, generally 3 to 6 inches in length with good crimp or curl. It may or may not show luster and is very warm and soft to the touch. Type "B" has fine to medium guard hairs which are usually obscured by the fleece. It may be harvested once a year by combing, plucking, or shearing; sheds naturally. The fiber is weighed by the ounce. The "B" type fiber goats are the "Teddy bear" of the Nigora world and are highly desired as pets due to their cuddly look.[citation needed]
Type C
Often is commercially acceptable Cashmere in type. A very fine fiber, 1 to 3 inches (25–75 mm) in length, which shows no luster. It has a warm, creamy, suede like feel to the touch. haircoat (guard hair) is very coarse in comparison to the undercoat, or down-fiber, which is the fleece. Can be harvested the same way yearly as Type "B"; also sheds naturally.
Nigora temperament
The well-socialized Nigora, as a rule, should have a naturally amiable, and laid back disposition. They are friendly, and fun with a sense of humor. Bottle babies are especially endearing, and when hand raised with lots of TLC become very puppy-like and attached to their human family. All in all the intelligence, playfulness, and gentle personalities of Nigoras make them easy to love and a joy to own.
Nigora breed association
A breed club for Nigora goats, the American Nigora Goat Breeders Association (ANGBA), was established in April 2007. The club is currently seeking new members and volunteers to help spread the word about Nigoras. More information can be found at the Nigora_Goat_Notes Yahoo! Group.