The Goat is a ruminant mammal belonging to the genus Capra of the cattle family and closely related to the sheep. Goats were early domesticated; they are pictured in ancient Egyptian art and mentioned in the Bible. Domestic goats, varieties of Capra hircus, are found throughout the world, most abundantly in Asia. They are raised for milk, meat, hair and wool, skins, and, in certain areas, to control scrub growth. Goat's milk is easily digested and has greater protein and fat content than that of cows. The chief dairy breeds in the United States are the Toggenburg and Saanen (both of Swiss origin), as well as the Nubian, French Alpine, and Rock Alpine goats. The Cashmere goat is raised in central Asia, N India, and Iran for the wool of its downy undercoat. Angora goats, whose clipped wool is known as mohair, are more numerous than other breeds in the United States; they are raised chiefly in Texas. Goats have been used for thousands of years to provide milk, cheese, meat, fleece, and leather. They were an important part of many ancient cultures.

We have three different breeds of goats here at the farm. They are Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats and Pygmy Goats

Nubians are easy to recognize because of their big floppy ears.  They are a large goat, and one of the most popular dairy breeds. Originally from North African these goats having a roman nose and predominantly brown or black hair: noted for their rich milk.

Nigerian Dwarf Goats are a miniature goat of West African origin. They are often called miniature dairy goats.  They are used for milk just like the bigger Nubians. Dwarf goats come in many colors. Main color families are black, chocolate and gold. Random white markings are common, as are spots and other color combinations such as red, white, gold and black. Newborn kids average about 2 lbs. at birth but grow quickly.

Pygmy Goats were originally called Cameroon Dwarf Goats and arrived in the United States in 1959. also produce milk, but they are raised primarily as show animals.  They are a much smaller breed, and are popular in petting farms or as 4-H