Anglo-Nubian goat
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 Nubian dairy does | |
| Other names | Nubian |
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| Country of origin | Great Britain |
| Type | Dairy |
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The Anglo-Nubian, or simply Nubian in the United States, is a breed of domestic goat.
The breed was developed in Great Britain of native milking stock and goats from the Middle East and North Africa. Its distinguishing characteristics include large, pendulous ears and a "Roman" nose. Due to their Middle-Eastern heritage, Anglo-Nubians can live in very hot climates and have a longer breeding season than other dairy goats. Considered a dairy or dual-purpose breed, Anglo-Nubians are known for the high butterfat content of their milk, although on average, the breed produces less milk than other dairy breeds.
Anglo-Nubians are large, with does weighing at least 135 pounds (61 kg) [3] and 175 pounds (79 kg) for bucks. The minimum height of the breed, measured at the withers, is 30 inches (76 cm) for does and 35 inches (89 cm) for bucks.[1] Like most dairy goats, they are normally kept hornless by disbudding within approximately two weeks of birth.
History
The Anglo-Nubian breed originated in England as a cross between the Old English Milch Goat and the Zariby and Nubian bucks imported from India, Russia, and Egypt. They have been exported to most countries from England and in the United States are referred to as simply Nubians.
Breed characteristics
The typical Nubian goat is large in size and carries more flesh than other dairy breeds. The Nubian breed standard specifies large size, markings can be any color, the ears are long, pendulous and floppy and the nose is Roman. The Nubian temperament is sociable, outgoing, and vocal. Because of its elongated ears and sleek body, the Nubian has a variety of nicknames, including "Lop-eared Goat", "Rabbit Goat", "Long-eared Goat" and "Greyhound Goat".[2]
Breed standard
According to the American Dairy Goat Association, "The Nubian goat should be a relatively large, proud, and graceful dairy goat of mixed Asian, African, and European origin, known for high quality, high butterfat, milk production.
The head is the distinctive breed characteristic, with the facial profile between the eyes and the muzzle being strongly convex (Roman nose). The ears are long (extending at least one inch [2.54cm] beyond the muzzle when held flat along the face), wide and pendulous. They lie close to the head at the temple and flare slightly out and well forward at the rounded tip, forming a "bell" shape. The ears are not thick, with the cartilage well defined. The hair is short, fine and glossy. Any color or colors, solid or patterned, is acceptable.
Uses
The Nubian's size makes it a very useful dual purpose animal. The Nubian breed leads the way for the dairy breeds in butterfat production: it produces on average, 5% or more butterfat content.[citation needed] This is surpassed only by the Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy goat and Boer goat breeds, which are less likely to be used for large scale milk production, as for a dairy or cheesegoat.
Care
Nubians are remarkable in temperate zones of agriculture in being able to deal with temperatures as low as 0 °F (−18 °C) with open faced shelters. They readily attach to their new human owners with simple neck and side stroking. Nubians love human interaction and will call for the owner.
While being stereotyped as being vocal, they are relatively quiet when provided with food, water and shelter. Just like human infants if they are making noise, they are doing so to let their need be known. Nubians are also sometimes classified as stubborn, but Nubians are simply highly intelligent animals who know what they like and dislike. Once shown the correct way as in being let out of their pen to be milked, a Nubian will walk itself, load itself and wait to be milked.
Registries
American Dairy Goat Association (all general dairy goat breeds)
[4] (Breed Society in UK)
References
