Whitbred Nigerian Dwarfs

~Specializing in hand-raised producers and pets~

Milk, yogurt, rosemary and sun-dried tomato  feta, chive and onion chevre - all with milk from our own goats!  Feeling inspired?  Visit our Sales Page and check out the Breeding Schedule.

Website last updated:  2-6-2010

     Welcome to Whitbred! What is the origin of our herd name?  Our last name is Whitney and the goats are bred here... hence, Whitbred.  We raise registered Nigerian Dwarfs  to provide the most delicious goats' milk there is for ourselves and to promote the breed by offering qualified registered animals and pet wethers for sale.  The Nigerian Dwarf is uniquely suited to the decreasing farm size of today by requiring smaller shelter and land area while at the same time providing the highest quality milk available, both in flavor and nutrition.   Their good nature, hardiness and wide range of coloring make the wethers (fixed males) exceptional as pets.

Here are our two sets of November twins sired by the same buck.  One guess what color he was??  They lived in our house for a couple weeks until their new shed and pen were ready.

   In 2010 we are revising some of the herd management techniques we use with our goats.  It is our hope that this will ultimately result in a heartier, more productive and cost-effective herd.  Four plus years of goating has taught us how little we know and that many methods work, we just have to find those right for us.


 
**Old Mountain Farm bucks felt a bit frisky this blustery spring day.**

Daily management includes free-choice sodium bicarbonate and Sweetlix minerals with copper.  Clean pens and daily attention provide pleasure to both goats and owners.  Our first year on DHI milk test (2007)showed that our goats earn their keep in the milk pail.  We have participated in DHI each year since with many Whitbred does earning their advanced registry milk stars.  During lactation we feed Blue Seal Dairy Goat pellets mixed with black oil sunflower seeds, EZ Pels, beet pulp, and alfalfa pellets, all topped off with flax seed.  The results show in their condition as well as the quality of their milk.  In fact, ADGA Appraiser Eric Germaine complimented us on the condition of our animals as he was appraising them in August 2008.

We strive to maintain a disease free herd.  All adults are tested annually at WADDL for CAE (Elisa test) and Johne's, in addition to periodic testing for CL, TB and Brucellosis.  Results were negative in our first testing year, 2006, as well as each subsequent year.  UPDATE:  March 2009 testing of all adults (one year old and above) again NEGATIVE.  Members of our herd came only from farms which also routinely test negative and follow strict prevention methods. 

"There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household..."  Proverbs 27:27

All photos taken by Karin Whitney unless otherwise noted.