HOLLAND, Mich. — Glenys Gotthardt has advice for anyone wanting to raise Nigerian Dwarf goats: “Don’t expect to make any money right away. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work to make a profit.”

Gotthardt and her husband, Dan, own Kyeema Ridge Farm, operating as Live a Little Farm LLC near Holland, where they raise Nigerian Dwarf goats. The couple have focused on breeding for excellent conformation – and their efforts are being rewarded with success in the show ring and a demand for their breeding stock.

The Gotthardts own the first and only Nigerian Dwarf doe that has scored 93 points in linear evaluation. Old Mountain Farm Swift-Leigh EEEE 93 has won three individual championships at national shows, earning the title of permanent champion in the process.

“She has really put our farm on the map,” said Dan.

Their adventure into the dairy goat industry began while living in New Hampshire in 2006 on a small, wooded acreage. While horses were their first choice to fill the large rustic barn, goats were a more practical choice as they would provide brush-clearing service and required less time commitment.

“I am small, so I wanted something small that is easy to manage,” Gotthardt said. She was impressed with the diminutive animals’ versatility and personality, which she describes as bordering on dog-like. The miniature goats are easy to care for, require minimal space, eat less feed and give adequate milk.

The couple began with three does and two bucks that quickly tamed years of neglect in the property’s wooded plots. Next she encountered her first goat show and was hooked on the elegant display of caprine genetics, the prestige of bringing home honors and the camaraderie between fellow dairy goat enthusiasts.

“As with potato chips, you can’t have just one,” Gotthardt joked.

Goat numbers quickly grew during their four years at the New Hampshire farm before their 2010 move to Michigan. Today, they own approximately 50 does at different maturity stages. Thirty does make up the milking herd.

Young does from top-flight pedigrees whose ancestors have high-scoring linear evaluations can fetch as much as $1,500, while bucks with similar genetics bring slightly less. Does can be bred to kid at one year if management is strong enough to produce a mature individual at that age.

Production costs vary depending on feed type and availability; however, feed is the highest production cost. High-quality hay can be costly but animals eat less of it. During peak lactation, the goats consume four cups of grain per day, but receive less than one-quarter of that amount during the dry period. Kids average one cup of grain per day until maturity.

The Nigerian Dwarf is a dairy breed that originated in Africa and is classified as a minor breed. It is known for its high butterfat content. Triplets and quadruplets are common, and Gotthardt attends each birthing.

The Nigerian Dwarf breed appeals to beginners on many levels. Its compact size opens opportunity for ownership in urban areas with approved zoning. Feed costs are less than that of traditional-size goats and housing space requirements are reduced. Their excellent temperaments make them an easy beginner’s project, especially for youth.

A major challenge the Gotthardts have faced in both Michigan and New Hampshire is the lack of qualified goat veterinarians. “We are actually very fortunate in West Michigan to have experienced, qualified veterinarians who will make farm calls for goats,” Gotthardt said.

“You’ve got to put in the effort, time and research on your own because you cannot always rely on a local veterinarian having the skills in that area. It is very important to find a good mentor that will help you through those tricky spots.”