A Complete Guide to Caring for Anglo-Nubian Goats

Anglo-Nubian goats, commonly referred to as Nubians, are a distinctive and versatile breed known for their long, pendulous ears and high-quality milk production. Originally bred in the UK by crossing British goats with African and Indian breeds, Anglo-Nubians are well-suited to a variety of climates and are valued for their rich, creamy milk.

If you’re considering keeping Anglo-Nubian goats, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for this unique breed, including housing, feeding, breeding, and health care.

A Brief History of Anglo-Nubian Goats

The Anglo-Nubian breed was developed in the late 19th century in the UK by crossing British dairy goats with breeds from the Middle East, Africa, and India. The result was a hardy, heat-tolerant goat with high milk yields and a distinctive appearance.

Today, Anglo-Nubians are popular worldwide for their adaptability, excellent milk production, and friendly temperament. Their milk has a high butterfat content, making it ideal for cheese-making.

Key Characteristics of Anglo-Nubian Goats

Anglo-Nubians have several distinctive traits that set them apart from other dairy goat breeds.

• Size: Large. Adult does typically weigh around 60-70kg, while bucks can weigh up to 100kg.
• Coat: Short, glossy coat that can come in a variety of colours, including brown, black, white, and spotted patterns.
• Ears: Long, pendulous ears that hang down past their jawline — a defining characteristic of the breed.
• Temperament: Friendly, curious, and vocal. They are known for their outgoing personalities and enjoy human interaction.
• Milk Production: Nubians produce rich, creamy milk with a butterfat content of around 4-5%, making it ideal for making cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy products.
• Adaptability: They thrive in both hot and cold climates but prefer temperate weather with adequate shelter.

Housing for Anglo-Nubian Goats

Proper housing is essential to keep your Anglo-Nubian goats comfortable, healthy, and protected from the elements.

Shelter Requirements

• Size: Ensure the shelter is spacious enough to accommodate your goats. A minimum of 1.5 square metres per goat is recommended.
• Ventilation: The shelter should be well-ventilated to prevent respiratory issues but free from draughts to keep goats warm in colder weather.
• Bedding: Use straw or wood shavings as bedding and replace it regularly to maintain cleanliness.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Anglo-Nubians are strong and curious, so secure fencing is essential. Use fencing that is at least 1.2 metres high to prevent escapes.
• Grazing Areas: Provide access to a secure grazing area with plenty of grass, shrubs, and weeds for browsing. Rotating pastures will help maintain healthy grazing areas and reduce parasite risks.

Feeding Anglo-Nubian Goats

A well-balanced diet is essential to keep your Anglo-Nubian goats healthy and productive.

Diet

• Hay and Forage: The majority of an Anglo-Nubian goat’s diet should consist of good-quality hay or forage. This provides the fibre they need to maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Concentrates: Supplement their diet with goat-specific concentrates, especially for lactating does, to provide additional energy, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: You can offer fresh vegetables and fruits as treats, but avoid toxic plants such as potatoes, rhubarb, and avocado.

Water

• Ensure your goats have constant access to fresh, clean water. Lactating does, in particular, need large amounts of water to support milk production.

Mineral Supplements

• Provide a mineral block or loose minerals specifically formulated for goats. Anglo-Nubians need essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and selenium to stay healthy.

Breeding Anglo-Nubian Goats

Anglo-Nubian goats are known for their strong reproductive performance and can produce healthy, vigorous kids.

Breeding Tips:

• Age to Breed: Does can be bred from around 8-12 months of age once they have reached at least 60% of their adult weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for goats is approximately 150 days (5 months).
• Kidding: Provide a clean, warm kidding area for the doe to give birth. Anglo-Nubian does are attentive mothers and typically produce 1-3 kids per litter.

Health Care for Anglo-Nubian Goats

Keeping your Anglo-Nubian goats healthy is essential for their wellbeing and productivity. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are all part of good goat management.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule. Core vaccinations typically include protection against:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, enterotoxaemia)
• Pasteurellosis

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Anglo-Nubians’ hooves need regular trimming to prevent overgrowth and lameness. Check their hooves every 4-6 weeks.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep their shelter and grazing areas dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Mastitis: A bacterial infection of the udder that can affect milk production. Maintain good hygiene during milking to reduce the risk.
• Lice and Mites: Regularly check your goats for external parasites and treat them with appropriate medications if necessary.
• Bloat: Ensure your goats have a consistent diet and avoid sudden changes in feed to reduce the risk of bloat.

Behaviour and Handling

Anglo-Nubian goats are known for their friendly and curious nature, making them a joy to keep and handle.

• Vocal Personality: Nubians are famously vocal and will often “talk” to their owners. Be prepared for their chatty behaviour!
• Calm Handling: Approach your goats calmly to avoid startling them. They respond well to positive reinforcement.
• Training: Goats are intelligent animals and can be trained to follow basic commands. Regular handling from a young age will make them easier to manage.

Why Choose Anglo-Nubian Goats?

There are several reasons why Anglo-Nubian goats are a popular choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers:

• High-Quality Milk: Nubians produce rich, creamy milk with a high butterfat content, making it ideal for cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy products.
• Adaptability: They can thrive in both hot and cold climates, making them a versatile breed.
• Friendly Temperament: Their outgoing and affectionate personalities make them a great choice for families and hobby farmers.
• Long Lifespan: With proper care, Anglo-Nubians can live for 10-12 years.

Final Thoughts

Anglo-Nubian goats are an excellent choice for new goat owners who are interested in dairy production or simply want a friendly, versatile breed to keep. Their distinctive appearance, chatty nature, and high-quality milk make them a rewarding addition to any smallholding or farm.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, and regular health care, you can ensure your Anglo-Nubian goats thrive and remain healthy. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan and enjoy the experience of raising this unique and charismatic breed.