Nubian goat
Physical features
Their coat is short and fine with a glossy appearance. They can be either solid in color or multicolored, usually black, red, or tan. These goats have a roman nose.
The mature female stands at least 30 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) and weighs 135 pounds or more. The males stand at least 35 inches at the withers and weigh at least 175 pounds.
Range and Habitat
Range – developed in England when British goats crossed with bucks of African and Indian origin; They are now maintained as domestic animals and may also be called Anglo-Nubian goats.
Habitat – domestic pasture
Diet: Herbivore
Wild – Grasses and grains
Zoo – Bermuda hay, grain, fresh browse
Lifespan
Wild – average 8-10 years
Zoo – average 8-10 years
Reproduction
Sexual maturity = 3 to 12 months of age; Breeding season = fall; Bucks smell to tell if the doe is in estrus by the behavior known as “flehmen.” They extend their neck and head into the air and curl up their upper lip.
The cycle of a doe lasts 17 to 23 days. Estrus lasts 12 to 48 hours. Gestation lasts 148 to 156 days and results in twins or even triplets.
Conservation: Not Evaluated
Major threats: None at this time
Interpretive Information
The matriarch is the true leader of the group, and her dominance is determined by how many offspring she produces. Nubians create a group hierarchy by engaging in rearing and head-butting to establish dominance.
Nubians emit a high-pitched sneezing sound and stomp one forefoot, if alarmed.
Their milk has an unusually high percentage of butter fat, around 4-5%. It is often used to make cheese.
References
Coblentz, B. (2004). Capra hircus. Retrieved December 13, 2004, from the Invasive Species Specialist Group Web site: http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=40&fr=1&sts=
Mileski, A. (2004). Capra hircus. Retrieved December 13, 2004, from the Animal Diversity Web site: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Capra_hircus.html
Goats (1983). In R. M. Nowak & J. L. Paradiso (Eds.), Walker’s Mammals of the World (4th ed., Vol. 2, pp. 1298-1300). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Updated December 2004