Pygmy goats originated in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. They were imported into the United States of America from European zoos in the 1950s for use zoo life in the States as well as becoming a research animal. The goats quickly gained popularity as pets and exhibition animals due to their good-natured personalities, friendliness and hardy constitutions by private breeders.A pygmy goat is a small breed of domestic goat. Although thy produce a large amount of milk for their size, and can be eaten the goats are not typically used for milk or meat. unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust and breed more continually throughout the year than either dairy or meat goats.
They have stomachs with four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasums. As browsers, goats are similar to deer and enjoy variety in their diet, including woody plants.
Appearance
Females weigh about 23 to 34kg (35 to 50lbs) and males about 27 to 60lbs). Their colour can range from light/white carmel, medium, dark, dark red carmel, silver-light grey agouti, medium grey agouti, dark grey agouti, brown agouti, black with frosted points, and solid black.
Housing
Pet pygmy goats can live in a large doghouse or small shed. Their housing should be well ventilated, but free from drafts. It is convenient to have a concrete floor covered with a rubber mat and sawdust or straw for bedding; the floor should be titled towards the door to make cleaning simple. In the winter, cleaning is needed less often because goats keep the straw warm as their bed.
