Growing first generation Kinder goats is an important part of the Kinder breeding program and necessary for the advancement of this lovely breed. First generation Kinders are the result of breeding a 100% Purebred Nubian dairy goat and a registered Pygmy goat. From 1st generation Kinders, all other generations are achieved. Producing 1st generation Kinder goats of good quality is ultimately the most important way to ensure a good foundation to build a superb Kinder herd. Thinking about raising 1st generation Kinders? Awesome idea, the breed needs more diversity. There are some things to think about when considering your breeding stock Nubians and Pygmies for this project.
Nubian dairy goats come in a range of body types. Nubians, who are the descendants of Jumna Pari goats, can be of very dairy character, and on the thinner-boned side. They can also be larger, heavier-boned ‘old-style or Anglo-Nubian. American Nubians are the ancestors of the original Anglo-Nubian goats produced by breeding in Zairaibi goats to add thickness and fleshing to the breed by the British. The first Anglo-Nubian goats arrived in America in 1896 and were officially established as a breed in 1913. Anglo was dropped and they were just called Nubian.
Pygmy goats are a miniature domestic breed from Africa known for their hardiness, friendliness, year-around kidding and adaptability for nearly any climate. Pygmy goats were imported to the US from Brittan in the 1950’s and mainly used for pets and exhibition.
As you can see by the best qualities of both breeds, we get heavy-boned, midsized goats with hardiness, friendly personalities, good milk quality, production, and year around breeding. Their smaller size provides a better milk-to-feed cost ratio than traditional dairy breeds. What a great combination. Picking those breeding animals is important because inferior Nubians and Pygmies will make inferior Kinders. Starting with good quality stock, although not guaranteed, increases the chance of good Kinders.
The common and healthiest option is to breed the Pygmy Buck to a Nubian doe. You can produce Kinders from a Pygmy doe and Nubian buck but the chance of kidding issues is huge due to the problem of birthing kids that are too large for the Pygmy to deliver. Pick a good old-style Nubian of heavy bone, level topline, and excellent udder capacity and construction. Knowing the milk history of the doe’s dam and grand dam is important. Check for kidding problems, disease, and quality of siblings if possible. Inspect the sire if possible and his dam’s milk records. Have any stock tested for CL, CAE, and Johnes. Consider other disease testing if animals come from an area of specific disease such as TB, as many states are TB free.
When picking a Pygmy buck, you want a long bodied, level, heavy boned and muscled animal. A long body allows plenty of room for kids to grow. Heavy bone and muscle helps to ensure Kinders are stocky. Most Pygmy breeders do not milk so it is important to closely inspect if possible the teats and udders of the Pygmy and his Dam/Sire. Rule out any buck with teat deformities, spurs, or extra teats. Pick a buck that is not timid. A timid buck may be too scared to breed a much larger Nubian.
Pick animals that are naturally healthy. Ask about any history of kidding problems, how often the stock has been wormed, needed other medications, or if there have been any illnesses or injuries. Some goats just require less intervention and raising stock genetically healthier can save time, money and heartache. Avoid animals that are routinely wormed or require routine meds to maintain health. When breeding these goats, you may need to provide height to assist. You can assist by providing a step, hay bale or other platform. The doe may have to be positioned against it when in standing heat for breeding to occur. A Pygmy buck would most likely not be able to breed from level ground.
The Kinder breed needs additional genetics and growing great 1st generation Kinders is a wonderful way to improve the breed. New quality lines make the breed stronger. Having Nubians, Pygmy goats, and Kinders can open up a dialog with visitors about the breed and the benefit of the combination of these breeds. What a great way to promote these amazing animals.
By Lisa LaRose
