What is a Mini Nubian?
Registered Mini Nubians are the product of a breeding between a Registered Nubian doe and a Registered Nigerian Dwarf buck. When you breed a Nuban doe and a Nigerian buck, you get F1 Mini-Nubians. F stands for foundation (the original buck and doe) and the 1 means one generation removed from the foundation. Once you are at F6, the Mini-Nubians can be registered as purebreed as long as they meet breed standard. The ears must be fully pendulous and when held against the face, they must reach the end of the nose. Noses must be straight to Roman (Roman being preferred), never dished. They must be between 22 and 28 inches tall for does, and no more than 29 inches for bucks.
Why Mini Nubians?
Full size Nubians are beautiful, powerful animals that produce a good volume of milk. Nigerians make sweet, rich milk, but can be a challenge to milk because of their small stature. With Minis you get the best of both, higher butterfat than Nubians & higher volume and easier to milk than Nigierians. At least that's the goal. Mini-Nubians are said to give 2/3 the amount of milk as Nubians on 1/2 the amount of food. This is definitely a generalization, as milking potential is genetic, and living up to the potential available is related to care and feeding.
Full size Nubians can weigh over 200 pounds. The average Mini is just about 100 pounds or less. This makes them much easier to handle. The Mini-Nubian also consumes about half as much food as a Nubian. Minis are much easier on fences, feeders, milk stands, etc. and they just plain do not require as much space and resources. They can be hauled in a large dog crate in the back of a car, making them handy for those who don't have access to trucks or trailers.
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