Goat Breed · England (from African & Asian stock)
Nubian (Anglo-Nubian)
A large, floppy-eared dairy goat with a Roman nose and famously loud voice.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Anglo-Nubian, or Nubian, is a large dairy goat with long pendulous ears and a convex 'Roman' nose, developed in England from African and Asian goats. It gives rich, high-butterfat milk, tolerates heat well and is known for being affectionate and very vocal.
Nubian (Anglo-Nubian): At a Glance
| Origin | England (from African & Asian stock) |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (does 64+ kg; bucks 80+ kg) |
| Typical weight | Does from ~64 kg; bucks from ~80 kg |
| Lifespan | 15–18 years |
| Coat & colour | Short, fine coat in any colour; long pendulous ears; Roman nose |
| Temperament | Affectionate, hardy, famously vocal |
| Kept for / suits | Smallholding dairy, warm climates, families wanting a friendly milker |
History & Origins
The Anglo-Nubian was developed in 19th-century England by crossing native goats with lop-eared bucks imported from Africa, India and the Middle East. Bred for rich, high-butterfat milk and tolerance of warm climates, it became one of the most popular dairy goats worldwide and the most numerous registered dairy breed in the United States.
Nubian (Anglo-Nubian) Fun Facts
- Nubians are famously loud — known for a strong, persistent bleat.
- Their milk is high in butterfat, prized for cheese and yoghurt.
- They tolerate heat better than the Swiss dairy breeds.
- They are the most popular registered dairy goat in the United States.
Nubian (Anglo-Nubian) Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Mastitis (dairy goats)
Inflammation of the udder, usually from bacterial infection, causing heat, swelling, pain and abnormal milk in dairy does.
Care: Maintain clean milking hygiene and dry, clean bedding; a vet treats infections with appropriate antibiotics and pain relief.
Parasitic gastroenteritis (barber's pole worm)
Gut worms — especially Haemonchus contortus, the 'barber's pole worm' — cause anaemia, bottle jaw, weight loss and death, particularly in warm, wet climates.
Care: Use faecal egg counts and targeted, rotational worming rather than blanket dosing; pasture management and the FAMACHA anaemia check help control resistance.
Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE)
A lifelong viral infection of goats causing swollen, arthritic joints in adults and, rarely, neurological disease in kids; spread mainly through infected milk.
Care: There is no cure — control relies on testing, separating kids from infected dams, pasteurising milk and buying CAE-tested stock.
Goats are herd animals, not lawn ornaments
Goats are intelligent, social browsers that suffer when tethered alone on short ropes. Whatever the breed, they need at least one companion, secure fencing, browse and hay, hoof care and shelter. WARN's working-animal programmes support rural veterinary access where goats and equines share the same routes.
