Windmill Farm Park in Leicestershire has made a groundbreaking introduction to the UK’s dairy industry through the use of innovative IVF technology. On 14th March 2024, a Nigerian Dwarf Goat, the world’s smallest dairy breed, was born at the farm, measuring just 22 cm tall and expected to grow no more than 60 cm. The birth of this kid has been a huge success for the breed, which was made possible through the movement of frozen embryos from America and Australia.
Owners Stacey and Steven Briggs, who have a love for rare breeds and animals, have been working towards this moment for over 18 months. Stacey, who discovered she was intolerant to cow’s milk in 2010, was surprised to find that the world’s smallest milking goat did not exist in the UK. As a result, the couple decided to forgo a big wedding and focus on bringing the Nigerian Dwarf Goat to their farm.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Stacey. “After many challenges, we implanted 9 embryos into our 6 Boer goats in October and scanning in January revealed we had one successful pregnancy. We have had our arms, fingers and toes crossed since then and were relieved when a healthy baby boy was born on 14th March 2024. His surrogate Mum, Myrtle is doing a brilliant job of looking after him. She is absolutely besotted.”
In addition to being the world’s smallest dairy breed, the Nigerian Dwarf breed is also known for its excellent quality milk. Not only is it richer in buttermilk than larger breeds, but it can also produce a substantial amount for its size.
The frozen embryos began their journey from the United States on 10th July 2023 and arrived in the UK on 4th August 2023 after clearing UK customs. They were then held in a UK storage center until October 25th 2023, when nine embryos were implanted into six Boer goats.
The mother and baby are both doing well, and for biosecurity reasons, the kid is not currently on show to visitors. Once he is a little older, he will be moved to the public areas of the farm park. The hope is that he will grow up to become a father himself and enrich the dairy breeds in the UK.
For photos and interviews, please contact Simone Hayes on 01442 890088 or 07939 214719, or email simone@agility-marketing.co.uk. More adorable photos are available.
Windmill Farm Park, located in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, is a children’s farm open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to interact with 30 rare and native animal breeds, alongside outdoor adventure play, a wooden indoor play area, and Brian’s Wood. The farm offers amazing days out in the peaceful South Leicestershire countryside. For more information, visit https://windmillfarmpark.co.uk. Visitors can purchase tickets online for the best prices. The full address is Windmill Farm, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, LE8 0PR.
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