Origin
The Anglo-Nubian is a British breed whose origins can be traced back to about 1850 .
Anglo-Nubians were introduced into Australia in the mid 1950s. Mated does were imported until 1959 when Australia’s animal quarantine regulations prevented further goat imports except from New Zealand. Due to the small number of Anglo-Nubians which had entered Australia, grading-up using Alpine breeds of does (that is Saanen, Toggenburg and British Alpine) has been necessary.
Breed Characteristics
Anglo-Nubians are not heavy milk producers, although they have developed into a popular milking breed in Australia having a much higher average fat yield, usually over 4%. They tend to be less seasonal breeders and carry more flesh than the Alpine breeds and are recognised as dual purpose (meat and milk) animals.
The Anglo-Nubian is the best suited of the dairy goat breeds in Australia to hot conditions. They have been used in grading-up programs in many tropical countries to increase the milk and meat production of local breeds.
Anglo-Nubians are large, with does weighing at least 64 kg. The average height of the breed, measured at the withers, is 81 cm for does and 94 cm for bucks.
The ears are long, broad and pendulous. Anglo-Nubians can be any colour or combination of colours but should not show the full Swiss markings evident in the Toggenburg and British Alpine breeds.
Anglo-Nubians respond very quickly to affection and often have an unmistakable bleat.
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