The Anglo-Nubian Goat is a large dual-purpose breed originally developed in Britain. Farmers crossbred native British goats with large lop-eared goats from India, the Middle East, and North Africa. This crossbreeding improved both milk and meat production. The breed now supports programs that enhance the performance of indigenous goats.
Farmers mainly rear Anglo-Nubians under extensive production systems. Additionally, some farmers import them and rear them under intensive systems, often alongside other dairy breeds to increase milk butter fat content. The breed thrives in hot climatic conditions and exhibits long, pendulous ears and a “Roman” nose. Their coat is typically light brown, though it can range from grey to dull black, and the hair is shiny, short, and fine. The muzzle features a black nose with a white band, and the eyes are prominent and dark. Bucks and does reach 130–150 cm at the withers, and most are short-horned.
Anglo-Nubian kids weigh 2–3 kg at birth and achieve a weaning weight of 15–20 kg. By 12 months, their body weight ranges 25–27 kg. Mature does weigh 250–350 kg, while bucks weigh 300–400 kg. The breed produces 2000–5000 kg of milk per lactation (305 days), with 5–6.5% butter fat and 3.8–4.5% protein. The breed exhibits fertility above 85%, with first service at 12–18 months and first kidding at 21–27 months.
Furthermore, Anglo-Nubians exhibit high milk butter fat, dual-purpose utility, and heat adaptation. Their growth, reproductive performance, and milk composition provide measurable benefits in both extensive and semi-intensive production systems in Kenya.