What is the smallest dairy animal? I am thinking the Dwarf Nigerian dairy goat, any differing opinions? And please, folks, I do know that the smallest animal that produces milk is likely some sort of shrew, I am looking for a dairy animal, not a list of the worlds smallest mammals.
Ann B
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As far as I know, the Nigerian Dwarf is the smallest recognized dairy breed. Some people do milk Pygmies, but it would take a real stretch to call them a dairy breed. and generally speaking, Pygmies are larger than Nigies.
Andrew's comment is laughable -- since when can you milk a LAMB? Lambs are babies -- people do milk adult ewes, but even the smallest ewe is much larger than a Nigerian Dwarf goat.
Anonymous
Back in 1947, some scientists invented a machine for milking white mice.
http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/12/29/mouse-milk-10000-a-quart/
?
I believe you are correct, though some small lambs are also used for milking purposes for puppy and kitten milk.
Rico Toasterman JPA
I'm not sure if this counts, but people milk rattlesnakes.
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/38005-time-warp-milking-a-rattlesnake-video.htm