Much of what we have learned about goats (not that we actually know very much) we have learned the hard way. One thing is sure: there are big differences between full-size does and Nigerians. The problems you may encounter with big girls are a different set of problems than those you will encounter with Nigerians (number one rule of Nigerians: don't let your little girls get fat - they will have a terrible time kidding.)
One of the most helpful things you can do is to join a local association or join a "virtual" association of goat breeders. There are a number of such dairy goat groups in and around Seattle and Tacoma, and the Northwest Oregon Dairy Goat Association has an extremely helpful daylong annual seminar, usually held at Clackamas Community College. It's a great place to get information on the latest health care issues, learn who may have quality goats for sale that will complement your breeding program (if you are thinking of breeding, it is always best to start with quality, healthy stock), and even getting basic information about such things as cheesemaking and soapmaking. If you are in a remote location without immediate access to other dairy goat breeders, there are many online newsgroups, particularly at Yahoo, where you can get advice from breeders with many years experience.
Here is a basic list of some very helfpful sites on the Internet:
Fiasco Farm. Hands-down, this is the best goat site out there. Great info on everything from kidding to breeding to holistic health care and feeding, as well as a wealth of information on cheesemaking, soapmaking, and the joys of goat farming. A+ site, and always growing.
Saanendoah. Good information, recipes, trivia.
Goat911. Goatworld offers a unique bulletin board service - experienced breeders make themselves available to answer questions in goat emergencies. Not veterinarians, and the service is not intended as a substitute for quality veterinary care, but a good source of information if something is going on and you're not sure what to do.
Jack Mauldin. Not a dairy goat site - geared to Boer management - but there is a lot of very interesting and helpful health and management information.
Do you know of a great site specifically geared to Nigerians? Let us know.