The Boer goat breed of goats only appeared recently but managed to find a loyal following for a short time, and this is true because they are beautiful animals, well, what will we talk about, you will certainly agree with this. It become one of the most popular goat breeds for meat production.
Boer goat breed history and origin
Boer goats, as a breed appeared in southern Africa at the dawn of the 20th century. After that, it was possible to mix the best of goats of local breeds and representatives of Europe and India. The goat’s name is derived from the Dutch word, which means farmer. This is the most famous breed of goat in the world that is grown to produce excellent meat
Physical characteristics
The goats of this breed in color are white with a brown head in rare cases, you can find markings on the slender legs, a beautiful body, and a flickering tail. More rarely you can see animals with a black wool color, such as the night and the fawn. His wool is short without shine
According to the structure of the body, they are usually medium or massive. The head is large, with an exceptional forehead and a curved profile. A very remarkable decoration is that the horns are heavy, not short, and directed in opposite directions. The ears are on the sides rather large hanging. The thick neck is located on the powerful shoulders, the thorax of these animals is massive, deep, and developed, and the back is straight, long, and wide. The udder for feeding children has four nipples, not two. Strong legs, well-shaped hooves
Goats weigh eighty kilograms, and goats are ninety kilograms. Goats of this breed are prolific for two years there are 3 goats. The goat has only one goat for the first time, and then only two. Only newborn babies weigh four kilograms, every day they add at least four hundred and fifty grams. The slaughter yield is fifty-four kilograms. Goat milk is given, just a little is enough to feed children about two kilograms. The meat of these goats is tender with the taste and smell of a young calf, not fatty, and suitable for cooking dietary dishes. You can use wool, and goat skins to make various crafts
Boer goats were especially popular in Africa, America, and New Zealand. In the territory of America, goats are raised in the state of Texas
Feeding
In feeding, Boer goats are not capricious, they are short-lived pastures that are not suitable for livestock. Normally they feel at a high temperature in the environment, very sensitive and affectionate mothers. They have excellent immunity to diseases. They have a friendly, non-confrontational, and peaceful character
Due to its natural tranquility, this breed can be grazed with representatives of cattle, sheep, and horses, but for grazing, it is more useful if sheep and goats graze nearby, because pastures are used to maximum effect.
Boer goat breeding
There is crossbreeding, most of the time the Nubian breed is used for this purpose, but many breeders are fans of purebred goats.
But it has a disadvantage, which is quite serious. Boer goats love to pick from hedges and small trees where you live is at least a goat chance of the appearance of new shrubs reduced to zero
Boer goats often put on decorative exhibitions. Very few owners can keep herds of goats that do not generate income, and a couple of copies for the rest of the soul does not hurt anyone. Also, if it comes to Boer goats they are calm, gentle, and loving.
In the Philippines, the Boer goat is very popular and there is even a farm called Boer Goat Farm in Batangas that sells Boer goats and offers investment opportunities for goat farmers.
Common questions about the Boer goat breed
What is so special about Boer goats?
They are prized for their size, rapid weight gain, carcass quality, hardiness, and docility. These qualities can be passed on even when Boer bucks are bred to does of other breeds. Boer does are renowned for kidding as often as two times in three years, frequently bearing twins and sometimes triplets.
What are the disadvantages of Boer goats?
- The abundance of poor-quality specimens.
- High feed requirements of goats from show lines (not usually a problem in goats bred for commercial production).
- Susceptibility to internal parasites.
How big can a Boer goat get?
A mature Boer buck weighs between 240 and 300 pounds, and a mature doe weighs between 200 and 225 pounds. Performance records indicate that some goats are capable of average daily gains of more than 0.44 pounds per day in feedlot conditions, with average performance between 0.3 and 0.4 pounds per day.
Is Boer goat meat good?
The meat of Boer goats is of the best quality. This is the reason for their growing popularity among goat meat producers around the world. They can be expensive, but for everything they are capable of providing, they are worth it. Boer goat is recognized by its large, muscular white body, redhead, and blaze.
How long will a Boer goat live?
Boer goats often have longer life due to their natural resistance to disease. Bucks have an expected life span of eight to 12 years and does have a surprising expected life span of 12 to 20 years. Kiko goats are a hardy, large meat breed.
How long does it take Boer goat to grow to full size?
Boer goats grow quickly but only really reach their full adult weight at 3 years old. Mature bucks can weigh 120-150Kg.
What age do you butcher Boer goats?
Kids (goats under a year of age) are often slaughtered when 3 to 5 months of age and weigh from 25 to 50 pounds. Kids do not store much body fat until they are about a year old. Many goats are older than a year and heavier when marketed, but most, except aged cull goats, are slaughtered when less than a year of age.
How many months is a Boer goat pregnant?
The mean gestation period is quoted as being 148.2+/-3.7 days, with multiple births having no significant effect on gestation length. Involution of the Boer goat uterus is macroscopically complete by day 28 post-partum with the duration of the post-partum anoestrous period in the Boer goat being 55.5+/-24.9 days.
How much water does a Boer goat need per day?
Adult Boer goats need two to three gallons of water daily. However, goats may get by on only about a half gallon a day or less while grazing lush green grass. In addition, a lactating doe requires more than two to three gallons of water, depending on how much she is getting from grass and how much milk she is producing.
Is Boer goat farming profitable?
Boer goat farming is economically viable, she says, but a farmer needs at least 100 ewes to provide the necessary economy of scale. In addition, the focus in a commercial operation must be on delivering “maximum meat at minimum weight”. This means that it is best to market goats as soon as possible after weaning.
Do people milk Boer goats?
Yes! Boers have very creamy, rich milk. Many farmers are moving toward using Boer goats for companion animals or pets.
See Also:
- Berkshire Pig Breed Profile
- Beetal Goat Breed Profile
- Beekeeping Guide: How to Raise Bees and Produce Honey for Profit
- Native Pig Farming: Growing Baboy Damo for Profit
- Appenzell Goat Breed Profile