The famous Boer goats got their name from the word Boer which means ‘farmer’ in dutch. The 90’s saw the emergence of Boer goats as a popular meat option in South Africa. These goats originated from the native goats of the Bantu and Namaqua Bushmen tribes. The goats can adapt themselves easily to hot and humid climate. That is one reason as to why they have become so popular over the years. Tom Green County and United States are the leading producers of Boer goat. The original stock of Boer goats is in New Zealand. They are imported to South Africa from there. The demand for goat meat keeps on growing.
Boer goats are large frame animals. Their white bodies wear characteristic red heads. The goats have long and elongated ears. The Nubian goats too have such long ears. Boer goats weigh somewhere between 240 and 300lb. these submissive animals grow quickly and have high fertility rates. The goats are almost mature when they measure around 200 to 220lb.
Commercial production of goat meat
Goats really don’t need too much of care. These submissive animals keep on browsing here and there on their own. Usually they prefer eating broadleaf weeds and shrubs. Goat meat is the most popular red meat which is consumed all over the world. What makes Boer goats so popular? These goats have high level on the pastures and that is the reason that they are preferred for the production of goat meat. Pastured goats do not cost much; in addition to that they are also healthy and fit. They are much healthier than goats which are raised on pen. Grazing throughout the year with adequate mineral supplementation is enough for these goats. Copper is one trace element which is required for proper growth and development of the goats. If their diet is deficient in copper, it can lead to a number of consequences like diarrhea, anemia, infertility and lethargy. Spontaneous abortions may also occur due to deficiency of copper. A farm can have goats and cattle together as they both have common browsing habits. This will also have a positive impact on the grass cover. However the dietary requirements of copper for sheep and goat are entirely different. This is so because copper is not very good for sheep. A small amount of copper which may be essential for goat may have a harmful effect on the sheep. This fact should always be kept in mind.
Importance of fencing
Boer goats need proper fencing. Fencing may not cost much if the goats are not overstocked. Fencing of 12.5 gauges is usually used by farmers whereas it is much more for commercial purposes. The importance of fencing should not be underestimated for it protects the goats from dogs and other such predators.
Advantages of bucks
One of the most important points in meat goat operation is the herd sire or the breeding buck. A quality progeny can be produced by the goat if it is bred with a quality doe. The Boer goats usually put on weight when they are bred. The high price of the bucks is attributed to the fact that they grow at an extremely rapid rate. Most of the goats are butchered in the market when they are around 35-80lb. An offspring of 3 months weighing around 35 pounds is not of good quality. Huge investment may be required initially to purchase the buck. However they definitely ensure long term profits. 25-35 does are needed for breeding each buck. The number of does can even go up to 50. The Bucks and does are kept apart from one another when the breeding period is about to begin. The breeding period for does is one and half monhts and this occurs after every 8 months, so three generation of kids are born every two years.
The Boer goat meat is tasty, low in fat and easily digestible. All that makes, Boer meat the most popular goat meat!
Reference:
- Goat Dealer
