Boer Goat
Acquired: Breeder,
Bred animal myself
Gender: Both
Boer Goats - pros and cons
The Boer goat is fairly new to the United States, being brought here in the 1990's. They are a very meaty goat from South Africa, and produce meat very well. They are beautiful, thick, long, and tall. The bucks get very large while the does are a little smaller. The does typically have 2 kids per kidding. While the does normally have enough milk for their kids, there is none to spare. They are not a good milk goat. The traditional color of the Boer is white with a brown head, although nowadays there are many painted Boers which come in many different colors and patterns.
The Boer goat was captured by the show industry as this beautiful goat - which it is - but unfortunately, due to the high grain feeding, lots of medications and pampering that is involved in show animals, the show industry ruined what used to be a wonderful, hardy meat goat. While the Boer goat is still a very nice breed, overall their purpose for being a meat goat has been ruined by the showing and they are a much weaker breed. They need lots more worming, care, and are not as good milkers/mothers as their Spanish or other meat breed counterparts.
If you are looking for a show goat - go with the Boer. Excellent choice. If you are looking for a commercial meat goat - do not choose fullblood Boers. Go with Spanish, Kikos or Boer/dairy crosses and you will be much more successful.
