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Boer goats are a popular breed of meat goats that have gained popularity in recent years. Originating in South Africa, Boer goats have been selectively bred to produce high-quality meat with low fat content, making them a popular choice for commercial and backyard farmers alike. In this article, we will discuss the breed, its origin, diet requirements, medical needs, recommended vaccines and dewormers with schedule, and social skills with people.
Origin Boer goats were first developed in South Africa in the early 1900s. They were bred from indigenous goats, with a focus on meat production. Boer goats were first imported into the United States in the late 1980s and have since become a popular breed – for production and for pets.
Boer goats are a large breed, with bucks weighing between 240 and 300 pounds and does weighing between 200 and 220 pounds. They have a white body with a brown head and a distinctive roman nose. Boer goats are known for their excellent meat quality, adaptability, and easy-to-handle nature. They are also known for their high fertility rates and fast growth rates. It’s important to note that does are able to get pregnant as early as four months. It is not healthy for them to be pregnant that young, so be sure to keep bucks separate.
Boer goats are hardy animals and can thrive on a variety of forages. However, they do require a well-balanced diet with adequate protein and energy to support their growth and development. Boer goats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. A diet of hay and forage should be supplemented with a commercial goat feed that is based on your veterinarian’s recommendation for your use and area. Additionally, Boer goats require access to minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and salt. It is a good idea to run blood work on them annually, especially to check their copper levels.
On that same note, Boer goats require regular medical care to stay healthy. They should be vaccinated against common diseases such as tetanus, clostridium perfringens type C and D, and pneumonia. The timing and frequency of vaccinations depend on the specific vaccine used and the goat’s age and location. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations for a vaccination schedule for your goats. Deworming is also an essential part of Boer goat care. Goats are prone to internal parasites such as worms, which can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and other health problems. Regular deworming can help prevent these issues. Your veterinarian can recommend the best dewormers and schedule for your goats based on their individual needs. I prefer to run fecal test first, to establish if a dewormer is needed and so I can be specific in the treatment.
Boer goats need companionship. It borders on cruel to keep a goat alone. In the absence of a herd, two goats are good, three is better. They can also be great companion animals to other species like horses. Boer goats are especially social animals and also enjoy interacting with humans. They are generally easy to handle and respond well to gentle and consistent training. Boer goats can be trained to walk on a leash, stand for grooming, and perform other tasks. Proper socialization is crucial for Boer goats, as it can help prevent aggressive behavior and make them easier to handle in the future.
In conclusion, Boer goats are a popular breed with many uses from companionship to meat production. They are known for their adaptability, and easy-to-handle nature. They require a well-balanced diet, regular medical care, and proper socialization with humans. With the right care and attention, Boer goats can provide years of enjoyment and production for their owners.
Here are some of our favorite books on Boer Goats. They are available on Amazon, if you want to read more:
- Raising Goats: A Beginner’s Guide to a Healthy Herd, Milk Production and Quality Home Grown Meat
- Raising Goats for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Breeds, Housing, Fencing, Health and Diet, Breeding, Dairy, Meat, and Fiber
- Boer Goats as Pets. Boer Goats: Facts and Information. Raising, Breeding, Housing, Milking, Training, Diet, Daily Care and Health All Included.