About Boer Goats


As their name suggests, Boer goats originated in South Africa, where “boer” translates to “farmer”. Although the exact ancestors to the Boer goat are unknown, they are thought to be the offspring of crosses from local African goats and European ones. This is a fast maturing meat goat as opposed to a dairy goat. They are an undemanding breed to raise, considering they were bred to withstand the extreme temperatures of South Africa.

Boer goats possess a charming and distinctive look with prominent beards and hound-dog like ears. Their heads, necks and shoulders of their bodies are a dark chestnut brown while the rest of the body is white. Sometimes their faces may also have white markings like a star or a blaze. Mature bucks can tip the scales between 200 and 240 pounds, while does are a little smaller at 190 to 230 pounds.

Since their importation to the United States in 1993, Boer goats are quickly becoming a source of lean red meat for consumers looking to avoid beef. American consumers spend $30 million per year, according to the American Boer Goat Association. Much of that money went to import goats but now Americans have caught onto the idea of raising goats for meat in their own country. Goats cost far less to feed and need less land than cows.

Boer does are noted for their high fertility and good overall health. They can be bred as early as five months, but some breeders may wish to wait until the does is more mature. Boer goats have adapted to other climates like the American southwest without many problems.

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