There are a few common illnesses to watch out for in Boer goats. Do you have a good local vet who can advise you on all issues relating to your Boer goats? Well I was wondering when you. The first kid is typically a single birth, but after that, Boer does generally average 2 kids per birth. Was the birth easy, or was it difficult? . The normal Boer goat buck breeding age is 5-6 months. They dont produce a large amount of milk. In her lifetime, adoecan producekidsfor 6 or more years. . For this reason, your corner posts should be cemented in. This weight is mostly meat because of the Kiko goat's ability to graze efficiently without overfeeding and gaining fat. Separating females is not required for most of the pregnancy. How big are Boer goats compared to Alpine goats? and they can reproduce as young as 4 to 6 months old. They efficiently control blackberry, thistles, ragwort, and other weeds, and improve the quality of pasture for grazing animals. Concentrate goat feed chart. Does she have nice wide hips, how are her teats (does she have 1-1 or what not) and how she was fed. Razor or barbed wire will not keep your goats penned. Can be used in production of meat and milk. Boer goats live for 12 to 20 years, but for meat, they can be slaughtered as young as 3 to 5 months old. Is it on elevated ground, to keep the floor dry? Weight of boer goats or large breed goats Weight of nigerian dwarf goats or small breed goats How to know whether your goat is underweight or overweight? We also have cattle on the property. You can add weight to a goat but you can't change their structure, that's what I think is important. Note that goat meat consumption often peaks around certain seasonal events: Easter, Ramadan, Christmas, and plan to take advantage of increased demands during those times, Remember that the unforeseen will inevitably happen, and there will be animal losses, medical expenses, or equipment breakdowns that you hadnt planned for. Goats do not need grain, and it is not a preferred food for them. Provide shelter for an isolated buck as you would for the rest of the herd. Is there a local university or college agriculture department where you can expand your knowledge? Your email address will not be published. There is a huge, and growing, demand for goat meat in America, creating many opportunities for farmers to profit from goat farming, which requires less effort and less investment than farming many other kinds of livestock. . And does between 190-230 lbs. Bucklings and wethers will reach 50 pounds faster than doelings, with goat kids on full feed growing faster than kids that are not on full feed. Chefs and butchers will pay premium money for free-range goats. Unfortunately, not only are these bucks more difficult to find and buy, but they are expensive, and can be large and intimidating to relocate. When purchasing a buck, look for a clear (not crossbred) bloodline. Boer goat cross buckling at two months old , nutrition and genetics is key! If you are inspired to start a Boer goat farm and start raising these low-maintenance, profitable animals, congratulations! How to start a Boer goat farm best practices. . Published on 5th December 2022 by staff Kiko Goat Kiko in traditional Maori language translates to meat, rightly defining the primary function of this breed, i.e. They are frequently used in removing invasive plants. Our land is mostly rock, mesquite, acacia, live oak, cedar, cacti and assorted browse and wildflowers with little grass. That makes perfect sense. She will be stronger for the next pregnancy if she has been given a little baa-time. This guide will explore the opportunities for raising Boer goats for profit and show you how to start a profitable goat farm, taking advantage of this ever-increasing market. You may also export your produce. The fact that Boer goats are hardy and can be homegrown in the USA is making the meat popular amongst people who prefer to support local businesses rather than purchase expensive imported meat. Especially as they have a very rapid growth rate. This means they will gain quickly and grow heavy. Boer goats need a sheltered space to escape the wind and wet. Use woven wire to build your fence as it is strong enough to tolerate any attempt to break out. The word boer is an Afrikaans word taken from the first Dutch settlers to land in the Cape. Males are heavier than females at birth by 0.5kg, At weaning- the average weight of weaning kids is about 20 to 25 kg, At 7 months- bucks weigh between 40 and 50 kg while does weigh between 35 to 45 kg, At one year old- bucks weigh between 50 and 70 kg while does weigh between 45 to 65 kg, Mature adult- bucks weigh between 90 to 130 kg while does weigh between 80 to 100 kg. For this reason, the design and materials used are very important. If your goats are free-range and organic, the meat might be especially appealing to local food co-ops, butcher shops, and health-conscious consumers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Woven wire is durable enough to withstand rubbing, chewing, and pawing. As this study exhibited, the expected weight . Housing a buck can be a very frustrating thing to do. When goats are confined in too small a space, or a pasture without their preferred diversity of food, they will reluctantly graze on grass, and will also eat plants that have come in contact with urine or manure. All Rights Reserved. Fortunately, some super smart wise guy decided to breed out a hardier breed of goats who would thrive in these conditions. Boer goats need more space than other goat breeds. Many people have Boer goats as pets because of how friendly, loving, and docile these animals are. . There are going to be times when you will need to supplement your goats food. Ask questions! A crossbreed boer goat is great for your flock but youre probably not going to get the same quality as a pure-bred goat. The problem is, putting their heads through the fence is easy enough, taking their heads out with their big horns is a whole other issue. Required fields are marked *. Yes, cows are female. But can cows eat them? If not, you will need to spend more money on feed, and Boer goats are a large breed that requires a lot of food. I love their friendly personalities and their penchant for mischief. Have higher carcass value than other meat goat breeds. O. About 2 to 4 weeks before kidding, you should move the does to an isolation pen where they and their kids will not be harmed in fights. Graceful Acres - 2 teenagers, 4 horses, 25 goats, 1 rabbit, and one really old boxer. Thats why many people are looking at them. Remember that goats dont prefer grass, and if they see desirable food outside of their pasture enclosure, they will work harder to overcome your fencing. If you plan to feed lot them, you will need to invest more in goat-formulated foods, and they will require more medical care to prevent parasites and illnesses. They adapt easily to their environment and require little to no intervention by humans. Their preference for pasture means that most Boer goats only require purchased feed during winter or during drought, reducing the cost of keeping them (we will discuss feeding and nutrition in further depth below). Does attain sexual maturity from 5 to 9 months. Because they breed rapidly you will soon find yourself with a full yard. You need goats for the health of your own family. Thank you SALTEYLOVE: she weighs about 68-lbs but that isn't to bad for her but she will get to her goal weight here. Do you have ample, high-quality pasture? Ears How was she fed? Do you have access to a local veterinarian who has experience with goats, and can identify signs of disease, distress, anemia, or poor nutrition? Their average weight in 1 year is around 110-132 pounds. It makes housing them quite challenging at times (especially if there is a doe in estrous nearby). They incur higher farm operational costs like housing, fence, feeding and vaccination. Boer goat is known for their meat. My family raised a heard of them when I was younger, and I loved being around them. Buying proven animals gives you the knowledge and opportunity to shape the future of your herd. To whom and how will you sell your goats? They always produce twins and triplets when they give birth. Through the years of crossbreeding them, they developed a good quality meat goat breed, which they called Boer goat. Their average weight in 6 months is around 66-88 pounds. Balancing feed quality to maximize weight gain is vital to amplify your nutrition investment and bring home more profit. This average applies both to does and bucks. Bucks are typically active breeders at 5 to 6 months of age. Risk of being preyed on. These goats can be easily distinguished from the other goat breeds because of their larger sizes, white colored bodies with brown heads and ears. While Boer does will give milk, they are not the preferred breed for this purpose. At birth- an average weight of 3 to 4 kg. They also prefer to eat food that is above ground level, and that hasnt been soiled. Be attentive to the kind of wildlife in your area; coyotes and wolves will attack goats, as will bobcats and mountain lions. It can be tedious as a full time farmer since your work will be fully committed 24/7 to your herd. While goats in general are low-maintenance animals, and Boer goats are prized for being easy to care for, there are many things that your goats will need to be healthy, happy, and produce the highest quality meat. When compared with any other popularly domestic breed of goat. The ideal size for a beginning small Boer goat herd is 25 does and 1 buck (unless you have a friendly neighbor with a good buck). A mature size. The word boer is pronounced: Bo sounds like BOO (with the long oo), and the r is pronounced the same as the first letter r as in red. But they can also be completely white or brown in color. Do you want to raise goats for meat production? AdvantagesSavanna goatBoer goatThey produce delicious chevonThey are known for sweet quality meatThey are huge breeds of goat and weigh approximately 250 poundsThey have a higher reproductive rate and weigh approximately 130kg at maturityThey are hardier compared to the BoerThey have a higher growth rateThey require low maintenance and input due to their hardiness.Have higher carcass value than other meat goat breeds, They are huge breeds of goat and weigh approximately 250 pounds, They have a higher reproductive rate and weigh approximately 130kg at maturity. They average about 2.5 feet tall at the withers. I believe they would be a good fit. This can happen any time of the year from January to February, July to August, and/or August to October. Height, of course, hasnt really been a factor in breeding before goats were kept as pets and companions. (READ THIS FIRST! Their usual diet is hays, plants, grains, weeds and grasses. Can you enclose pens and pasture with goat-proof fencing? Boer goats were originally bred in South Africa to cope with extremely dry, drought conditions. Boer goats are the Goliaths of the domestic goat world, then. For Boer goats, your fences should be 4 feet or higher, especially if you are housing other species together with your Boer goats. But Boer goats have a variety of uses. If you plan to keep them indoors for extended periods of time, for weeks during a cold winter, for example, they need at least 20 sq. Do not use mineral supplements designed for sheep, because they lack sufficient copper for the needs of cattle and goats. Boer goats can live for 12 to 20 years if theyre properly taken care of. Boer goat meat is good. They are similar goats in terms of productivity and size. Your email address will not be published. Try not to house bucks individually. But you can start with 1 doe and 1 buck and gradually grow your herd. Home. They will have to stay separate for 4 weeks after kidding. During winter, or in the case of poor-quality pasture, goats will rely on hay as their primary source of nutrition. ), How Much Does A Boer Goat Cost? They grow so fast that they are incredibly profitable for a farm. Dislikes: 6; Boer goat weights at one week old average between 6.8 and 9.1 poundswith a weight of 8.5 pounds being typical. Another reason is that, the demand of Boer goats has increased and the supply of them is limited. If you are looking at raising your goats indoors, they will need at least 20 square feet per animal. Boer goat is known for their meat. Both the Savanna and Boer goats were developed in South Africa. Consult religious calendars to anticipate and plan for these demand peaks. A 250-pound Boer buck can easily break a 26 piece of lumber, or injure a person, without much effort. They have high carcass value. The average duration of their heat cycle is 21 days. You will need to add feed when your goats are confined and or kidding. An older, proven buck is a great way to ensure return on your investment. I started this site to share as much information as I can about these fascinating little critters called Boer goats. Chefs and restauranteurs are expanding their menus, featuring exotic meats to appeal to foodies and adventurous palates. In Muslim communities, there are religious ceremonies that call for the slaughter of goats which are then consumed. The growth in demand and increase in prices have sparked an interest in American farmers for growing goats for meat. Height and Weight. Mature does weigh 190-230 pounds, while bucks can weigh 200-340 pounds. Their meat is usually tasty and tastes like sweeter than beef or pork. Because they enjoyforagingand consume so many food sources, they have played and are still playing a vital role by consuming many invasive, alien plant species that would otherwise be hard to eradicate. Determine if you will have a buck of your own, or if there is a good one nearby that you can rent. What are Boer goats used for? Yearling does and very old does tend to have lighter weight kids even though they often have singles. They are large enough to deter many predators, while also being agile enough to navigate rough terrain. If you want to start a small business raising Boer goats for meat or for milk, here are some items to think about as you plan for your newcomers: With a little planning, you can set up a breeding schedule that will give you more animals in time for religious celebrations. The only things that grow in these areas are thorn trees, thistles, and shrubs that have no nutritional value to humans. These feeders are called Flex Feeders. all the eyes and noses should be clear of any discharge; the goats should not be coughing, and they should not have any problems breathing; none of the animals should be limping, they should have good hooves and every goat should be moving about comfortably; the goats should all be a good weight with well-developed muscles. You need 2 (of course), 1 male and 1 female. 6 Months to 12 Months. Goats need access to a continual supply of fresh water, particularly in seasons where their forage is low in moisture. Boer Goat Profits Guide is supported by its audience. They have good mothering skills with their kids. The Boer Goat Profits Guide states that Does can weigh up to 230 lbs and bucks can weigh as much as 340 lbs. Then, the price goes up due to limited supply of them. You are about to embark on a fascinating journey and explore new potential in the evolving journey of American agriculture and American cuisine. We like the Boers and considering them as a first goat. Have you successfully farmed other animals in the past? Pros of Raising Boer Goats Cons of Raising Boer Goats What Are Boer Goats Raised for? Boer goats are often used to crossbreed to improve the characteristics and size of other breeds. Cows, Read More Are Cows Female? Creating a buffer zone of 20 or more feet, with does contained by a fence on their side, discourages bucks from attacking their side of a fence. blood line 100% male and female both weight gain increses brown and white colour . Cost of caring for these goats. Obviously, the best-case scenario is that the goats spend their days outdoors foraging and climbing. How long does it take for a Boer goat to mature? If you live in a complete desert condition where absolutely nothing grows, or in areas where snow covers everything in sight, you may need to purchase feed to see them through the rough months. Are Boer goats good pets? The feeding schedule comes is important since a well fed goat will reap hundreds of dollars. Boer goats have the tendency to gain weight at about the same rate as sires, so a buck from a proven fast-growing bloodline can be sold at a high price, since its offspring is also expected to be fast growers. feed mother well so that she produces lot of milk for kid. There are no religious restrictions on goat meat, making it appealing to a growing American Muslim population. . Below we look at the advantage and disadvantages of raising these goat breeds. Boer goats are a highly desirable breed of goat, both directly for meet, and as a source for cross-breeds that retain the fast-growing, double-muscled characteristics of the Boer, while adding increased milk production from other breeds. https://www.youtube. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These goats are, Read More Oberhasli Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed InformationContinue, The Irish goat is a medium-sized breed of goat, that can be found in Ireland, where they are usually used for milk and for meat. Has she been bred before, and was the breeding easy or difficult? Your method of marketing your meat will determine how large your operation can be, and how much profit you can make. However, seasonal market trends . This is very important to know before you go out and buy hordes of these hill Billys. ), Oberhasli Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information, Irish Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information. They labor in the sun, taking great pride in their land, and in true keeping with the spirit of the Boer goat, when they have fun, they really can cause mischief and mayhem. A single goat will be unhappy and will make a lot of noise. As they are foragers, space is very important. With poor pastures you can keep 2 to 4 goats per acre. Just look up goats on the internet and you will see all the strange things goats like to climb. Goats are skyrocketing in popularity and are in high demand as a meat animal. Begin by building your fencing and enclosing your pasture with the appropriate fencing for Boer goats. You will need a record-keeping system, files, and a business plan. Their natural feeding habits are to browse, moving from plant to plant, rather than graze. Boer goats will usually live for about 8-12 years, and usually reach full adulthood at somewhere from 2-3 years old. Remember, do not build their shelter too close to the fence that keeps them in, they will jump on the roof of the shelter and jump the fence. So, if youre thinking about raising Boer goats on your property, make sure youve got the space for it, because theyre going to need a lot of it! They should also get in plenty of legume hay like alfalfa and lespedeza as these are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Thus, crossbreeding with meat-type Boer goats was started in 2007 to boost the productivity of indigenous goats. Contact a local extension agent to get their recommendations for meat production and market opportunities. They produce twins ~50% of the time, and triplets 10-15% of the time. Boer goats normally have twins. The color of the buck does not matter if you are breeding for meat, but you should see a broad chest, long loin, and deep muscles. Boer goats can not only survive but thrive on land that is unsuitable for grazing other animals, either due to dense brush or hilly terrain. Kambing Burja, East. A properly built barn will not only protect your goats from the weather, but it will also protect them from predators. Yes, Boer goats can also be good pets because of their good behavior. Depending on the size of the pen, you may want to cement in a few posts along each side of the pen to add structural integrity. KIDDING! The best feed for Boer goats is high-quality pasture. In fact, since 2014, the price of goat meat has tripled! Normally, when a Boer doe kids for the first time, she will only have 1 kid. For adoetobreed, all she needs is exposure to abuck. Over those years, I accumulated a lot of information about goats and what works and what doesnt. Furthermore, the qualities of your buck will influence your entire herd for generations to come and is an important investment in the future of your farm. If you do see fighting before then, go ahead and separate them immediately. You may need to help by getting the kids to stand immediately and draining their mouths and noses by holding them up by the back legs this just allows gravity to drain the mouth and nose of amniotic fluids. We all know that Boer goats are good for meat production. Weight Gain for Goats Feed the goats corn or oats. You will need fencing to both contain your goats, and, depending on your environment, exclude potential predators. How big are Boer goats compared to Anglo-Nubian goats? What condition are your pastures in? Boer goats tend to take a couple of years to reach their full size. If a breeder cant or wont produce registration papers, that is cause for concern. Both buck and does are considered mature at 5 months and can be safely bred then. If you plan on processing goat meat yourself, you can command a higher price, but there are more costs and labor involved, Selling whole carcasses from the farm directly to butchers and meat buyers, It is lower in fat than chicken, but higher in protein than beef, Compared to other red meats, it is lower in calories, total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol, It is high in iron, selenium, and potassium, There is a huge, and growing, demand for goat meat in America, creating many opportunities for farmers to, How to Profit from Your Boer Goat Business, goat owners add electric wiring to their goat fences, need to periodically isolate one of your Boer goats, goats are susceptible to parasites and goat diseases, Goats Milk Cheese Recipe: Easy Homemade Delight, Goats Milk Cottage Cheese: Health Benefits and Delicious Recipes, Goat Milk Formula: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents, Goats Milk Easier to Digest: Unveiling the Benefits, Goats Milk Cream Cheese: Nutritious and Delicious Alternative. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Even a mature buck will generally not weigh much more than 175 pounds, compared with the ceiling of the Boer weight sitting at around 340 pounds. What Is A Wether Goat? Their color is usually white with brown head and ears. Are Boer goats good pets? Healthy and high performing goats and reproducing goats will make your herd grow fast. Lack of space also reduces their ability to exercise and impacts the overall health of the animal. If it is hot, for these goats, it is business as usual; if it is cold, they grow a thicker coat. Boer goats are very low-maintenance animals that can survive in very extreme situations. They need a lot of space in order for them to live. Boer goats are also mild tempered, easy to raise, and are affectionate. Boer goats are mainly used for meat production. (READ THIS FIRST! All full-blooded Boer goats are registerable. Boer goats that are raised in pastures lower your costs and increase your profit margin if you sell your goats to the meat market. A lactating female goat will need twice that amount. Because the meat can be sold directly to consumers, a large portion of the expense, that would have gone into the abattoirs pocket, stays in the farmers pocket as he can sell directly to consumers. Is it possible for sheep to eat it? They would have been bred selectively for meat and milk, which the large bulk of the Boer goats is better at providing. They are one of the best quality goat meats out there. They dont produce the same volume of milk as dairy goat species, and their milk is lower in fat, making it not preferred. If your Boer goats will spend most of their time in pasture, and only come inside at night, then their space needs are reduced to about 10-12 sq. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mature Boer goats can weigh between 86 kg - 105 kg, and mature Boer bucks can weigh between 90 kg - 155 kg. Even though they can show signs of heat at six months of age, the normal Boer goat doe breeding age is 10-12 months of age. Boergoats are sexually mature and ready tobreedat 5 months of age. If you are ready to start a Boer goat farm and raise Boer goats for meat, here are some things to keep in mind. Their milk production per day is 1.8-2.5 liters of milk. I need Boer goat buck for breeding am in zambia. The American Boer Goat Association has a list of officially sanctioned shows and endorses events nationwide, and the meat goat division is the fastest growing segment of many 4H programs. READ ABOUT BEETAL GOAT Origins and characteristics of Boer goat If you are a homesteader in or from South Africa, you will know that we have vast areas where almost nothing grows. Because of the hard conditions they were bred for, they are very adaptable to any environment. You may also need to help the kids latch onto their mom if she is too tired to help them. I expect our boer kids to gain .6-.75# per day and to hit 30# by 30 days and 40-45# by 8 weeks. The meat sells easily and brings in top dollar, Because they are calmer than other goat breeds, it is easier to keep them penned in, They require fewer toys to play with and entertain themselves easily, Because they are so popular on the meat market, you will not have to butcher them or take them to market take samples to local restaurants and let them purchase directly from you, They are good climbers, so they do not need vast tracts of green pastures, They are larger and therefore need more housing space, They require extra feed during cold and dry seasons. You can sell your produce at local markets or slaughter houses. You can also feed kitchen scraps to goats, which they will enjoy for variety. She might be a percentage boer that they just didn't feed right for showing and didn't make weight. Your fencing should have 24 inch openings, and not larger. Introduction Feeding may be the highest expense of any meat goat operation. Good pasture keeps goats healthier, and kids will grow faster. You should always create a no-mans-land between pens of 20 feet or more. You never know where you will find a goat. When they eat, even the food they forage, they do not eat anything that is close to the ground where it has been exposed to urine and feces their own and any other animals. Top Contributors this Month View All Boer Mama 581 Replies. | About Us | Affiliate Disclosure | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us, Pygmy Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Information, Can Cows Eat Black Walnuts? Naturally, weight and height can vary a lot between individuals and will be dependent on age and gender. Body weight in Kg of Boer buck and doe at different ages. ter months. A mature doe can weigh 190 to 230 pounds. Boer goats are so large that they do not attract as many predators as smaller breeds of goats, but they are a concern nonetheless. Location. She might be a percentage boer that they just didn't feed right for showing and didn't make weight. Boer does reach sexual maturity at about 5 months of age. Did she display good mothering instincts and bond with her kids? Goats need at least 250 square feet per animal to thrive. The Toggenburg-Boer cross posses the following characteristics: Boer goat breeding season Boer goats are polyestrous goats and breed all year round though they dont breed well in the off-season (April to July). Points 243 Location Virgnia 8 lbs at birth plus 100 x .5 = 58 lbs. However if the season is favorable, triplets and quads are common. A farmer should also ensure providing Boer goats with a balanced diet and salt licks for maximum production. Boer goats may be among the bulkiest of breeds, but the popular Anglo-Nubian breed is among the tallest. They require low maintenance and input due to their hardiness. That depends on how hungry you are and how fast they can run.
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