Boer Goat – Characteristics, Color, Weight, Price, Uses

Boer goat is a very common and popular meat goat breed in the United States and many other countries around the world. The breed is noted for its distinctive characteristics, coloration, size, color, weight and high meat production. It is among the top highly meat-productive goat breeds which originated from South Africa.

These goats are of a much bigger size than many other popular meat goat breeds. They also produce milk highly, but are mostly suitable for meat production. They are very popular among goat farmers mainly because of their fast growth rate, good quality and delicious meat, and also for their ability to adapt to different environments.

Boer goats are very beautiful with white bodies and brown heads. There are also some completely brown or white colored goats available. They have a pair of long and pendulous ears.

They are among the very fast growing meat goat breeds and that’s why most of the farmers prefer them for commercial goat farming purposes.

Why are Boer Goats Very Popular?

Bear is a very popular meat goat breed mainly because of its fast growth rate, good quality and delicious meat, and also for its ability to adapt to different environments.

History and Origin

Boer goat has interesting history and origin. It was breed from the indigenous South African goats kept by the Namaqua, San, and Fooku tribes (with some crossing of Indian and European bloodlines being possible).

The breed was developed mainly for meat, and selective breeding over the years has led to it’s distinctive appearance and meat quality. It was bred also for it’s hardiness, fast growth rate, and adaptability to various climates.

The breed was first introduced to the United States in the early 1990s. And it gained popularity quickly among the farmers and ranchers mainly due to its superior meat quality and ability to thrive in diverse environments.

Characteristics

Boer goats have some special characteristics which have made them different from other goat breeds. They generally have distinctive brown heads and white bodies. Some goats can also be completely white or brown.

They possess long, pendulous ears like the Nubian goats. They are very hardy and can adopt almost all types of weather and climate.

They are noted for having high fertility rates and for being fast growing and docile. As compared to other goat breeds, Boer does are reported to have superior mothering skills. Usually a mature Boer buck weighs about 110 to 135 kg and a mature doe weighs about 90 to 100 kg.

boer goat, boer goats, meat goat, meat goat breeds, goat for show, show goat breeds, boat breeds

Diet

Dietary requirements of Boer goats are same as many other domestic goat breeds. They usually love to eat leaves of trees, corns, green grasses and some other supplementary feeds. In commercial production, these goats require a balanced diet with the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and productive.

Show goats (which are very big in size) require huge amount of healthy and nutritious food. Be very careful in feed management for raising these goats. Good and nutritious food always ensures good health. So, always try to provide them sufficient amount of nutritious food and enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.

Reproduction/Breeding

Successful breeding is a very important part of successful goat farming business. Because proper and successful breeding ensures the quality of the offspring. Fortunately, Boer goats are naturally very good breeders, and they will breed easily if you keep good ratio of buck and does in your herd. Although, artificial insemination (AI breeding method) may also be used in some cases, especially for controlling breeding and improving genetic traits.

After a successful mating, the does become pregnant. The does have a gestation period of about five months (approximately 150 days). Boer does usually give birth to one or two kids per kidding (twins are more common).

Boer bucks are often used to crossbreed other goat breeds. Some most common and popular crosses are Boer with Spanish goats, Boer with Angora goats, Boer with Kiko goats, Boer with Nubian goats, Boer with Osmanabadi goats, Boer with Jamunapari goats and Boer with Sirohi goats. All of this crossbreeding produces new highly productive goat kids.

boer goat, boer goats, meat goat, meat goat breeds, goat for show, show goat breeds, boat breeds

Behavior

Boer is naturally a friendly goat breed. They like to graze on grass and enjoy being outdoors. They are social and often prefer to live in groups. Boer bucks usually dominate the herd, and they are known as the herd sire.

Boer goats are also known for their curiosity and intelligence. They have tendency to explore their surroundings and are often seen browsing various plants and objects.

They are generally docile and its very easy to handle them. That’s why they are suitable for farm environments and raising as pets.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of Boer Goats typically ranges between 10 to 12 years. But it can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, nutrition, healthcare, and environmental conditions. If you take good care of your goats and feed them healthy and nutritious food, then these goats can live a long and healthy life.

Commercial Farming

Commercial Boer goat farming is a very profitable business. Meat of this goat is very tasty and nutritious, and has great demand in the market. So, starting a commercial production can be a great way for generating income.

Boer Goats for Show

Although Boer goats are raised commercially for their highly meat production. But they are also very popular and suitable for show purposes. Big sized Boer goats are raised for show. This type of goats need special care, feeding, housing, and other management.

boer goat, boer goats, meat goat, meat goat breeds, goat for show, show goat breeds, boat breeds

Uses

Boer goats are mainly popular and used for meat production. They are well-known for their tender and flavorful meat, which has high demand and value throughout the world.

Price

Its not possible to tell the exact price of these goats, because it depends on numerous factors and can vary from place to place. But, generally the Boer kids tend to be less expensive than mature adults. Prices for healthy Boer kids may range from $100 to $300 or more per head, depending on the specific qualities of the animal and also depending on your location.

Mature Boer goats (especially does with proven breeding records and bucks with desirable genetics for breeding purposes) can command higher prices. Prices for mature Boer goats may vary from $200 to $1,000 or more per head.

Tips for Raising Boer Goats

Boer goats require some special caring and other management. Follow the tips mentioned below raising and care of these goats.

  • Newborn Boer kids require special caring.
  • Set up a daily schedule to take care of the new kids and their mother.
  • Vaccinate the kids to prevent them from virus and diseases.
  • Enure their house/shelter is free from harmful predators.
  • Their housing system should be suitable and comfortable enough for them. Build their house in a higher place. This will keep the house dry always.
  • Always keep a water pot filled with clean and fresh water in front of the goat.
  • Try to feed the goat enough fresh and green grasses. It will be better if you can manage a grazing place for your goats near your farm.
boer goat, boer goats, meat goat, meat goat breeds, goat for show, show goat breeds, boat breeds

Review full breed profile of the Boer goat in the following table.

Breed NameBoer
Other NameAfricander, Afrikaner, South African common goat
Breed PurposeMainly kept for meat production
Breed SizeLarge
BuckAbout 110 to 135 kg
DoeAbout 90 to 100 kg
HornsYes
Climate ToleranceAll Climates
Coat ColorMainly white with brown heads
Good for Stall FedYes
RarityCommon
Country/Place of OriginSouth Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People ask many questions about Boer goats. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this fantastic and popular goat breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is a Boer goat?

A Boer Goat is a specific breed of domesticated goat. It is known for its excellent meat production capability and meat quality. The breed originated in South Africa and were developed primarily for meat production. It is well-known for its muscular bodies, rapid growth rate, and high-quality meat with good flavor and tenderness.

Is Boer goat farming profitable?

Yes, definitely! Boer is a highly meat producing goat breed and raising them commercially for meat production is very profitable.

How to start Boer goat farming business?

Starting commercial goat farming business is just like starting and operating a goat farming business with any other goat breeds. You just have to select a good location for building your farm, make good shelter for your goats, feed them good quality food, vaccinate them timely and take good care of them.

What is so special about Boer goats?

These goats are prized for their rapid weight gain, large size, hardiness, carcass quality and docility. They are among the top goat breeds for meat and very popular throughout the world.

How much is a Boer goat worth?

Boer is a highly prized goat breed for numerous reasons. You have to spend between $400 and $500 for purchasing a registered or show quality Boer. Although, exact price can vary from region to region and depends on numerous factors.

What are the disadvantages of Boer goats?

High price, abundance of poor-quality specimens, high feeding requirements and susceptibility to internal parasites are the main disadvantages of these goats.

What is the lifespan of a Boer goat?

Average lifespan of a Boer goat is between 10 and 12 years.

Are Boer goats aggressive?

Yes, the they are likely to be aggressive. But will tend to be the most aggressive in the fall.

Are Boer goats hard to raise?

No, they are not hard to raise. Raising them is very easy and anyone can raise them with little effort.

Are Boer goats noisy?

No, Boer is not a noisy goat breed. It is among the super quiet goat breeds.

How much housing space do Boer goats need?

Generally, a mature Boer goat require between 10 to 15 square feet housing space.

Are Boer goats cold hardy?

No, they are not cold hardy. Like many other goats, they are also vulnerable to cold and wet weather.

Do Boer goats jump fences?

No, they are very large in size, and they generally don’t actually jump too high.

What do you feed the Boer goats?

Boer is just like other goat and it is feed on pasture, hay, grains, haylage and brush.

How often do you feed Boer goats?

You have to feed your goats twice a day.

What kind of grass do goats prefer?

Best grasses for goats are Bahiagrass, Millet, Fescue, Clover, Bromegrass etc.

What are the main characteristics of Boer goats?

The Boer goats are large, stocky animals with a white body and a red head, brown eyes, lop (downward-hanging) ears, backward-curving horns, and strong, well-placed legs. Adult males often reach 160 kg, and females can weigh as much as 110 kg.

How long is a Boer goat pregnant?

The does have a gestation period of about five months (approximately 150 days).

How big does a Boer goat get?

Usually a mature Boer buck weighs about 110 to 135 kg and a mature doe weighs about 90 to 100 kg.

How much does a Boer goat eat per day?

Generally 3% to 4% of its body weight. For example, if an adult Boer Goat weighs 68 kilograms, it might eat approximately 2 to 2.7 kilograms of dry matter daily. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and individual goat’s needs can vary.

How much does a Boer goat weigh?

Buck weighs about 110 to 135 kg and a mature doe weighs about 90 to 100 kg.

How much meat from a Boer goat?

Generally 40% to 50% of its live weight after processing. For example, if a Boer Goat weighs 45 kilograms live weight, you might expect to obtain approximately 18 to 23 kilograms of meat from it after processing.

How much milk does a Boer goat produce?

Boer does may produce about 0.95 to 1.9 liters of milk per day when in peak milk production.

How much should a 2 month old Boer goat weight?

Exact weight depends on numerous factors. In proper feeding and caring you can expect the the weight around 9 to 14 kg.

1 thought on “Boer Goat – Characteristics, Color, Weight, Price, Uses”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top