Initially the Boer goats were originated in the year 1900s for meat production in South Africa. The name Boer, a dutch word means ‘farmer’. It was breed from the indigeneous goats of the Namaqua Bushmen and the Bantu tribes. The growth rate of Boer goats has been rapidly increasing due to its quality and it is prefer for meat largely. It adapt it to well hot, dry semi-deserts. The production of Boer goat is centered in and around Tom Green County, western Texas, United States. But the original breeding stock herds in New Zealand and later they directly imported it to South Africa. The body structure of Boer goats are seem to be white and distinctive red heads. They possess long pendulous ears similar to Nubian goat. They are known for its docile, fast growth and fertility rates. Boer bucks weigh some 110-135kg(240-300 lb) and mature between 90-100kg(200-220 lb).
Commercial meat production
Minimal care animals are good goats, browsers by nature, preferring brush, shrubs and broadleaf weeds than grass. Boer goats are mostly prefer for meat production because of the high level on pastures. Mainly the reason behind this is pastured goats are healthier than pen-raised goats and it costs less. The ideal option is to adequate year-round grazing only with mineral supplementation. Boer goats can be increased effectively in combination with cattle due to their browse preference and the result limited the impact on grass cover. Trace minerals are very essential for a good goat health, specially copper. Mineral blocks mark must be avoided for sheep and goats. Copper in quantities for goats is toxic to sheep. So dual sheep/goat feed always lack sufficient copper for goats. Due to copper deficiency they may affect by anemia, Diarrhea, infertility, spontaneous abortions and lethargy.
Fencing
Land, goats and fencing are the main cost of Boer goat. If they are not overstocked then fencing costs less. Most goat farmers commonly use 12.5 gauge fencing, with commercial 1047-6-12.5. Fences are important for predators to keep out such as coyotes and dogs.
Bucks
Herd sire (breeding buck) is the vital part in the selection of meat goat operation. When it met with an average doe, the high quality buck can produce quality offspring. Boer goats may put some weight when sire. The bloodline grows fast and it command high price as its offspring and it tends to grow fast. While kids reach weaning age they should reach marketable size, the primary market of slaughter goat is 35-80lb. the poor quality kid sire may weight 35 pounds at 90 days. Initially the buck will be expensive to purchase later they can undermine an operation long-term profitability.
Each buck requires 25-35 does for breeding but in some case it can be high as a buck of 50 does. They are usually separated from the does, when breeding specifically anticipated. Every eight months does breed for six weeks, resulting three kid crops every two years. Successful bucks endure on pasture where pen raised bucks say near the pen and supposed to breed out in the pasture.
