Boer Goat Farming

Boer Goat Farming

Meat goat farming is being practiced widely today. Not only does it promote to the wellness of the environment but it could be a viable source of income. This article will take a quick glance at Boer goat farming and what it entails.

The Boer breed originated from South Africa during the 1990s for the production of meat. The name was coined form the Dutch term "Boer" which means farmer. The goat was a result of the cross breeding of goats from Europe and India. Unlike the Angora goats, they are known for their excellent meat which is generally attributed to selective breeding.

Boer goat farming is simpler than any other goat farming. Boer goats are renowned for their strong resistance against diseases. This is a great contributor for their lifespan which could reach up to 14 years. Moreover, they are highly adaptive against unfavorable environments.

Generally speaking, the Boer has a white body, a red head and long ears that resemble those of the Nubian goat. They have a very manageable temperament and a high growth and fertility rates. Unlike other dairy and fiber goat breed, Boer does are exceptionally good mothers to their offspring. The average size of mature Boer does is 200 to 220 pounds while 240 to 3000 for the bucks.

A major factor that makes Boer goat production easier is the goats' fertility rate. Since Boers are highly polyestrous, they could mate as much as they can all year round. With this good fertility rate and with proper goat farming practices, six to nine Boer kids can be produced over two years.

Boer goat farming is particularly rampant in New Zealand, Australia and United States. Compared to breeding sheep or cattle, goat farming is more lucrative. The focal point for Boer business is meat quality. And the drivers to produce high quality meat are proper nutrition and environment management.

Farming of Boer breed is very different from farming sheep or cattle. Some use the Boers to enhance the environment by elimination of weeds. Some use them as supplements for sheep and cattle. Others simply focus on mere Boer breeds.

A great consideration for raising Boer goat is fencing. Once a Boer knows how to escape, it would be difficult to keep it in. Electric fencing could be an option. The thing to consider in fencing is the trade off between the cost lost when a goat dies and the cost of setting up the fence.

How To Start Goat Farming

How To Start Goat Farming

Many people today are starting to raise farm goats and are continuously reading manuals and guides on how to start goat farming. 

If you intend to raise them for their meat or milk, then it is important that you start with some of the basics. Ask your local breeders which type of goat is best to begin your goat farming. Usually, they will give you a breed that is easily available and accessible, so start with that. The next step is to build a pen that will hold your farm goats in place and will provide them with ample space when they begin to breed.


Your goat pen should be at least 20 feet by 20 feet and with a fence tall enough to prevent predators or the goats themselves from harm.

Wire mesh cages are best because it can give you enough visibility to check them from time to time. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start goat farming. In any guide about how to start goat farming you will always read something about goat nutrition. When buying food for your goats make a good ratio that consists of greens and supplements that will keep them healthy all year round. Remember that goats are year round breeders, so keeping them at tiptop shape all the time is important to be sure that you have healthy kids born every time.


Goats are very easy to maintain. Goats give birth easily that your assistance is almost always not needed. 

Hence, you do not have to worry about anything. Look at the newborn kids if they are able to get milk from their mothers, otherwise, you would have to use feeding bottles to feed them yourself. Many people find that goat farming is a very rewarding activity and rightfully so. Each goat sold can fetch anywhere from 50 bucks to 300 bucks a piece. When you intend to breed goats for their meat, it is advisable to give them milk from eight to ten weeks. After which, you can turn to grains and pasture to help them gain weight in the process. Choose a breed that you can have valuable information like their optimum weight measurements. This is very helpful later on when you begin to have a bigger goat population for selling in the market.

The great thing about how to start goat farming is how easy and fun it can be. Most people will not believe how profitable it is and with the population of goats increasing each year, now is the best time to start dairy or meat goat farming.