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The development of the Boer goat in the early 1900's can be traced to the Dutch farmers in South Africa. Boer is a Dutch word meaning farmer. The Dutch farmers developed the Boer goat as a unique breed of livestock, with meat production being the selection criteria.
The Boer goat has a rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities and a high adaptability to different environments. Through selective breeding, the Boer goat gained its genetic superiority, and has become what is known today as the American Boer goat. Commonly, the Boer goat has a white body, with a red head. Docile, high fertility and a fast growth rate are some of the traits that set the Boer apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the meat goat industry.
Performance records for this breed indicate exceptional individuals are capable of average daily gains over 0.44 lb per day (200 g/day) in feedlot. The more standard performance would be 0.3-0.4 lbs per day (150-170 g/day). Mature bucks can weigh between 200-340 lbs and mature does can weigh between 190-230 lbs.
The ovulation rate for Boer goats ranges from 1 to 4 eggs per doe, with an average of 1.7. A kidding rate of 200% is common for this breed. Puberty is reached early, usually about 6 months for the males and 10-12 months for the females. The Boer goat also has an extended breeding season, making it possible for 3 kiddings every 2 years.
The demand for high quality, lean, healthy red meat is one of the forces behind the development of the American meat goat industry. With an eager base of ethnic consumers, the demand for goat meat continues to grow in the United States each year. The importation of goat meat into the US, is estimated at over 30 million dollars annually. The total meat goat industry value is estimated between 150 million to 400 million dollars annually.
Meat Comparison - 3oz. roasted
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Type
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Calories
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Fat (g)
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Saturated Fat (g)
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Protien (g)
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Iron (g)
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Cholesterol (mg)
|
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Goat
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122
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2.58
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0.79
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23
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3.2
|
64
|
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Chicken
|
120
|
3.50
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1.10
|
21
|
1.5
|
77
|
|
Veal
|
167
|
4.40
|
5.60
|
27
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1.0
|
100
|
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Lamb
|
235
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16.00
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7.30
|
22
|
1.4
|
78
|
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Beef
|
245
|
16.00
|
6.80
|
23
|
2.9
|
73
|
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Pork
|
310
|
24.00
|
8.70
|
21
|
2.7
|
73
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American Boer Goat Association's percentage distinctions:
Fullblood - Fullblood Boer goats are required to originate from 100% fullblood parents either imported or American born from imported genetics.
American Purebred - Does between 93.7-99.9% are eligible for an American Purebred registration. Bucks between 96.8-99.9% are eligible for American Purebred registration.
Percentage - Does between 50-93.6% are eligible for percentage registrations. Bucks between 50-96.7% are eligible for percentage registrations.
The following are links to various Boer Goat Associations in the United States.
American Boer Goat Association
International Boer Goat Association, Inc.
American Meat Goat Association
USBGA - U. S. Boer Goat Association
Proud members of the following organizations:
   
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