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The boer goat was developed in South Africa and came to the USA in 1993. It is the fastest meat growing industry
in the country. By the year 2025, minorities in Amercia will become the majority. Many of these ethnic groups
eat goat meat. In fact, over 80% of the world's population eats it. Another good reason raise goats
is that if the economy weakens, you have plenty of tasty and healthy meals in the pasture! Goat meat is higher in protein
and iron and lower in cholesterol, calories, and fat than pork, beef, lamb, and chicken.
To get started, you need to have the basics. It is suggested you have 200 square feet of outdoor space for each
goat and 15 square feet of shelter per goat. A one acre pasture can basically sustain 5 to 6 goats. Goats prefer
to browse on bushers or trees, but they will graze as well. The more quality pasture you have available, the less additional
feed you'll need to supply. Good, high fencing is a must. If you have a lot of predators in your area, a guard dog
or two could help.
I feed an alfalfa-grass hay and grain. There are varying opinions when it comes to graining bucks and older wethers.
Nursing does, growing kids, and market wethers need lots of grain containing at least 18% protein. Read up about the
shots you should give in your area. CDT is a must as goats are very susceptible to tetanus, and you should worm
your animals several times a year or more.
When you pick your animals, pick them carefully. Don't buy just any animal. Make sure it is HEALTHY
and good quality. Feel around the cheeks for lumps; if you feel one it could be a sign of CL. Test all animals
you buy for CL and CAE, even if the breeder says they don't have it. Do your homework. Make sure
the animal is worth the money. Check the pedigree if available.
I think it is good to start out slowly and get goats from more than one source. It is also good to do at least
one outside breeding a year if your herd is big enough. This is a great way to bring in genetics at a much cheaper
cost. Just make sure that the herd is CL and CAE free.
Many boer herds got their start from my stock. As I said, I love to talk goats so feel free to call or email
me if you have comments or questions about this great breed!
NEW: Write down everything! I didn't write about when my bucks got out, and my
50% doe, Rock Star, just gave birth. She was 10 months old. I just thought she was having too much food.
Infact, I was planing on breeding her in a week or two! Red flags should have gone up, but they didn't. At
lest she and her girls are doing fine now!
Next time a buck gets into the herd, it will go onto the planning chart.
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