Safehaven Boer Goats (2025)

FAQs

What is the mortality rate for Boer goats? ›

Methods Nonparametric survival analysis and a piecewise exponential model (PEM) were used. Results The mortality rates of kids and adult goats were 0.629 and 0.302 per animal year, respectively.

Goats are active animals and like to explore different types of environments. It is important to not overstock pastures and allow the renew of forages to decrease the presence of parasites. To produce 70% of your herd's forage, you will need an acre for 1-3 goats (3-9 goats/hectare).

Distribution: Boer goats were developed in South Africa in the 1900s from a cross of indigenous goats and Indian or European goats and are bred mainly for meat production.

Teats – a Boer goat should have no more than 2 distinct teats on each side. Blind teats, split teats, fish teats, and teats with double orifices are undesirable, as they may cause problems with kids nursing, especially newborns.

Kiko goat characteristics

The Kiko breed was developed to be a low input goat. They are easy keepers, require very little extra maintenance as they tend to be more parasite resistant, hearty, and have fewer hoof issues. Kikos tend to have strong maternal instincts, and good milk production for raising kids.

Weather-related causes and kidding problems were also important causes of loss. For losses due to predators, coyotes and dogs accounted for the highest percentages of goat and kid death losses in 2015.

Boer goats often have a longer life due to their natural resistance to disease. Bucks have an expected life span of eight to 12 years and does have a surprising expected life span of 12 to 20 years.

Bacterial Pneumonia

The bacteria Pasteurella multocida or Mannheimia haemolytica (previously Pasteurella haemolytica) are often found in the upper respiratory tract of healthy goats and sheep. These bacteria are also the most frequent reason for respiratory infection and death in farm goats and sheep.

In dry climates with a rainfall of 50 to 75 cm a long shed open on the sides, little exposed to weather and built on well drained ground makes an excellent shelter. A goat, when reared singly, can be housed in any building provided it is dry, free from draft and well ventilated.

Move your goats every 1-2 days to a new paddock based on how much they've eaten and what's left for forage. You still want to have standing grass, at least 3-4 inches. A good measure is have the goats eat half and leave half based on when they first entered the paddock.

How many goats do you need to make a profit? ›

You could make a profit with just one goat, or dozen, or a hundred, or a thousand. You can lose money with one or a hundred or a thousand. But generally speaking, you would probably want a dozen or so at least, because the more you have, the less work it takes, per goat, to look after them.

Expect to pay $600 for a quality, registered Boer goat doe and $1200 for an untested buckling from good breeding lines.

Spanish goat meat is prized for its rich flavor and tender texture, appealing to consumers seeking high-quality, artisanal meat products. As such, Spanish goats represent a valuable genetic resource for conservation efforts aimed at preserving heritage breeds and promoting biodiversity within the livestock industry.

The Boer or Boerbok is a South African breed of meat goat. It was selectively bred in the Eastern Cape from about 1920 for meat qualities and for the ability to survive by grazing on the thorn veldt of that region. It has been exported to many countries, and has been used to improve the meat qualities of other breeds.