Boer goats are highly productive breeding animals. They have an extended breeding period and are able to produce up to 3 kids in 2 years. This is part of the animals’ genetic disposition to grow fast and put on weight quickly.

These animals are typically a bit more expensive than other goat breeds. This is why new breeders should be careful to ensure they make a profit.

Raising Boers

Breeding goats are done for two reasons. One way to make a profit from these animals is to raise breeding stock. These are worth more pound-for-pound compared to buying the carcasses for meat. However, breeding stock require more effort.

Since breeders and goat farmers will be paying more for the animal, they insist that it be of the best quality. They would typically look for health and breeding records (particularly if the animal has mated before). The animals should also come from good bucks and does as some buyers may want to trace the lineage of the animals.

Boers may also be bred to increase a herd being raised for meat. These still need to be top quality to make sure that the carcasses are muscular. Boer goats can gain as much as 200 grams a day in its first 12 months. This means that while they cost less than breeding stock, they are ready for the market much sooner. And since the animals often produce twins, they also double the profit.

Things to Avoid

Don’t breed too often

Some breeders may want to regularly encourage breeding goats to earn a profit sooner. However, breeding as much as three times in 2 years can do more harm than good. For one, it would be strenuous to take care of different kids and dams (mother doe) all the time.

Breeding too much can also increases the chances of doe mortality. Like most pregnant animals, they are typically weaker and more prone to disease. Properly spacing out the breeding time makes sure that the does are able to recover and gain back lost body weight.

A process that can be used to minimize the problems of regular kidding is synchronizing. This basically means timing the breeding of different animals so that they all give birth at the same time.

Don’t breed too soon

Since Boers tend to put on weight faster than other goat breeds, it’s best to monitor the weight to check if they can already breed. Does need to be at least 65% of the weight of other full-grown does in the herd. The animals reach this weight within 12 to 18 months. Bucks can start to breed when they are 5 to 6 months old.

Breeding goats should not be done when the doe is too young or too small. They may be unable to birth an entire kid. This can cause dystocia, when kids get stuck trying to get out of the birth canal. Breeding the does before they reach maximum weight also tends to stop their growth. They won’t be able to continue growing after kidding.

Don’t forget supplements

There is an extra need to care for does before breeding season, while pregnant, and during lactation. This is when they are particularly prone to diseases and parasites. There are mineral, nutrient and medicinal supplements that can be added to their grazing diet to ensure they survive.

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