Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- Boer goat farming is rapidly gaining momentum in South Africa, with many producers considering it as an additional enterprise.
- According to Ilse Lombard, an experienced Boer goat breeder from the Vrede district, success starts with one key principle: stick to the same bloodline.
- Ilse vaccinates ewes going to the ram for the first time at least six weeks before mating with the live vaccine against enzootic abortion.
- Pregnant ewes should experience minimal stress.
- Kids should suckle within two hours of birth to ingest essential colostrum.
Boer goat farming is rapidly gaining momentum in South Africa, with many producers considering it as an additional enterprise. According to Ilse Lombard, an experienced Boer goat breeder from the Vrede district, success starts with one key principle: stick to the same bloodline.
Click here to read Boer goat management (Part 3): A vaccination schedule.
“Don’t jump from breeder to breeder when buying rams,” she advises. “Purchase rams from a breeder known for producing exceptional ewes. Ideally, buy your rams and ewes from the same breeder, as this will ensure greater uniformity in your flock.”
Line breeding and inbreeding
Line breeding can be compared to a river with several tributaries. The main river represents the core bloodline purchased from a breeder. Occasionally introducing animals from another breeder is like adding a tributary. As long as you maintain the primary bloodline, you can continue producing attractive, uniform animals.
Inbreeding, however, must be approached with caution as it can negatively affect physical conformation and disease resistance. For example, a ram should never be mated with his daughters. If you have bred an outstanding young ram and mate him with his half-sisters, this can reinforce desirable traits, provided the ram is flawless. Any weaknesses he carries will be amplified.
If the goal is to breed beautiful ewes, the choice of ram is crucial. Select a ram with an elegant carriage and presence. A ram with a weak neck or poor head posture will not sire attractive female offspring. As Lombard puts it: “The most masculine ram and the most feminine ewe produce the most beautiful ewes and the strongest male offspring.”
Preparation for mating
Ilse vaccinates ewes going to the ram for the first time at least six weeks before mating with the live vaccine against enzootic abortion. This vaccine protects them for five years, hence annual vaccination is unnecessary. The inactivated vaccine is less potent but can be safely administered to pregnant animals; it requires a booster after four weeks and should be repeated annually. Ewes and rams are dosed with vitamins and minerals six weeks before mating.
Shortly before mating and if necessary, the animals are dipped and treated for parasites, and their hooves are trimmed to prevent discomfort. Rams should be fit and ready. Ilse uses one ram per 35 ewes and clearly marks each ram to track which ewes he covers.
Only the best animals are selected for breeding. Young ewes must weigh at least 40kg and be older than 12 months. “Early pregnancy can hinder their growth,” she explains. Rams are chosen to complement the ewes’ conformation. The flocks are kept separate to easily identify which ram produces the most desirable kids.
Mating period and pregnancy
The ram is kept with the ewes for the first three days and nights, after which he remains with them only at night. This allows him to rest and feed during the day, maintaining his stamina and body condition. “A ram that walks with the ewes constantly during mating should receive concentrate feed in the morning and evening. Once he starts losing weight, it can take months to restore his condition.”
Two weeks before the breeding season, Ilse’s ewes receive flush feed, which continues until a month after the ram has been removed. “Since ewes ovulate every 17 to 21 days, the ram needs to be with the ewes for two cycles, or approximately 42 days.”
Pregnant ewes should experience minimal stress. Adequate nutrition is crucial, especially during the final six weeks of pregnancy when the foetus grows rapidly. Proper nutrition also supports optimal milk production. Ewes should be vaccinated with a broad-spectrum vaccine six weeks before kidding to ensure that newborn kids are protected for at least the first two months. They should also receive the necessary vitamins and minerals.
When using pens for kidding, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and limed beforehand. Provide enough hay to keep the pens warm and dry.
Welcoming your kid crop
Ilse keeps her ewes in small groups and monitors them hourly. Kids should suckle within two hours of birth to ingest essential colostrum. Always ensure that the ewe has sufficient milk.
When assisting with the birthing process, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap and use lubricating jelly. Handle the ewe gently to avoid injuring the uterus.
Check the ewes’ udders at least twice daily during the first few days. Ewes producing excess milk should be milked. A warm, hard, or tender udder may indicate mastitis and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage.
Ewes and their kids are kept in pens for one week. This allows for close observation, helps kids grow stronger, and makes it easier to provide separate care for the ewes. – Koos du Pisanie, Plaas Media
In the next issue, nutrition is in the spotlight. For more information, contact Ilse Lombard at 072 078 4336.
