Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
- Boer goats can be an exceptionally rewarding livestock enterprise, provided a few key principles are followed.
- The ram plays a vital role in the flock, as he is responsible for building it. A well-selected ram can accelerate profitability.
- The society sets strict guidelines for what an ideal ewe should look like.
- One trait that does influence her ability to wean lambs successfully is a well-formed udder.
- A key to building a strong flock is sourcing animals from a reputable breeder with an established track record.
When you hear Boer goat breeders talk about ewes lambing every seven to eight months, with flocks achieving lambing percentages of up to 180%, it’s easy to see the appeal. Boer goats can be an exceptionally rewarding livestock enterprise, provided a few key principles are followed.
According to Ilse Lombaard, owner of the Ilse Lombaard Boer Goat Stud near Vrede and a presenter of Boer goat management courses, these hardy, adaptable animals can thrive on almost any farm. But, she cautions, success does not come by chance. A breeder must be prepared to work hard, remain passionate and enthusiastic and, above all, truly care for the goats – each with its own unique character and personality.
“A good mentor is invaluable when you start out,” she explains. “I learned so much from Kobus Lotter, president of the SA Boer Goat Breeders’ Association, about things you won’t find in textbooks. My advice to newcomers is simple: Buy the right goats from the start. Rather pay more for quality animals that meet breed standards, because cheap goats can be very expensive in the long run. Poor-quality animals need the same feed and management as top-quality ones, but without yielding the same results.”
Buying rams
The ram plays a vital role in the flock, as he is responsible for building it. A well-selected ram can accelerate profitability on your farm. To ensure this, the ram should meet the breed standards outlined in the student manual available on the society’s website. In addition, he should be agile and fertile, with two large, well-formed, healthy, and evenly sized testicles in a single scrotum. By the two tooth stage and older, the scrotum circumference should measure at least 28cm.
While breed standards provide a valuable guideline, each breeder ultimately leaves his/her own mark on the flock. Personal preference plays an important role when selecting rams. Producers must first consider which traits they want to enhance in their flocks, or which deficiencies need to be corrected, then buy rams that align with those goals.
Consider the ram’s history. Casper Byleveld, a respected Boer goat breeder from Britstown, notes that lambs tend to resemble the ram’s mother, with the ram primarily passing her traits on to his offspring. This highlights the importance of a clear mating policy and well-defined breeding objectives, both of which will be explored further in this series.
Buying ewes
The society sets strict guidelines for what an ideal ewe should look like. It is therefore recommended to study the student manual or complete a course in Boer goat management. Remember, ewes are the ‘factories’ that produce and raise lambs, so buying them requires careful consideration.
“Whether a ewe has strong maternal qualities is difficult to determine at the time of buying,” explains Lombaard. “One trait that does influence her ability to wean lambs successfully is a well-formed udder. In addition, her index figures often provide a reliable indication of milk production and her ability to raise offspring.”
Start small
A key to building a strong flock is sourcing animals from a reputable breeder with an established track record. Initially this could cost more, but it ensures quality. Start with a small group and expand gradually as resources allow.
Lombaard also advises not to rely on appearance alone when selecting animals. “Study their index figures and ask the right questions. Why is this goat being sold? How old is it? Has the flock experienced disease problems?”
Equally important is requesting proof that the animals have been vaccinated against common diseases. A healthy foundation sets the tone for long-term success in Boer goat farming. “Do your best, God will do the rest,” she concludes. – Koos du Pisanie, Plaas Media
Next month we will look at dosing and a vaccination programme for Boer goats. For more information, contact Ilse Lombaard at 072 078 4336.
