Raising Boer Goats For Beginners

The demand for goat meat or “chevon” has increased dramatically over the past years. About 63 to 65 percent of red meat consumed in the world is goat meat. The Boer goat, a large framed animal which resembles the Nubian goat, is one of the most popular breed of goat used for meat production. Due to the high demand of goat meat, there have been a lot of interests in raising Boer goats.

The Boer goat was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s and its name was derived from the Dutch word of farmer – “Boer”. It is generally white with a reddish brown head and a white blaze down the middle of the face. Generally, its’ bone structure is bigger and thicker compared to other breeds of goats and has a broad chest and heavy muscling in the rump. It has long ears that hang down along the sides of their faces. One major reason why there are a lot of interests in raising meat goats is due to its high quality meat.

Raising Boer goats is much easier compared to raising other livestock products because it is easy to handle. It can adapt to varying climate changes, from hot temperatures to dry climate and it has a high resistance to disease. They are fast growing and are fertile. If you are trying to breed goats for a profit or just for the enjoyment of it, the Boer goat is a great choice.

Although raising Boer goats is enjoyable and may be profitable, it requires knowledge and skills for it to be a success. You should investigate the estimate costs and the market condition before starting to raise your own herd of goats. Once you have an adequate amount of money and other resources such as fences, shelter, land and food for the goat, you can then acquire the goats. Start with a small group of goats and buy them from reputable breeders. One buck (male goat) is enough for 25 to 50 female goats.

Remember to provide adequate space for the goats to run around and exercise. Design a covered shelter that can anticipate the needs of your goats. Have a supply of clean water, hay, grain and other amenities for your goats. Also have a veterinarian check on them regularly when raising goats for meat.

Raising Boer goats can be a profitable and an enjoyable experience if you intent to start the journey on goat farming for meat. Just remember to take the time to learn about them. These goats, like any other specie, needs to be well fed and sheltered to survive. Simply remember these, and you can start raising your own herd of Boer goats. Learn more here.

Raising Boer Goats That Are Gentle
 

Tips On How To Start A Goat Farm

Starting a business of raising farm goats requires that you know how to start a goat farm methodically. To many, it seems a very insurmountable task judging from the obvious impediments like time, space and investment that you have to shell out. However, raising goats for dairy production can become more manageable if you know some of the basics that have been used by those who are successful in this business. You can start learning simple tips and tricks with regard to goat farming by reading along.

The initial step you must consider on how to start a goat farm is the space that is available for you.

If you have a sizeable amount of pastureland, it could be a good starting point. However, raising goats in a caged area has several advantages. Foremost among them is your ability to tend and care for them easily. It is also more convenient to feed them because they are never out of your sight and cage bred goats are less likely to be exposed to parasites than those raised in pastureland. Once you have decided which road to take then you can now proceed to the next step.

Feeding is the next step in meat goat farming; you must be prepared to invest on good and nutritious feed for your goat. Your local farming supply can provide you with a wide array of choices that fit your budget and initial needs. More economical is by feeding them with different types of grasses and vegetation. You can replenish your supply of greens by applying dried goat manure to them from time to time. Provide your goats with fresh supply of water. Goats do not like acidic and dirty wares, so it is best to keep your water in a dispenser or feeder that they can easily reach.

Maintain their healthy bodies by trimming their hooves for at least once a month to prevent them from being lame and other health issues they might encounter. Do not forget to deworm goats at least once a year. Liquid dewormers are now available which you can use on your own or you can choose to have the assistance of a veterinary doctor, who can warmly attend to your goats when they need it. As you can see, the common trend in guides about how to start a goat farm is that it requires a significant amount of time and effort. This business is good for those who are patient and loves to see the fruits of their labor firsthand.

Finally, breeding your goats will help you expand your own farm. Goats are year round breeders and they produce around 2 kids at a time. If you keep around 6 in your farm, you can expect to get twice that number if you breed them successfully each year. Take note however, that to maintain a good and healthy set of kids, you must breed them only once a year. If you would like to learn the steps that are taken by experience goat owners, find out more here.

How To Start A Goat Farm Tips