Boer goat breeding is on the rise. This is simply because the demand for their meat is becoming more popular. Aside from producing high quality meat, the goats can also be used for their milk, leather or hair (for wigs or make-up brushes).
Meat Goat Associations
Most first-time breeders start out unsure about their herd. Even if they have raised other farm animals before, goats are very different.
It is a common misconception that goats are similar to sheep. However, the two species actually need different nutrients, defining the medicine and food they need.
Even if a first-time breeder has already raised pet goats, or even Boers, raising a full herd is very different.
Here are some important tips to raising a herd for profit: Goats should be healthy and in top shape so that they can breed properly and produce healthy calves. Feeding, breeding, grazing and maintaining the goats good health are also important to create top quality meat and goat products.
There are several online resources and books available for breeders. However, these may not cover all the day-to-day questions that come up. As with any good business, it is important to have a mentor to talk to in case of any problems.
Initially, the breeder that owned the purchased goats may provide necessary assistance for the new heard. But it may be time consuming for the breeder, and they may not always be able to respond to queries in time.
For better long-term assistance, it is better to join meat goat associations or boer goat breeders associations. Most of these create an atmosphere for members to help each other, some even provide newsletters or updated news on their websites. It is best to keep up to date with the latest developments to make sure the boer goat business progresses. Linking with associations in the same area also provides specific information regarding local weather and soil.
Associations in the USA
The United States Boer Goat Association promotes Boer Goats as a business and as a breed. The website holds help in breeding, listings for breeders and information about the breed. The group also holds shows and releases a magazine. |
The American Meat Goat Association holds seminars, educates the general public and provides resources for breeders. |
The Pennsylvania Meat Goat Producers Association holds goat shows and other events for goat breeders in Pennsylvania. It also hosts sales and goat shows and lists classified ads for members. |
Associations in the UK
The British Goat Society provides information on breeds, health, housing and breeding. |
The British Boer Goat Society offers largely the same information as the prior group, but it is more tailored to boer goat breeders. |
Associations in Canada
The Canadian Meat Goat Association provides information, hosts shows and marketing help for all meat goat breeders. |
Associations in Australia
The Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia holds shows, offers new information and helps connect members. |
Associations in South Africa
Boer Goats – South Africa is a website that promotes the breed that was developed there. Most of the information on the website are resources for breeders. |
