Six Tips For Breeding Quality Boer Goats

The single most important factor in producing Boer Goats for meat is picking the right breeding male or buck. Spending the extra to acquire a high quality buck will more than pay for itself as a strong buck will produce strong offspring even, when paired with an average doe. On average, Boer Goat offspring will put on weight at the same rate as their sire. That's why a buck from a proven bloodline will cost you more but a high quality buck will produce offspring that quickly gain weight getting them ready for market sooner with less work.

Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a breeding buck:

1. 35-80lbs is the primary market size for meat goats. The young should reach this size at approximately weaning age. The offspring from a high quality buck can weigh up to 80lbs at 90 days old where as those from a lesser quality buck might only weigh in at 35lbs at the same age. While the cost to purchase a buck with average bloodlines will be far less expensive up front, the lack of quality will have serious effects on your level of production leading to struggles for long-term profitability. To do it right, plan to purchase a premium quality buck - you'll be glad you did.

2. Jaw Alignment - Meat goats are generally raised on pasture so a buck with a poor jaw line is a significant detriment when grazing. Poor jaw alignment is an absolutely unacceptable in breeding bucks for a commercial herd.

3. Good feet and legs - Hoof rot can be a problem for goats that live in wetter climates. Regular clipping of the hooves is required and strong legs are an obvious advantage for moving around the pasture.

4. Healthy Genitals - The obvious purpose of a breeding buck is to breed your does successfully so look for bucks with well formed, equal size testes in a single scrotum.

5. On average one breeding buck is required to service between 25 - 35 does however if conditions are perfect, one strong, excellent quality buck may be enough for up to 50 does. With the exception of breeding, the bucks are usually kept separate from the does. Does are generally bred for a six week period every eight months and this hopefully leads to three crops of kids every couple of years.

6. It's essential that your breeding bucks are able to live on pasture as a pen-raised buck will tend to stay near the pen while the does will spend their time including breeding in the pasture. A homesick Buck won't do the job.

Boer Goats are a pleasure to raise. Done correctly, they can provide excellent income to your farming operation and in these tough economic times, that's a wonderful ace to have up your sleeve!