Boer

Origin and History

The Boer goat was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s specifically for meat production. Its name comes from the Dutch word "Boer," meaning farmer. The breed was selectively developed for rapid growth, strong muscling, and superior carcass quality rather than milk production. Through careful breeding and genetic improvement, Boer goats have become one of the most widely recognized and popular meat goat breeds in the world. Their strong adaptability has supported their expansion into many climates, including Canadian production systems.

Breed Characteristics

Boer goats are known for their fast growth rate, heavy muscling, and excellent carcass traits. They commonly have white bodies with distinctive brown or red heads, and they possess long, pendulous ears similar to those of the Nubian goat. The breed is typically docile and easy to handle, making it suitable for both commercial and small-scale operations. Boer goats are also recognized for their high fertility rates and strong reproductive performance. Does are widely regarded for their superior mothering ability, producing vigorous kids and maintaining strong maternal instincts. The breed shows good resistance to disease and adapts well to hot, dry, and semi-desert climates, while also performing successfully in varied environments.

Primary Uses

Boer goats are raised primarily for meat production. They are used in commercial meat goat operations, crossbreeding programs to improve growth and carcass quality, and small farm enterprises focused on efficient and profitable meat production.

Notable Qualities

The Boer goat is internationally recognized for rapid growth, high fertility, and excellent meat conformation. Its adaptability, strong maternal traits, and consistent carcass performance make it a leading choice for meat goat producers around the world.

Boer Goat Breeders Information

• KLaz Goats, Ian & Barb Clark 

  • Box 850 Shellbrook, SK S0J 2E0 

  • 306-747-3781 Fax: 747-3768 

  • abg@sasktel.net  www.applebees.ca/goats.htm

• Élevage Divin Calin 

  •  Buckland QC

  •  450-513-2626 la_20taine@hotmail.com 

• Essandea Farm, Danielle Carriere 

  • 55448 Nova Scotia Line, Box 473 Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0 

  • 519-874-4868 

• Kole Creek Boers, Pam Kish 

  • Box 26 Leross, SK S0A 2C0 

  • 306-675-5630  pam.kish@usask.ca

• La Chèvre D’oeuvre, Amélie Blanchard 

  • 957 Route 321 Nord St-André-Avellin QC J0V 1W0 

  • 819-983-1792 

  • info@lachevredoeuvre.com  www.lachevredoeuvre.com

• Naquabi Boer Goats, Tracy Juraske & Tim Case

  • Palgrave ON

  • 519-940-8897 

  • tannenhof@sympatico.ca   www.naquabiboergoats.com

• Stein Haven Farm, Jonathan & Joanna Stein  

  • Box 5 Ramore ON

  • 705-288-2280  steinhavenfarm@gmail.com 

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