Boer Goat

A South African breed of meat goat, also called the Boerbok, developed in the Eastern Cape region starting around 1920 and selectively bred for meat production and the ability to survive by grazing the thorn veldt of that region; it has since been exported to many countries and used to improve meat qualities in other domestic goat populations. It is a large breed, males averaging about 115 kilograms and females somewhat less, with a glossy short coat, typically white with a reddish brown head, medium pendulous ears and backward curving horns. The Boer adapts well to a range of local habitats and semi arid environments and shows a fast growth rate and good carcass qualities; under extensive management in subtropical regions it can gain roughly 175 grams a day, more under intensive conditions, and its ability to exploit low quality scrubland, browsing thorn trees, bushes and shrubs, makes it valuable for both meat production and vegetation management.