The
Boer goat was developed in South Africa as a breed meant for meat production.
The term "Boer" refers to the descendants of the Dutch immigrants,
most of them farmers, who settled the country; thus, Boer goat simply
means "farmers' goat." Because of the intense selective breeding
over the past 50 years or more by South African goat breeders, the Boer
goat is considered far superior to any other goat for meat production.
It is known for rapid weight gain, heavy muscling and high fertility.
Because the Boer was selectively improved for its meat production ability
and its ability to pass on that trait to its offspring, along with other
traits including pasture hardiness, the addition of a Boer buck to a commercial
meat goat herd can improve the meat characteristics of the offspring without
making them too soft to be pasture goats.
The National Western's Boer Goat Show is Jan. 16 at 8 a.m. on the lower level of the Stadium Hall.
A junior meat goat show follows on Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. in the lower Stadium
Hall.
(Exhibitors may visit the Exhibitor Premium Book page for entry information)