Boer Goat Husbundry
As a commercial animal the goat has many things in its favour. Among these is the fact that they are early maturing, have high average growth and weaning weights, and are prolific non-seasonal breeders. Combined with a high dressing percentage goats can produce a good return for investment. Goats reach marketable size at approximately twelve to fourteen (12-14) weeks of age depending on nutrition and management.
Goat kids are born in multiple sets (twins and triplets are common) with birth weights between 3.4 and 3.7 kg. Kids are weaned between 14 to 16 weeks of age. This period is particularly critical when it is considered that male kids can become fertile and sexually active at four months (16 week) of age. Female kids conversely are not generally fertile until ten months of age. Goats have an average productive life span of ten years.
Doe kidding rates are between 120% and 180% however kidding percentages of over 200% are not uncommon. Does have a fertility cycle of between 18 and 21 days and a gestation period of 150 days. Further, since they are not seasonal breeders Boer goats are capable of producing three kiddings in two years under favourable conditions.
The best predictor of a buck's fertility is testicular weight as indicated by scrotal circumference. Although sperm is produced all year ejaculate volume increases in late summer and autumn due mainly to the changing day length (photoperiod).
Nutrition has a large effect on a buck's libido, semen volume, sperm count per ejaculate, percentage of live sperm, sperm motility, semen fructose concentration and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. In a similar way nutrition levels can have dramatic effects of does. A sudden availability of good feed for example can induce oestrus and ovulation rates and an increase in multiple births. Conversely severe under nutrition can cause the cessation of all reproductive processes.
Goats have a hight requirement for crude protein (CP) to ensure the efficient activities of rumen microbes which breaks down ingested food into energy. Low levels of CP can result in the depression of food intake. This is particularly seen when young goats graze mature rank pasture which is low in CP. Despite consuming large quantities of matter the animals usually loose weight. Goats generally have the same mineral and vitamin requirements as other farmed animal except for iodine which often needs supplementing.
Rapid changes in diet can have disastrous effects on goats. A change to a high grain diet or one low in fibre for example can cause a thiamine deficiency. Enterotoxaemia is also caused by too much grain in the diet.