The Boer goat is generally a red headed, white bodied goat with a large frame. There is also a red variety of the breed, which is a uniform, rich red colour. The Boer has been developed in South Africa specifically for meat production. The ancestry of the Boer goat stems from a mixture of bloodlines, including indigenous goats.

Mature males reach weights of between 105 and 135kg and mature females between 90 and 100kg. Daily weight gains of up to 350gms/day have been

Other ideal production characteristics of the Boer goat include:

• Early maturity - sexually active at 3 to 4 months of age, or live weights of 33kg [bucks] and 30kg [does].
• High weaning weights.
• High average daily weight gains.
• High fertility, with a large number of multiple births and kidding percentages up to 200%, averaging 160%.
• Extended breeding system of potentially 3 kiddings every 2 years.
• Exceptional mothering abilities and superior milk production for a specialised meat goat.
• High carcass dressing percentage at an average of 48-60%, depending on age, with a 68% lean meat yield.
• Hardy and disease resistant.
• A gentle disposition.

REFERENCES
Boer Goat Association of Australia. 1995, Australia's Boer Goats - Meating the Markets.
Australian Boer Goat Breeders Association. Promotion leaflet.