The boer goat was originally developed in the early 1900s when meat production was at an all time low. Due to selective breeding, this particular strain of goat was designed to help combat the meat shortage due to their large size, fast growth, and ease of care. This was met with huge success and now boer goat meat is the most consumed meat in the world, even more so than beef and chicken.

The goat themselves are quite large with an adult male weighing between 120 to 135 kg (250 to 300 lb) and an adult female between 90 to 100 kg (200 to 220 lb). The carcass qualities of the goat make the meat easy to prepare, and the large size of the goat’s body gives plenty to sell. In addition, boer goats are very fertile, averaging three crops of kids every two years.

These goats have a very distinct look, often having a solid white body with a brown head. It is possible, however, to have other colorings, especially if the goat is bred with addition species. This is most commonly done with the nubians goat, which can help to improve milk production, making the goat useful for both meat and milk.

Both male and female goats have two long horns on their head which help to regulation the body temperature. While the horns may look intimidating, they are never used aggressively. Some goats may take to head-butting one another, but this is always done out of play and the goats themselves are never harmed. When it comes to people however, horns are never used against them.

This particular breed of goat is also very easy to raise, increasing their popularity amongst farm owners. Unlike other goats that may need to be kept in cages to reach their prime weight, these goats do best when allowed to roam freely on a pasture. Very little food, if any, is also needed, as the goats feed on weeds, brush, and shrubs. This makes them the perfect companion for cattle and sheep. The only thing owners may need to feed their goats are mineral substances, as a high amount of copper is particularly vital in boer health and makes for the best boer goat meat.

Selective breeding has made the boer resistant to many disease, however bucks may fall victim to other health problems. The most common include poor jaw alignment, which can effect the weight of the animal, and hoof rot, which can occur in damp areas if the goats owner fails to clip their hooves regularly. Because of the increased risk of hoof rot, boers are most popular in hot, desert like areas, including Africa and central parts of the US, such as Texas. Despite thriving in hot climate, this species of goat can be found in nearly all countries of the world.

The most common reason for raising boer goat is for their meat, however some farm owners choose to raise their goats for show rather than slaughter. These goats are typically bred slightly different. For example, a goat that is being bred for meat must meet a certain criteria. Usually only large bucks are chosen to bred with does, because it is the male gene that determines the size of the offspring. Goats that are raised for show are also bred to be larger than normal, but must also posses certain desirable genetic characteristics, such as a unique coloring.

While it’s uncommon for goats bred for slaughter to give birth to goats bred for show, show goats are often also bred with slaughter goats, since the offspring will still inherit the large size from it’s father.