How to Raise Boer Goats? Detailed Explanation of Breeding Methods and Precautions

SummaryGrazing feeding method: The flock should be reasonably organized according to grazing conditions, sex and age, with about 30-50 breeding ewes and growing ewes as one group, about 20-40 castrated fattening rams as one group, and about 10 breeding rams as one group. Barn feeding method: A goat barn and exercise yard should be built, with feeding troughs, hay racks, water troughs, etc. set up. Feeding should be carried out at fixed times, in fixed amounts, with fixed quality, and by fixed personnel, and the amount of exercise for Boer goats should also be increased.

I. Grazing Feeding Method

1. Flock Organization

(1) Flock organization should be carried out separately according to the region's grazing conditions, sex and age. Reasonable flock organization can save labor costs and facilitate flock management.

(2) The number of goats in a flock during grazing should not be too large. This is because grazing land is usually chosen at field edges, roadside woodland and riverbank areas, and will inevitably be subject to certain restrictions.

(4) In farming-pastoral hilly and mountainous areas, the grazing number can be determined according to specific circumstances. Under normal circumstances, about 30-50 breeding ewes and growing ewes form one group, about 20-40 castrated fattening rams form one group, and about 10 breeding rams form one group.

2. Grazing Management

(1) Spring

After the long winter and spring dry-grass season, Boer goats are greedy and tend to put on fat and crave green grass, which can lead to diarrhea or rumen bloating, and in severe cases even poisoning from eating toxic weeds. Therefore, the following should be noted during spring grazing management:

① First prevent "running after green grass", and second prevent "bloating".

② Graze first on old grass slopes, then on green grass slopes, and during this period feed an appropriate amount of hay.

③ Spring grass is tender and green with high water content, and the mornings are cold and covered with dew. Boer goats are prone to diarrhea after eating it.

④ After grazing and feeding, feed salt once every 5-6 days. First fry the salt until it is slightly yellow, and it is best to add an appropriate amount of ground feed and additives. During this period, provide water once every 1 day, which can aid digestion, increase appetite, and supplement needed nutrients.

(2) Summer

Summer is hot and rainy with breeding mosquitoes and insects. Pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling, and mosquito and parasite control. At noon when it is hot, prevent the goats from crowding together and drive them to a cool, ventilated place. Let them rest appropriately during grazing. It is advisable to go out early and return late, and to provide more water and salt.

(3) Autumn

In autumn, forage grass grows vigorously and matures abundantly. This is the season most suitable for herding sheep and for fattening and breeding. During grazing, the goats should be fed until full, which is beneficial for winter fattening for market and overwintering reproduction.

(4) Winter

① Winter has frost and cold, and forage grass withers. During grazing, attention should be paid to cold protection and warmth, and maintaining body condition and protecting lambs. The grazing area can be just around the village and near the goat pen. Feed some leaves and hay, and on sunny days let them exercise more and bask in the sun more.

② Pregnant ewes should not engage in large movements during exercise and should avoid crossing ditches and ridges. During this period, repair and manage the goat barn.

3. Precautions

(1) Carry emergency medicines and equipment to prevent heatstroke.

(2) Do not throw stones at the flock while grazing, to prevent startling the flock.

(3) While grazing, keep together in groups and do not scatter, to prevent attacks by wild animals.

(4) Do not feed the flock frozen grass, dew-covered grass or moldy grass while grazing, and it is best not to let them drink sewage, to prevent overeating and drinking.

II. Barn Feeding Method

Barn feeding is mostly established in agricultural areas and includes a goat barn and exercise yard, with feeding troughs, hay racks, water troughs, etc. also set up.

1. Barn feeding should achieve the “four fixeds”, namely fixed time, fixed amount, fixed quality, and fixed personnel for feeding.

2. The forage, feed and drinking water used for feeding should be kept clean. Be careful not to feed moldy forage, and avoid ice water in winter.

3. The barn feeding area should be kept clean and dry, warm in winter and cool in summer, and ventilated, and should be disinfected regularly. Sheep manure should be piled and fermented before later use.

4. Boer goats should be allowed appropriate activity to increase the goats' amount of exercise, and the goats' body hygiene should be maintained.

5. In spring and autumn, attention should be paid to deworming, epidemic prevention and disease control.