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Boer Goats - an introduction |
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The Boer goat was introduced into Australia about 10 yrs ago as a specially developed meat Goat with strong genetics capable of improving carcass weight and muscling when crossed with the feral goat.
The Boer is a hardy animal, very highly fertile, has a long breeding season and is very adaptable to the diversity of agricultural environments around Australia. From the tropics to the southern colds: you’ll find Boers everywhere.
The Boer is a dual purpose animal providing returns on the meat as well as keeping re-growth in check. Like all goats, the Boers are browsers and love thistles, lantana, blackberry, fire weed, Paterson’s curse - all the weeds that inhibit the growth of native pastures.
By keeping weeds at bay, Boers can actually save money as they do an excellent job in keeping country open and productive. They compliment sheep and cattle on pastures hence are a valuable way of farm diversification.
Fencing, however, is the main issue that limits highly successful goat farming.
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