About Boer Goats
Boer goats were developed for meat production in the early 1900’s in South Africa. Their name is derived from the Dutch word "boer" meaning farmer.
This breed of domestic goat typically has a white body with a brown head and ears. Their ears are long, similar in appearance to Nubian goat ears. Boer goats do well in hot, dry climates and seem to have a high resistance to diseases.
Boer goats are raised for milk and meat. Goat's milk is used for drinking and cooking, as well as making butter, cheese, yogurt, candy, ice cream, soap and skin care products.
Boer Goats at the Akron Zoo
The boer goats are currently off exhibit while their new habitat in under construction. The new goat habitat will be included in Pride of Africa, opening June 29, 2019!
Boer Goats in the Wild
Habitat
Boer goats are well adapted for hot, dry semi-deserts.
Location
Boer goats were developed in South Africa in the 1900's from a cross of indigenous goats and Indian or European goats and are bred mainly for meat production. They can be found in South Africa and the United States.
Diet
Boer goats are herbivores and are browsers by nature, preferring brush, shrubs and broadleaf weeds rather than grass.
Population Status
The IUCN's Red List has the Boar goat listed as “common.”
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