The term "Boer" refers to the descendants of the Dutch immigrants, or Boers, most of them farmers, who settled the country; thus, "Boer" goat simply means "farmer's" goat.

 

Because of the intense selective breeding over the past 50 years or more by South African goat breeders, the Boer goat is considered far superior to any other goat for meat production. It is known for rapid weight gain and heavy muscling and has high fertility. Boer does typically give birth to twins.

 

While Boer Goats are primarily bred as a meat goat, their name describes them as tremendous managers of  large areas.  If you decide to keep your goats as pets, one Boer Goat and her kids can manage the same area as one cow if grazing is considered their primary food source. They can clear your land of brush and manage  your property from top to bottom—literally!  Their diet will consist of 82% shrubs, small trees, or bushes and 16% grasses or low lying plants.