Goats - Social Structure
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Picture source:
Midriver Boer Goats Alberta Canada © 2001-2003
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In the wild Goats live in small flocks of 5-20 animals; males are solitary. Wild Goats inhabit rocky areas and alpine meadows in Europe (especially in the Alps, Carpathians) and in Asia Minor. In summer they graze high in the mountains, and as the winter approaches, they shift to lower altitudes, in the forested regions.
During the rut old males drive younger males from the maternal herds, occasionally killing them. The gestation period varies in different species and averages 170 days. Does give birth to one or, rarely, two calves. Calves can follow the mother goat almost immediately after birth. Calves are weaned after 6 months. Female Goats reach sexual maturity at 1.5-2.5 years, males at 3.5-4 years. The lifespan of a Goat varies from 12 to 22 years.
Goats - Keeping
Raising Goats is fun, because they all have different personalities and habits that can be interesting and amusing. Goats make good companions. It is easy to look after them. In the wild, Goats feed on grass, bushes, and leaves. For domestic Goats the most important item of the diet is hay, which should make up the half of the food.
Kids should receive colostrums immediately after birth, followed by a sufficient milk diet leading up to weaning. Drinking water for Goats should be always clean and fresh, and should always be available. Any change in the diet should be made gradually to enable the population of rumen bacteria to adjust. It's important to establish a regular feeding routine. Goats refusing food are probably not well.
Goats - Breeders Links
A Heart's Delight Miniature Nubian Goats - Breeders of MiniNubian milk goats and producers of goat milk soaps. Located in Broadalbin, NY, USA.
ACG Boer Goat Farm - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Lake City, FL, USA.
Allen Boer Goats - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Hillsboro, TX, USA.
Almond Acres - A Canadian farm operation which includes 320 acres of grain land, a small cow/calf operation, and Boer goats. Located in Innisfail, Alberta, Canada.
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Picture source:
Midriver Boer Goats Alberta Canada © 2001-2003
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American Meat Goat Association - Association promoting all breeds of meat goats as a viable source of long-term, stable income in agricultural operations; and working to enhance consumer demand at the retail level.
Anala Goat Company - Breeders of fullblood Boer Goats specializing in black goats. Located in Follett, Texas.
Angora Goat Glossary - Glossary of terms relating to white and colored angora goats, their production and fiber.
Antelope Creek Ranch - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Robert Lee, TX, USA.
Arjen Boer Goats - Site includes photos of goats and articles about goat management. Ranch located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Australian Mohair Marketing Organisation - The AMMO, which is Australia's largest mohair broker, specializes in the classing, rehandling and brokering of mohair fibre. Information on the preparation and consigning of fibre, market reports and news.
Back 2 Nature - Features traditional and colored boer goats. South African Reds, Kalahari Reds, and black Boer goats. Site features the farm's history, location, sales list, and photos. Farm is located in Winnebago, IL, USA.
BigGoat.com - Farm located in south Georgia specializing in boer cross and spanish meat goats.
Boer Goat Breeders - Listing of owners and breeders of Boer goats in Texas and other places too.
Boer Goats by Circle R - Site includes lists of Boer goat foundation and breeding stock including honors, awards, show winnings, pedigrees, photographs, and for sale prices. Ranch located in Springtown, TX, USA.
Boers Of String Prairie - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Rosanky, TX, USA.
Bo-Saan Farms - Breeders of Boer goats and crosses in Centerburg, Ohio.
Capricorn Farms - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Newfane, VT, USA.
Cibolo Creek Goat Ranch - Brochure site for breeder of Boer goats. Ranch located in Falfurrias/Premont, TX, USA.
DDK Boer Goats Farm - Boer goats for sale with pictures and prices. Healthy, Quality goats for meat or herd. Ranch located in Granbury, TX, USA.
Hilltop Ranch - Fullblood and percentage Boer goats for sale. Ranch located in Waco, TX, USA.
Lake Country Saanens - Breeders of award winning Saanen dairy goats in Minnesota.
Mohair Australia Limited - The peak industry organization for the mohair fibre and the Angora goat industry in Australia. Useful hints, news, current fibre prices and links.
Mohair South Africa - An information resource center for all mohair related issues worldwide.
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Picture source:
Midriver Boer Goats Alberta Canada © 2001-2003
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Mountain Goat Ranch and Advantage Kiko Ranch - Breeders of Kiko and Boer goats offering advice and stock for sale. Located in Jamestown, TN, USA.
National Pygmy Goat Association - NPGA - encouraging the breeding and registering of characteristic Pygmy Goats.
Northwest Pack Goats and Supplies - Manufacturing and sales of packgoat equipment, supplies, and young pack goat stock. Located in Weippe, Idaho.
Poots Evergreen Acres - A Canadian goat breeder offering dairy goats and meat goats for sale.
Saanendoah - Informative site presented by breeders of Saanen goats in Temecula, California.
The International Mohair Association - Founded in 1974 by the international mohair industry to promote, advance and protect the interests of its members and of their manufactured mohair products.
