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FurCalc

Boer Goat Feed Calculator — Meat Production Ration & Growth Targets

Feed calculator for Boer meat goats across breeding, lactation, growing, and finishing phases. Higher protein requirements than dairy breeds; creep feeding kids from 2–3 weeks drives ADG targets of 0.5–0.7 lb/day to 100 lb market weight.

Calculator

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Daily ration
  • Hay / forage: 3.5 lb
  • Grain / concentrate: 0 lb
  • Loose goat minerals: free-choice
  • Water: 1-3 gallons
Goats need goat-specific minerals (NOT sheep minerals — sheep minerals lack copper). Avoid moldy hay and excess grain (causes enterotoxemia).

How to use the Boer goat feed calculator

  1. Select 'meat' goat breed type — Boers are meat goats — different requirements than dairy.
  2. Select production stage — Maintenance / breeding / lactating / growing.
  3. Enter herd count + weight — Scale feed targets by group and individual weight.
  4. Add mineral + parasite management — Goat-specific minerals with copper; FAMACHA rotation.

Boer goat feeding targets by production stage

StageProtein %Daily intakeADG target
Creep-fed kid (2 wk – weaning)18–20 %0.25–1 lb creep + milk0.4–0.6 lb
Weaned kid (growing)16–18 %2–4 lb DM0.5–0.7 lb
Market finishing wether14–16 %3–4 lb DM0.6–0.8 lb
Replacement doe14–16 %3–4 lb DM0.3–0.5 lb
Breeding buck14–16 %5–6 lb DMMaintain BCS 3/5
Maintenance doe (open)12–14 %3–4 lb DMMaintain BCS
Lactating doe16–18 %5–6 lb DMMaintain BCS

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I feed a Boer goat?

Adult Boer buck (150–200 lb): 4–6 lb quality forage + 1–2 lb grain for breeding. Boer doe in maintenance: 3–4 lb hay + minimal grain. Lactating doe: 4–5 lb hay + 1.5–2 lb grain. Market wethers on finishing ration: 2–3 % body weight in concentrate + free-choice hay. Target ADG 0.5–0.7 lb/day from weaning to 100 lb market weight.

What protein level do Boer goats need?

By production stage: Growing / weaning kids 18–20 % protein creep feed. Breeding does 14–16 %. Lactating does 16–18 %. Finishing market wethers 14–16 % with higher energy (18–20 % NDF). Bucks during breeding season 14–16 %. Excess protein in non-growing goats is wasted (expensive urea production); insufficient protein in growing kids stalls growth and increases parasite susceptibility.

When should I start creep-feeding Boer kids?

Starting at 2–3 weeks of age. Creep feed is a 18–20 % protein grain/pellet mix provided to kids in a “creep” area that dams can't access. Kids begin nibbling initially and gradually increase consumption. Creep feeding adds 10–25 lb to weaning weight (60–90 days) and reduces time to market. Use commercial creep feed (Purina Goat Chow, Nutrena Meatmaker) or custom mix.

How long does it take to finish a Boer goat?

Market weight of 75–100 lb is typically achieved at 5–7 months of age with proper creep feeding + finishing ration. On pasture-only programs: 9–12 months. High-intensity grain finishing can reach 100 lb at 4–5 months but at higher feed cost and higher risk of metabolic disorders. Target ADG 0.5–0.7 lb/day from birth to market.

Do Boer goats need mineral supplements?

Yes — free-choice goat-specific loose mineral (Sweetlix Meat Maker, Purina Goat Mineral). Boer goats have higher copper requirements than sheep — NEVER use sheep minerals (too low copper causes deficiency). Selenium deficiency is common in much of the US — regional mineral with added selenium is critical. Copper deficiency signs: faded red coat, rough hair, infertility, kid deaths.

How often should I deworm Boer goats?

Use FAMACHA scoring (eye-mucous-membrane color assessment) every 2–4 weeks rather than scheduled routine dewormers. Targeted selective deworming reduces parasite resistance development. Full herd dewormings rarely appropriate — only animals with FAMACHA 4–5 (pale pink / white) need treatment. Use dewormers from different classes (benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, imidazothiazoles) on rotation.

Sources & References

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
    Meat Goat Production Handbook — University of Minnesota Extension
  4. [4]
    Small Ruminant Parasite Control — American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control