Comparison of performance of Boer and Spanish goats in two U.S. locations

Information quantifying performance of Boer goats in the United States is lacking. To overcome this knowledge void a simulation study was performed to determine how Boer goats would compare to Spanish goats in two locations, Texas and Oklahoma. Within each of these locations forage conditions were altered from high forage (HF), medium forage (MF), and low forage (LF). Forage conditions were altered within location to emulate the variation in forage conditions that could occur in each location. Management varied from fall breeding (FB) to year-round breeding (YRB). Across breed and forage conditions, YRB resulted in higher levels of performance than FB for births per doe, number of kids sold per doe, sale weight per doe, and biological efficiency (weight sold[kg]/dry matter consumed [kg]). Boers did produce more sale weight per doe than Spanish on HF. However, the Boer's advantage was decreased or negated when exposed to MF or LF conditions. Both breeds had similar levels of performance for number of kids sold per doe under HF conditions. Under MF or LF the Spanish goats had greater levels of kids sold per doe. Neither breed simulated had a consistent advantage in both locations and varying forage conditions, but, in general, as forage conditions worsened Boer performance ranked below that of the Spanish goats. These results indicate that a complete endorsement of the Boer cannot be made. Effective use of the Boer goat will depend on the forage resource base and producers' ability to provide inputs, such as supplementation, to the goat production system.