Although the exact origin of Boer goats is not clear, it is believed to be the result of a
genetic pooling of African indigenous goats, Indians goats, Angora goats, and with some
influence of European dairy goats. It resembles Nubian goats but with a much larger frame size.
Several researchers agree that the indigenous populations were probably from the Namaqua
Hottentots and from southward migrating Bantu tribes. The present day Boer goats appeared in
the early 1900’s when Eastern Cape ranchers started the selection of a meat type goat. The name
is derived from the Dutch word “boer” meaning farmer.
There are five types of Boer goats recognized in South Africa according to South African
Boer Goat Breeders’ Association (http://studbook.co.za/boergoat/stand.html). The ordinary
Boer goats are animals with good meat conformation, short hair and a variety of color patterns.
The long hair Boer goats have heavy coats and coarse meats. The polled Boer goats are hornless
with a less desirable confirmation. The indigenous Boer goats have long legs, variable and poor
conformation and a variety of color patterns. The improved Boer goats are the primary line
which breeders have been selected for.