PDS: Boer Select – Buck Evaluation Program

Summary

In 2013 the Boer Select Buck Evaluation Program was established to improve genetic linkage between a group of Boer breeders, increase uptake of the KIDPLAN service and to showcase the genetic variability within the Boer breed.
11 Boer bucks were mated to individual doe groups with the resulting progeny assessed for a wide range of measured and visual traits over a 12 month period.
Large variations in traits were observed between the progeny groups and resulting Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
Significant variation was observed in the key production trait of growth, measured as body weight at various stages. This variation demonstrates that large gains can be made by the goat industry by selecting genetics that are superior for growth, leading to higher value carcases in a shorter time.
Worm egg count was similarly variable. With resistance to all of the few goat drenches currently available already recorded, breeding for worm resistance needs to be an important part of the industry’s objective.
The challenge for the goat industry is to continue on with the work of the Boer Select Buck Evaluation Program and to increase the adoption of performance based breeding in both the seedstock and commercial industries.