SUMMARY
Reproductive and growth performances of the Boer goat were evaluated in a
ranch, located in Hungary. The flock was grazing grass during the day,
supplemented with meadow hay and maize grains (300-400 g) in the goat house at
night, except one month post-partum when goats were kept indoor on meadow hay
and maize.
The kidding performance was evaluated in 33 does. The does of 2-3 years old
were mated in autumn, 2001 and they kidded from March till April in 2002. The
kids were milk-fed and also consumed the feed items given to does till weaning at
100 days of age.
The Boer goat performances in Hungary were: fecundity 94 %, percentage
multiple birth 77 % and litter size 2.00. The overall mean birth weights were 3.4 kg
and the kids' mean daily gain were 145 g/day and 201 g/day in the ranch during 30
and 100 days, respectively. Birth weight and kid weight varied in a significant
negative correlation with litter size (r=-0.60; r=-0.79; P<0.001) in a flock. Gross
meat production was per doe 47 kg.
The Boer goat is worthy of breeding in Hungary providing correct nutrition
conditions are available.