Londile Moyo
Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE newly formed Boer Goat Society of Zimbabwe (BGSZ) and its elected new leadership are set to champion breed standards that encourage the breeding of an improved Boer goat with increased economic value to commercial goat meat production.
The Boer goat is a premier meat-producing breed developed in South Africa in the early 1900s, known for its rapid growth, muscular build and high-quality lean meat. Typically featuring a white body with a brown head and long, droopy ears, these hardy, docile and highly fertile animals are the world’s leading commercial meat goat.
As a chapter of the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe (GBAZ), BGSZ will be led by Executive Council Chairman Mr Xolisani Mpofu, Vice Chairman Mr William Zvinavashe, Secretary Mrs Sifiso Agbetorwoka, Treasurer Mr Khumbu Makhetho, Breed Standards Mr Peter Mukombe and Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) alternative Mr Chrispen Kadiramwando.
BGSZ said all current registered breeders and new registered breeders will be part of the council, which can be reviewed at a later date.
In an interview, BGSZ elected Executive Council Chairman Mr Mpofu said the Boer goat was one of the most desirable goat breed for meat production because of its body conformation, fast growth rate and good carcass quality.
“When evaluating Boer goats, productive traits such as conformation, mobility and good structure should always receive priority over other aesthetic traits. BGSZ comes in to ensure breeding standards are followed for the management of exotic breeds such the Boer, Kalahari and Savannah,” he said.
“BGSZ will also oversee inspections, auctions and registration of these breeds working together with the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB). The ZHB was established by an Act of Parliament in 1980 to oversee the registration of pedigree livestock. Stud breeding involves the controlled mating of livestock and detailed birth notifications of progeny with parents are recorded with the Herd Book. In addition, stud breeders record the fertility, survival and growth performance.”
He said there was need to ensure goat breeds are registered in Zimbabwe so that they can be traceable.
Mr Mpofu emphasized that BGSZ inspections will be critical to check Boer goat quality to ensure the breeds are pure.
“Checking if a goat breed is pure involves a combination of verifying official documentation, evaluating physical traits against breed standards and assessing the reputation of the breeder. This will ensure Zimbabwe is able to compete with neighbouring countries like South Africa, Botswana and Namibia among others for pure goat breeds,” he added.
Boer goat farming is becoming a highly lucrative, in-demand business in Zimbabwe, driven by the need for improved meat production, while crossing Boer goats with local Mashona and Matabele goats boosts live weights.
Most farmers crossing the indigenous goats Mashona and Matabele with Boer bucks have highlighted how highly effective the common strategy is to increase herd weight, growth speed and market value while retaining hardiness.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi