Laying the Foundation for Genetic Improvement of the Jamaican Goat: Selection and Performance of Imported Boer Goat Seed Stock

Consumers are demanding high quality leaner meat at lower prices. Demandfor meat that is tender, low in fat, and low in cholesterol is forcing livestock producers to look to genetics for the challenge. Over the past five years goat producers throughout the United States have been using the South African Boer goat extensively to improvethe meat quality and productivity of the Spanish, Angora, and Tennessee Stiff-legged herds. The Boer goat has adapted very well to a variety of environmentalconditions, ranging from hot, dry semi-arid to humid and tropical bush. The Boer goat has the necessary characteristics which include size, uniform carcass, fast growth rates. high reproductive rates and longbreedingseason. They are good foragers, good milkers, and have excellent mothering ability. A characteristic feature of the Boer goat is a large frame with either solid or red markings or white hair and red markingson the head and neck. Mature animals weigh between 180-280Ibs for males and 110-165 lbs for females. Cross breeding experiments lire being conducted using the Boer. Jamaica Creole. and graded Nubians. There are several critical factors to consider when embarkingon a cross breeding program. These include criteria for selecting seed stock for the foundation herd. selecting a herd sire. management, and enviromnental conditions under which the animals willi exist. This study is a summary of the selection, processing, importation. and performanceof imported BOeJr goat seed stock that will form the genetic base for the improvementof the Jamaican goat. Imported Boer goats were evaluated to determine the performance of this animal under Jamaican tropical management conditions.