The Boer is an improved goat which is bred primarily for meat. The Boer goat is being used very effectively in combination with cattle due to its preference for browse and the resulting limited impact on the grass cover. When the primary feed source is limited to graze seven (7) Boer goats and their kids can be managed in the same area required for one (1) cow/calf pair.

Recent US performance tests demonstrate that exceptional individual Boer kids are capable of average daily gains above 0.94 lb/day (427 g/day) in feedlot. Performance of nursing market kids under range conditions can be expected to be 0.4-0.6 lbs/day (200-300 g/day) from birth to weaning age. The ovulation rate for Boer goats ranges from 1 to 4 eggs per doe. A kidding rate of 200% is common for this breed. The Boer goat also has an extended breeding season making possible 3 kiddings every 2 years.

The South African Boer registry was established in 1959. Since 1970 the Boer goat has been incorporated into the National Mutton Sheep and Goat Performance Testing Scheme making it the first goat breed involved in meat production performance testing.