The Boer is a true meat type animal. In terms of lean product produced per unit of input, goats cannot compete with the other meat producing species on lush grasslands, improved pastures or in a feedlot scenario. However, because of their preference for browsing on brushes, bushes and weeds, goats are the most efficient in the conversion of browse pasture to lean tissue. The long-term viability of the goat industry hinges on breeders' abilities to develop a prolific, fast growing animal with desirable carcass traits that can be sustained and productive on a browse diet. The supply of slaughter goats is seasonal.
Most kids tend to be sold for slaughter from four to eight months of age.
Thus overall, there is an imbalance of supply throughout the year as the heaviest demand period is December-April. Goats are graded much like cattle, using prime, choice and good grades. Unlike some other species, there is very little price differentiation between the lighter and heavier weight goats. However, the cost of delaying the marketing could exceed the additional income received from a heavier animal. Keeping the costs low for stocker animals, from weaning to about 40 pounds is critical to having consistent profits.