2 minute read
New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association – NZBGBA
Wiebe notes their production levels remain similar per goat, but the upgrade enables them to milk more goats . He adds that animal condition is better too . “At the start of the season, we had some animal health issues . But since we started in the new plant, those problems disappeared .” Cup slip is a thing of the past and they have had fewer grading issues .
Prepared for the future
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“We have generally been careful about investing too much” says Wiebe . “But we feel that the (NZ) goat industry keeps getting better, with the market much more positive than it was 20 years ago . The (NZ Dairy Goat) Co-op continues to want more milk and we’re always aiming to better our operation . ”
•Milking 1,200 goats twice daily used to take 8 hours/day . • Existing parlour was retrofitted with GEA’s double-up herringbone system (80 bails), low line with cup removers, Metatron milk meters and DemaTron 70 control units,
PPiD with RFID and DairyPlan software . • With GEA retrofit, milking time has been reduced by more than 2 hours/day . • Other benefits: production data is captured on each animal, less animal health issues, big costsavings .
The Smitstras are well-prepared to increase production with a high-end milking parlour and good information on the herd . They have since built a new barn and will increase the herd size .
Key Points:
The New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association was formed in 1989 to maintain a stud registry, with the objectives of promoting the breeding and production of meat from Boer Goats in New Zealand . The Boer Goat originates from South Africa, with the breed established in the 1950’s specifically to produce meat . The breed was imported into NZ in the late 1980’s and goats created from breeding programs at the Quarantine Stations were released to the farming public in 1993 .
REASONS TO CHOOSE BOER GOATS
• Meat goats producing a low saturated fat and low cholerestol meat • Improves meat carrying capacity when used as a terminal sire over dairy, feral and fibre goats • Suitable for a wide range of pastoral conditions • Browsing animal – improves pasture management and control of weeds .
