I'm thinking of owning a Boer goat as a pet. Are they easy to look after, and what sort of health problems do they have?

Boer goats originated in South Africa in the early 1900s and began to be widespread in the US in the early 1990s. Of all the goat breeds, the Boer goat is probably the best breed to keep as a pet. Indeed, Boar goats are known as the 'gentle giants' of the goat world.

As they were first bred for their strength, hardiness and the quality of their meat, Boer goats are naturally more resistant to disease than other breeds of goats, and also have a more docile nature. Since their introduction to the US, a number of boer goat associations have sprung up, and would be your best first port of call regarding their care and ownership. You can try the American Boer Goat Association, based in San Angelo, Texas (click here); or the United States Boer Goat Association, based in Spicewood, Texas (click here). For the UK, try the British Boer Goat Society (click here).

Healthy Goat, Happy Owner

Despite their hardiness, Boer goats are still susceptible to certain diseases and ailments. On purchasing a Boer goat, register it with the nearest appropriate as soon as possible. Common goat complaints include mastitis, bottlejaw, pinkeye, worms, hoofrot, parasits, ketosis and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) which causes swelling to the goat's knees. Click here for more on CAEV.

Here's a film to get you started with Boer goats: