Livestock
Highland Home livestock fit perfectly into natural, sustainable agriculture in this day of increased awareness as to where our food comes from. Our livestock is raised in a humane environment, sustainable and organic manner, without the use of hormones and antibiotics. Our livestock is free-range and grass-fed and finished operation maximizing the health benefits to both our livestock and meats clientele.
At Highland Home Farm, we rear Boer Goats and Dorper Sheep in the most sustainable and econ-conscious environment and practices available. Find out more below about the breeds and contact us for further information.
Livestock
Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
Boer Goats
Boer goats commonly have white bodies and distinctive brown heads. Some Boer goat breeds can be completely brown or white. Like the Nubia goat, they possess long, pendulous ears. They are noted for being docile, fast-growing, and having high fertility rates. This breed of goat was developed in South Africa for meat production. Their name is derived from the Afrikaans word Boer, meaning farmer. This is a popular breed for meat. For commercial meat production, medium-sized does are normally preferred, as they produce the same number of kids, but require less feed to do so.
They can breed throughout the year and they reach sexual maturity at 5 months. They have formidable resistance against cold, wind, rain also high temperatures and are easy to care for without shearing problems.
Dorper Sheep
Dorper is a breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead Persian sheep. It is a fast-growing meat producing sheep, easy-care animal and well adapted to survive and it has high fertility and maternal instincts, combined with high growth rates and hardiness.
Dorper is one of the only sheep breeds that are polyoestrus. This means that they are capable of producing young 3 times in 2 years, as opposed to most other breeds that will produce young once per year, usually in late winter/early spring.
Prone to producing twins, they are very protective mothers and if in good condition, they will successfully rear twins with ease. Triplets have also been born from Dorpers, but due to having only two teats, it is rare that the third triplet will thrive.
