16 August 2023
By: Fredalette Uys
The Rietkuil Boer Goat stud farm was pleasantly surprised when a doe gave birth to healthy quadruplets in the field.
Danie Strauss, co-owner of the farm in Philippolis, Free State, says the doe spent her entire pregnancy in the field, without additional feeding. She also mated naturally.
Danie, who owns the farm with his brother, Johan, says all four kids are still alive, and he believes the mother will raise them herself. They do not intend to separate the kids from her. “She has a good udder and the milk supply is sufficient, which is advantageous.”
However, the doe will be “watched a little more closely” and might be moved to a lush pasture.
Danie adds that it is not common for quadruplets to be born under extensive conditions, and the current trend among Boer Goat farmers is to lamb more intensively.
The farm’s does graze in the field after mating season and are moved during lambing for easier monitoring, although they remain in natural conditions.
Danie says they have managed the farm, which is more than 30 years old, in a more extensive manner over the past decade to instil more resilience in their herd.
