Le Roy van der Merwe, founder of Redstag Ranch near Lephalale in Limpopo, is on a mission to promote one of South Africa’s most promising livestock breeds, the Kalahari Red. Known for their resilience, adaptability, and striking red coats, these meat-producing goats seem to be gaining ground with farmers across the country.
The Kalahari Red is a meat goat breed originating from South Africa, named after the Kalahari Desert. While selective breeding has influenced its development, natural selection has also played a key role. The semi-arid environment of the Kalahari has helped shape the breed’s resilience. Kalahari Reds are especially resistant to sunlight, parasites, and diseases.
Together with his wife, Cindy van der Merwe, Le Roy initially explored various types of livestock, game, and cropping. But over the past 18 months, the couple has turned their full attention to breeding Kalahari Reds.
“We focus on breeding Kalahari Red goats for both commercial and stud breeders. We’re also expanding into the informal market because the demand for meat goats is growing rapidly,” he explains.
Related stories
- Farmers cash in as goat meat gets gourmet makeover
- Goat and sheep farmers breed smarter to beat climate stress
- Goat matchmaker Vuyisile finds purpose serving traditional healers
A breed built for Africa
Van der Merwe believes South African farmers are sitting on a genetic goldmine. “We’re extremely blessed here in South Africa, where we have the best meat goat genetics in the world. We are the envy of the rest of the world, and the Kalahari Red is one of the premier breeds that we have here.”
Distinguished by their rich red-brown colour, Kalahari Reds aren’t just good-looking; their colouring offers real survival advantages.
“Apart from painting a lovely picture in the veld, it does have some practical advantages like providing camouflage against predators and also contributing to the heat tolerance, which keeps them productive in the harsh climates that we have here in South Africa.”
Considering Kalahari Reds? Keep this in mind
1. Profitability begins with productivity
According to Van der Merwe, profitability in goat farming starts with selecting for the right traits, especially in an intensive system. “Fertility will always be the most important thing. If your animals aren’t fertile, then the rest is irrelevant. In an intensive system, you need lambing percentages north of 200% and the same with the weaning percentages to make sure that you remain profitable.”
Other key considerations include mothering ability, milk production, and functional efficiency. “[The Kalahari Red] is a meat goat. You need to be able to supply the market with a quality carcass with acceptable yield.”
2. Measure, monitor, and cull
Redstag Ranch follows a semi-intensive system. Ewes browse during the day and are supplemented with feed in the evening, while young rams are grown out in a feedlot system.
“I weigh all of my herd at least once a week; we measure out how much feed we put out specifically for the rams. Then every week we read those weights into our management software, and that keeps track of the gains,” Van der Merwe explains.
Unproductive animals are removed from the system. “There’s no place for passengers here on the farm. If a ewe doesn’t get pregnant within two tries, then she has to go. It might not be nice in the short term, but in the long term, it’s the only way to remain profitable.”
3. The myth of the ‘low-maintenance’ goat
Van der Merwe notes that Kalahari Reds are browsers, making them particularly suited to regions with bush encroachment. “Here in Limpopo, where I farm, we’ve got a lot of bush encroachment. The Kalahari Red fits in perfectly with our environment.”
According to a study, Comparative study of growth patterns of Kalahari Red goats and West African dwarf goats reared in Southwest Nigeria, this breed is highly suited to arid and semi-arid savannah regions, known for its strong foraging skills and exceptional maternal instincts. As a result, it is often referred to as a “minimum care, maximum profit” breed.
However, Van der Merwe warns against the belief that goats require minimal care.
“It is a hardy animal. It’s a versatile, adaptable animal, but I think there’s this misperception that goats thrive on rainwater and empty Checkers bags, which is not the case. You still need to look after them.”
Compared to sheep, goats’ browsing habits give them an edge during tougher seasons, but they still require attentive management.
4. Opportunities for small-scale farmers
Van der Merwe believes Kalahari Reds are not just for big operations. Incorporating Kalahari Red genetics into communal herds can greatly enhance both meat quality and overall productivity, providing small-scale farmers with a valuable opportunity to increase their profitability. According to Boergoat SA, breeders choose Kalahari Reds for their natural traits and overall functionality.
“I think it’s the perfect breed to use for crossbreeding,” he says.
READ NEXT: Waterlogged fields? Here’s how to fix it early
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
