Performance data from 465 Boer goat rams tested in a central performance test in the Northern Cape Veld-Ram Club from 1989 to 2007 were analysed to determine the relationship between performance and sale price. Rams were subjected to extensive management conditions on natural pastures for 160 days and finished-off in a feedlot for 50 days. Upon the conclusion of the entire test period, the rams were auctioned. Performance information was available for buyers for decision making. Traits analysed included final weight (FW), final weight index (FWI), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain index (ADGI), growth per day of age index (ADOI), Kleiber ratio (KR), auction weight (AW), scrotal circumference (SC), selection index (SI) and sale price (SP). Stepwise regression analyses, using proc GLM of SAS were performed to identify variables that significantly influenced sale prices. Final weight was significant in eight out of eighteen years, auction weight was significant in six of the seven years measured and selection index influenced prices in seven out of ten years. Scrotal circumference, average daily gain, final weight index, average daily gain index and Kleiber ratio had little influence on sale price. Growth per day of age index did not show any influence on sale price. Price was positively correlated (P<0.05) with many of the performance traits. All significant correlations were moderate to high and ranged from 0.37 to 0.80. The amount of variation in sale price accounted for by the performance traits ranged from 15% in year 1991 to 65% in 1998. The most important traits influencing sale price (SP) were final weight, auction weight, and selection index. The results indicated that buyers of stud rams put more emphasis on production traits such as body weight and that they recognize the importance of performance data as shown by their preference for animals with high selection indices.

Keywords: Boer goat; performance testing; sale price