breed with the right cattle
Known for its high quality beef and resistance to local diseases. Originating in South Africa as a scientific experiment of professor Jan Bonsma, the Bonsmara was created after many cross matings and back-crosses consisting of five-eighths Afrikaner (Sanga-type), three-sixteenths Hereford, and three-sixteenths Shorthorn (both taurine types)
Not all cattle thrive in sub-tropical or arid climates, but Bonsmara cattle do. This highly efficient breed is suitable for warm regions, because it was bred in South Africa. Due to its adaptability and beef characteristics, the breed has gained much recognition today. In fact, it is desirable in other parts of the world, including the United States.
The reason for developing the Bonsmara breed was to establish an efficient beef breed suitable for the warm bushveld and sub-tropical areas of South Africa. However, because of its adaptability, efficiency, beef- and carcass characteristics, the breed has gained much ground and today proliferates throughout South Africa. Because of its virtues, Bonsmara is also much sought after in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Why Bonsmara should be your 1st Choice
Calving & ease of calving
The female animal’s first task is to conceive. She must then carry the calf successfully and calve easily, without assistance. In South Africa, with its extensive grazing areas, it is not always cost-effective or even possible for a farmer or farmworker to be on hand when every calf is born. It is crucial, too, that the cow is able to take care of the calf immediately after birth.
Milk Production
The main task of every cow is to give the calf enough milk, and hence sufficient nutrients, to develop into a strong weaner. An adaptable Bonsmara cow should provide enough milk for the calf to grow at a rate of between 800g and 1kg a day. This will enable a calf weighing 35kg at birth to weigh 235kg at a weaning age of 205 days (seven months).
Calve protection
With predators such as dogs, jackal, caracal and even leopard roaming many areas, a cow should be able to protect her calf. Bonsmara cows, despite their docile temperament, are known for their protective instinct, and remain aware of the whereabouts of their calves when the herd is moved from one camp to another.
Characteristics
Of The Bonsmara
Well adapted to sub-tropical climate
Fertile
Calving ease
High quality meat
