Bonsmara

The Bonsmara originates from South Africa, it has been scientifically bred and strictly selected for economical production in extensive cattle grazing in sub-tropical climates. In 1937 it was generally noted that British breeds did not have the required heat tolerance for the sub tropics and that the Afrikaner did not perform as well in terms of calving regularity. Professor Jan Bonsma decided to test different breed combinations at the Messina Livestock Research Station.
Bulls of five British Beef breeds were used on Afrikaner cows and the progeny then performance tested. After pilot trials it was decided to continue only with the better performing Hereford and Shorthorn cross-breds. Ultimately three-quarter Afrikaners were mated to half-breeds to obtain progeny with 5/8 Afrikaner and 3/8 Hereford or Shorthorn blood.

The first results were already encouraging. Under the management circumstances prevailing at Mara in those days, the weaning weights of the crossbred cows were on average 195kg at 240 days (about 20% higher than those of the three parent breeds). Likewise the calving percentages of the crossbred cows were appreciably higher. The calf mortality was much lower than in the British Beef breeds and close to that of the more resistant Afrikaners.   more...

Upcoming Bonsmara Cattle Shows and Events

NSW Beef Spectacular & Trade Expo
     Location: Dubbo Showground, Dubbo, NSW, Australia, 2830
     When: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th March 2009

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Upcoming Bonsmara Cattle Sales / Auctions

NSW Beef Spectacular & Trade Expo
     Location: Dubbo Showground, Dubbo, NSW, Australia, 2830
     When: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th March 2009

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