Bonsmara cattle characteristics
Their name stems from Prof. Jan Bonsma’s last name, who led the breeding process, and from Mara, one of the research stations where the breed was created between 1937 and 1963.
According to the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders Society, the shorthorn breed is renowned for its remarkable adaptability, suitability for large production, and superior meat quality.
The Bonsmara is a medium-sized red animal with horns at birth, but they must be removed to meet breed standards.
Average mature cow weights range from 500 to 550 kg, and their calves have weaning weights of about 230 kg on average.
The cows are good mothers, and due to their Afrikaner origin, they are typically resistant to many of the diseases spread by ticks.
The Bonsmara breed is the most prevalent in South Africa because they currently produce between 50% and 60% of the country’s commercial beef herd.
They produce great offspring when crossed with Brahman and are often crossed with Charolais or Limousin for weaner production.
The meat is juicy and tender, with excellent marbling.
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