In response to the pressing need for new-era farmers to improve their cattle genetics, the KwaZulu-Natal Beefmaster Breeders Club in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture and rural development, recently hosted a two-day exhibition tour focused on enhancing beefmaster genetics.
Experts in the field emphasised the necessity of improving genetic traits related to growth in beef cattle, an area often found lacking among new-era farmers.
Recognising this need, the Beefmaster Breeders Club facilitated the participation of a group of farmers, covering eight stud breeders located in the Southern Berg region. It was an eye-opener for the participating farmers, and they got to learn about the importance of investing in a good bull.
Exploring different breeding strategies
During the tour, participants explored Magmar Beefmasters, a respected stud breeder in Swartberg since 1973.
Magmar employs five bulls annually in their artificial insemination programme. They strategically delay using the bulls’ semen until their heifers prove their performance and desired traits.
Dawie du Plessis, the farm’s business director, emphasised their commitment to selecting top-performing animals. Magmar conducts DNA tests to identify sires, prioritising superior ones in their insemination programme, and showcasing their dedication to improving cattle genetics.
“It is not always the best bull you buy at the sale that always breeds you the best animals on your farm. We have changed our strategy where we buy live bulls together with other stud breeders like Pleasant View.
“We spend time looking at the bull’s physical appearance and compare his pedigree. Milk value on the bull is important to them together with growth figures and intercalving period. A bull with good milk value is going to produce females with good milk. We don’t want too much milk as we have to maintain balance between milk and fertility,” said Du Plessis.
Benefits of integrating Beefmaster bulls
New-era farmers were exposed to different breeding strategies from one breeder to another as the environments are not the same from one farm to another, and they got to witness the Beefmaster’s versatility.
They also got to see different styles of herd management as dictated by the environment and fodder flow.
A visit to Super Beef Beefmasters, founded by Chris Dwen, revealed why integrating Beefmaster bulls into their operations is a good choice.
“I do believe that Beefmaster is the second top breed in South Africa. It adds early maturity; it adds thickness which is lacking on other composite breeds and increases beef production.
“It has the hardiness of the Brahman and the beefiness of Taurus breeds (Hereford and Shorton). It is a great combination of the three beef breeds put together,” said Dwen.
Farmers involved in the feedlotting business would appreciate that Beefmaster weaners are of early maturing genetics. Also, they grow fast, offering farmers excellent feed conversion ratios with a big carcass at slaughter.
Moreover, Beefmaster cows wean heavier calves compared to other breeds, and this is what weaner producers want in their herds.
Focus on female foundation
Ian Cameron of Camdane Beefmasters shared with attendees that their goal is to produce productive animals that perform adaptably in various environmental conditions.
“Our focus is to breed a solid, fertile and productive female foundation. A solid female foundation is very important because once established, functional breeding bull will come naturally.
“Females are the engine of any beef herd, selection of bloodlines decides the future for the breeder and therefore it must be done with the aim to achieve cow herd efficiency,” Cameron said.
Camdane Beefmasters artificially inseminate all their females with semen from the best bulls in the country, which include Super Beef Beefmasters, Bos Blanco Beefmasters, and WO Beefmasters.
“All cover bulls we use on the herd are selected for their genetic potential, and we believe we are on the right track,” he said.
Government support and partnerships
Meanwhile, experts say that new-era farmers can enhance beef production by integrating Beefmaster bulls into their herds. This could also enable meaningful participation in the red meat value chain.
So far, the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture and rural development has funded beef farmers in the province, collaborating with Beefmaster breeders to assist in achieving production goals. Experts advocate for partnerships with the private sector to share skills and knowledge, facilitating the advancement of new-era farmers.
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