The most popular breed in the Republic of South Africa is the Bonsmara. Developed by internationally respected Professor Jan Bonsma at Mara Research Station. Extensive comparisons involving Africanders, Hereford, Shorthorn, Sussex, Angus, and Red Poll over many years commenced in 1937, with the outcome being an animal of 5/8 Africander, 3/16 Hereford, 3/16 Shorthorn. Hardy and at home in a wide range of environments particularly the dry tropics.
The breed was not allowed into Australia or any foot and mouth free country until C.S.I.R.O. together with a consortium of Australian Producers initiated a programme to introduce Boran and Tuli cattle via washed embryos born disease free on Cocas Island in 1990, a world first operation. With the pathway open the Bonsmara became available and enthusiastically welcomed around the world with extensive herds in the USA and South America.
7 month old Bonsmara calves.
Bonsmara exhibit excellent conformation. All registered animals have been inspected by nominated breed inspectors. Bonsmara society regulations ensure bulls which are not of high standard cannot be sold for breeding as Bonsmara with normally at least one third of bulls being rejected.
South African Bonsmara have been tested for feed conversion for many years The foundation sires used at Tremere are from the top of the very best herds in South Africa and are all recorded on Breedplan
