Many believe that when South Africa regains its foot-and-mouth disease-free status, international demand for South African Braunvieh genetics will shoot up to such an extent that local breeders will not be able to meet the demand. The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the global red meat production arena, according to Gawie Naudé, who farms on Buttermead and Earlstown near Rhodes.
He says it is becoming increasingly difficult to find pure Braunvieh genetics in the US and Europe, creating an ideal export market for local producers.
Braunvieh breeding in the US can be divided into three categories, namely full blood, purebred (80% to 90% pure) and the so-called beef-builder crossbreed. "A significant portion of the beef builder crosses includes Braunvieh genetics as the breed is genetically so far removed from other breeds," says Gawie. He adds that crossing Braunvieh with Angus cattle has taken off to such an extent in the US that the Angus/Braunvieh crosses have, for practical reasons, developed into a separate breed. All the crossbreeding means that 100% pure genetics are increasingly difficult to come by.
A CENTURY OF ADAPTING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Over a period of about 100 years, the local Braunvieh has developed into a truly African breed with all the requirements needed for optimum meat production irrespective of the farming conditions they are subjected to. Not only is the breed an excellent choice for crossbreeding, but it is also able to survive and flourish in the most challenging conditions. The Eduan Braunvieh, for example, thrives on the sourveld of the Eastern Cape Highlands.
"The modern Braunvieh is almost unrecognisable from the cattle that initially arrived on Buttermead. They were large-framed animals bred mainly for milk production," says Gawie.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 10 May 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 10 May 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.
