Contact: Dylan Meintjes Rohan Meintjes 072 892 6347 · DEUR: Frans Jordaan LNR - DPI: Nasionale Vleisbees Koei Verbetering Skema Koei 26 2016 BORAN | JOURNAL | JOERNAAL. I nsetkoste

Jester VST 12-20(Cojack CI 08-30 x Jackie MHB 05-08)

Zianca HOT 12-02(Khan MHB 04-27 x Zelma HOT 07-09)

Brandy HOT 10-01(Ceaser TLM 02-04 x Bianca HOT 07-08)

Contact: Dylan Meintjes• 072 892 6347• [email protected]

Rohan Meintjes• 082 444 2756• [email protected]

www.sterkfonteinfarms.co.za

Oros MHB 11-73(Khan MHB 04-27 x Odette MHB 08-38)

Odette MHB 08-38(Impi MHB 04-10 x Odette MHB 05-05)Oros MHB 11-73 son of Odette MHB 08-38

Oros MHB 11-73

O

Simeon Hurwitz 082 415 5448 (owner) Jarren Hurwitz 082 412 3393 (owner)

Hendy Mathews 071 675 3012 (ceo) Jeannie Du Plessis 072 680 8589 (stud manager)

Moments from our 2015 Auction...

6 August - Production Auction 28 September - Bull Auction 2016

Web www.bhfarming.co.zaEmail [email protected]

Office 017 815 5008 Office & Fax 017 629 3392

Following 20 years of breeding Boran cattle in South Africa, our inaugural auction was a resounding success. The information day dedicated to “Boran in

the feedlot” with guest speaker Mr. Dave Ford (executive director of the SA Feedlot Association) attracted over 120 guests and the auction on the following

day attracted over 350 guests. The results achieved marked the most successful production auction in the 2015 Boran calendar and the highest priced Boran

animal sold during 2015. We would humbly like to thank all our buyers and customers for your incredible support on the auction and throughout

the year and for the confidence that you have shown in our animals and genetics. We look forward to seeing you again at both of our 2016 auctions.

Highest

priced

Boran sold

in 2015

LW 09 22 “Olifant”

R320,000 – Tom & Hayley Breytenbach

Farm Hammelfontein Davel, Mpumalanga

Circle H Studs - Where quality, Quantity & excellence meat!

Breeding Boran Since 1995

28 September - Bull Auction

AUCTION RESULTS SP ANIMALS

CFH 09 109 “Harry”

BH 11 28 “Ignite” NBOR 07 157 “Zelda”

BH 12 71 “Sera”

R180,000 – Pieter Erasmus

R65,000 – Hueston Groenewaldt

R100,000 – Liz & Mick Reilly

R65,000 – Rohan & Dylan Meintjes

Bulls • Highest: R320,000 LW 09 22 “Olifant” • Buyer: Tom & Hayley Breytenbach• Average: R90,500

Cows • Highest: R65,000 NBOR 07 157 “Zelda” • Buyer: Rohan & Dylan Meintjes• Average: R34,520

Heifers• Highest: R100,000 BH 12 71 “Sera” • Buyer: Liz & Mick Reilly• Average: R37,333

Auctions

24 2016 BORAN | JOURNAL | JOERNAAL

Look at everything as

though you wereseeing it either for the first or

last time...BETTIE SMITH

252016 BORAN | JOURNAL | JOERNAAL

DOELTREFFENDHEIDIs groter altyd beter?Koei-produktiwiteit word gewoonlik geassosïeer met die raamtipe van die koei. Groter koeie is geneig om groter kalwers te gee met geboorte en wat gewoonlik ook swaarder speen. Voerkrale betaal die boer per kilogram lewendige gewig vir speenkalwers en sodoende beteken swaarder speengewigte meer wins in die boer se sak.

Maar is groter altyd die meer winsgewende opsie in ‘n speen-kalf produksiestelsel? Om die vraag te antwoord is nie eenvoudig nie, aangesien daar baie faktore is wat ‘n rol speel in ‘n speenkalf produksiestelsel en wat in ag geneem moet word.

DEUR: Frans Jordaan LNR - DPI:

Nasionale Vleisbees Verbetering Skema

KoeiKoei


Insetkoste teenoor uitset of wins moet die basis vorm van besluitneming wat dit betref. Swaarder diere word gewoonlik geassosieer met groter raamdiere, soos reeds genoem, wat ‘n toename in onderhoudsbehoeftes beteken.

‘n Hoër melkproduksie, hoër inwendige orgaan-gewig en ‘n toenemende voedingsbehoefte word benodig om die hoër produksie te handhaaf. Die groter raamdiere is gewoonlik hoër in spiermassa en laer in vetpersentasie in vergelyking met kleiner raamdiere wat geassosiëer word met laer onderhoudsbehoeftes, asook ‘n laer melkproduksie. Klein raamdiere het ‘n laer inwendige orgaangewig, is laer in spiermassa en hoër in vetpersentasie op ‘n vroeër ouderdom in vergelyking met groot raam- rasse. Hierdie diere het normaalweg ook ‘n laer voerinname as die groter raamtipes. Kleiner raamtipes bereik ook volwassenheid op ‘n vroeër ouderdom.

Hierdie is voorbeelde van die twee ekstreme raamtipes wat gewoonlik rasspesifiek is, maar diere kan ook binne ras variëer in raamtipe wat beteken ‘n balans moet gevind word tussen produksie en onderhoud. Die doel is uiteindelik om diere te produseer wat optimaal aangepas is vir die betrokke omgewing en spesifieke produksiestelsel en markvereistes.

Teeldoelwitte om doeltreffendheid van vleisbeesproduksie te verbeter.Dit is belangrik om produksie te handhaaf of te verbeter, uitgedruk per eenheid, en dit sluit in groei en/of melkproduksie. Die uiteindelike doel is om volhoubaarheid van produksie te verseker en om winsgewendheid te verbeter.

As gevolg van die belangrike rol wat die koei-kalf fase in die produksie van vleis speel, is dit sinvol om op die doeltreffendheid van hierdie fase te konsentreer.

Sestig tot sewentig persent van die koste van vleisproduksie word toegeskryf aan voerkostes en derhalwe is seleksie van die koei en veral die regte bul keuse belangrik indien doeltreffendheid verbeter moet word.

Die literatuur bevestig dat die genetiese variasie vir onderhoudsbehoeftes (gekoppel

aan energiebehoeftes) gemiddeld tot hoog is en dit onderstreep weereens die waarde van seleksie vir voerdoeltreffendheid.

Binne die BGP (“Beef Genomics Project”), waarin die LNR ‘n sentrale rolspeler is, word produksiedata versamel, wat ook individuele voe inname insluit. Dit staan bekend as netto voerinname-toetse. Karkas kwaliteit en DNA ontledings van diere wat deel is van hierdie projek word ook gedoen. Die mees prominente rolspelers in die vleisbeesbedryf en navorsers van verskeie instansies is ook betrokke by die BGP. Jong bulle se individuele voerinname word by sentrale toetsstasies van die LNR en verskeie privaat toetsstasies gemeet om uiteindelik die diere te identifiseer wat voer meer doeltreffend of meer ekonomies kan omskakel na goeie kwaliteit vleis.

Voeromset-verhouding was nog altyd ‘n maatstaf van doeltreffendheid en is die verhouding wat die hoeveelheid voer benodig om een kilogram in liggaamsgewig toe te neem kwantifiseer.

Hoekom is voeromset-verhouding nie geskik as ‘n seleksiehulpmiddel nie?Hierdie is ‘n verhouding en kombinasie van twee eienskappe, naamlik voerinname, sowel as toename in groei. Indien dit wel as hulpmiddel gebruik word vir seleksie, sal indirek vir groei selekteer word. Die nageslag sal diere wees met hoër volwasse liggaamsgewigte en gevolglik groter raamkoeie wat nie gewens is nie vanwee die hoër onderhoudshoeftes.

Met die toets van bulle vir net-to voerinname kan diere identifi-seer word wat ‘n laer voerinname as hul tydgenote het, maar steeds gemiddeld of selfs bo-gemiddel-de groei- potensiaal toon. Voer-inname en groei kan as aparte eienskappe geëvalueer word en sodanig as seleksiehulpmiddel aangewend word.

Om bogenoemde redes is dit baie belangrik om die korrekte bul keuse te maak. Die


bul het ‘n groot invloed op die prestasie van sy nageslag en selfs nog groter indien sy vroulike nageslag geselekteer word as vervangingsverse in die koei kudde. Sodoende kan genetiese verbetering binne die koei kudde bewerkstellig word.

Koeigewig (as indikasie van die koei se raamgrootte) en speengewig (die tempo waarteen die kalf groei) is faktore wat in ag geneem moet word deur die kommersiële teler om doeltreffendheid van sy produksiestelsel te verseker.

Metodes om koei doeltreffendheid te evalueer.Verskeie metodes is in die verlede toegepas om die doeltreffendheid van koeie te evalueer. Kilogram kalf gespeen per koei blootgestel aan die bul is ‘n voorbeeld van doeltreffendheid en is ‘n kombinasie van twee eienskappe naamlik, produksie sowel as vrugbaarheid.

Nog ‘n metode is om die kilogram kalf gespeen per koei blootgestel aan die bul, as verhouding tot koeigewig uit te druk. Dit is die welbekende koei-kalf verhouding wat algemeen deur telers toegepas word om hul koeie se doeltreffendheid te evalueer. Die ideaal is ‘n koei wat ten minste 50% van haar eie liggaamsgewig speen. Die tekortkoming van hierdie metode is egter dat dit kleiner koeie bevoordeel. Hou ingedagte dat 50% van ‘n koei wat 300 kg weeg ‘n kalf van 150 kg beteken en dat so kalf nie noodwendig in aanvraag sal wees by die voerkraal nie.

Voerkraalagente sien speengewig as ‘n indikasie van groei gedurende die voerkraal fase (na-speense groei) en minimum vereistes ten opsigte van speenkalf gewig word gestel om winsgewende groei te verseker tydens die voerkraal fase.

Hoe verskil die bogemoemde metode van ‘n onlangse studie om koei doeltreffend te bepaal?Die metode van kilogram kalf gespeen per koeigewig, maar waar die koeigewig gestandardiseer word grootvee eenhede. Hierdie grootvee eenhede word gekoppel aan haar voedingsbehoeftes. Sodoende word voorsiening gemaak vir voerdoeltreffendheid, sowel as die produksievermoë en vrugbaarheid. Die kalfpersentasie

is met behulp van ‘n formule bereken deur die gemiddelde tussen-kalf periode in te sluit in die berekening. (Die wiskindige “formule” wat toegepas is vir die berekening van die grootvee eenhede vir klein- en medium raamkoeie is in samewerking tussen die Landbounavorsingsraad en die Vrystaat Universiteit gedoen.)

Koei doeltreffendheid van die vier inheemse rasse van Suid-Afrika.Navorsing wat die doeltreffendheid van produksie vir vier inheemse rasse evaluëer is onlangs afgehandel as ‘n na-graadse studie aan die Vrystaat Universiteit. Produksie, onderhoudsbehoeftes en vrugbaarheid is die 3 belangrike komponente wat die basis van die studie gevorm het en prestasiedata van meer as 30 jaar was ingesluit.

Data is opgesom vir fenotipiese speengewig, voedingsbehoeftes van die koei (gekoppel aan grootvee eenhede), die frekwensie van kalwing (TKP) asook kalf persentasie.

Hoe is grootvee eenhede bepaal in terme van voedingsbehoeftes?‘n Grootvee eenheid is gedefiniëer as die ekwivalent van ‘n os wat 450 kilogram weeg, met ‘n gemiddelde daaglikse toename van 0.5 kilogram op natuurlike weiding waarvan die kwaliteit ‘n gemiddelde verteerbare energie inhoud van 55% het en 75 MJ metaboliseerbare energie bevat. (Meissner,1983)

Bogenoemde is die ekwivalent van ‘n 9 kilogram droë materiaal inname per dag. Grootvee eenhede gebasseer op hierdie vergelyking is bereken vir die twee klein raam rasse (Afrikaner en Nguni) en vir die twee medium raam rasse. (Bonsmara en Drakensberger). Hou ook ingedagte dat die voedingsbehoeftes en daarom voerinname van ‘n klein raamkoei wat 450kg weeg minder is as die voedingsbehoeftes en voerinname van ‘n groot raamkoei met dieselfde gewig.

‘n Voorspelde kalfpersentasieis is vir al die rasse bereken deur die gemiddelde tussen-kalf-periode per jaar in ag te neem. (Roux en Scholtz, 1984). Koei doeltreffendheid word dan as kilogram kalf per grootvee eenheid geproduseer uitgedruk.

Die resultate het getoon dat


drie van die vier rasse produksie kon verbeter. Die doeltreffendheid van produksie het ook in al vier rasse verbeter oor die 30 jaar periode, maar om verskillende redes. In die medium raam rasse het die gemiddelde speengewig per geboorte jaar verbeter, maar die volwasse gewig van die koeie het terselfdertyd ook toe geneem. Slegs een van die rasse kon daarin slaag om die gemiddelde produksie (kilogram kalf gespeen per grootvee eenheid) te verbeter en terselfdertyd ook koeigewig konstant gehou. Die ander rasse wat wel daarin kon slaag om koei doeltreffendheid te verbeter, word toegeskryf aan verbetering in vrugbaarheid (tussen-kalf-periode).

Wat kan gedoen word om koei doeltrefendheid van die nasionale kudde te verbeter?‘n Verbetering in vrugbaarheid, waarvan kalfpersentasie ‘n aanduiding is, moet verbeter word van die huidige 62% vir die kommersiële sektor. Die algemene doelwit moet wees ‘n toename in speenkalf gewig te bewerkstellig sonder om die volwasse gewigte of koeigewigte terselfdertyd te verhoog.

In ‘n kommersiële produksie-stelsel kan ‘n kruisteelstelsel gevolg word of seleksie vir ‘n hoër melkproduksie van die koei kudde. Die ideaal is verhoogde produsie per eenheid koeigewig (uitgedruk in grootvee eenhede) en om sodoende doeltreffendheid van produksie te verbeter.

Volgens ‘n suksesvolle en baie prominente Bonsmara teler moet gepoog word om kalwers te produseer wat by geboorte tussen 35 en 37 kg weeg, met ‘n daaglikse gemiddelde toename van 1 kilogram per dag tot speenouderdom. Indien die teler daarin kan slaag sal dit ‘n speenkalf van 240 kg tot gevolg hê wat in aanvraag is by die voerkrale. Hierdie kan as riglyn dien vir telers wat met medium raam rasse boer. Hy bepaal ook sy winsgewendheid deur die aantal kalwers gespeen uit die aantal koeie gepaar gedurende die dekseisoen.

Indien die kommersiële telers kalwers produseer vir die voerkraal moet sy doelwit wees om ‘n speenkalf te produseer wat in aanvraag is deur die voerkraal, sodat hy sy mark sodoende kan bevredig. Volgens Dave Ford van die SA Voerkraal Vereniging, sal

‘n speenkalf van rondom 235 kg genoeg groei sodat die voerkraal ‘n addisionele 200 kg by sy liggaamsgewig kan voeg oor ‘n tydperk van 3 maande. So kalf kan winsgewend in ‘n voerkraal produksiestelsel gevoer word.

Die mees winsgewende kalf is nie altyd die swaarste kalf by speen nie, maar eerder een met die optimum gewig wat deur die voerkraal vereis word.

Hoe kan bestuur ‘n swaarder kalf by speen verseker?Bestuur is ‘n omgewingsfaktor wat ‘n groot invloed het op die doeltreffendheid van die koei-kalf produksiestelsel. Dis belangrik dat vervangingsverse van goeie genetika gebruik word om ouer koeie te vervang. Sodoende kan produksie gehandhaaf word en ook om hoër produksie te verseker. Ouer koeie raak minder doeltreffend deurdat hul melkproduksie afneem en dis belangrik om verse van goeie genetiese materiaal te gebruik as vervanging. Die genetiese invloed van die bul word weereens onderstreep.

Bestuur koeie se kondisie voor die dekseisoen, sowel as voor kalwing om hoër konsepsie te verseker asook ‘n sterker kalf by geboorte. Oor-voeding kan ook geboorte gewigte van kalwers verhoog en moet verhoed word. Die omgewing waarin diere produseer sal die raamtipe van die koei bepaal en nie andersom nie. Dit is nie ‘n volhoubare praktyk om ‘n gunstige omgewing vir die koeie te probeer skep deur bv. deurgaans byvoeding te gee nie en kan uiteindelik produksie ook negatief beïnvloed.

Hou altyd ingedagte dat die koei wat makliker geboorte skenk aan ‘n kalf die voordeel het dat sy gouer en makliker herstel na die geboorte en gereed is vir die volgende dekseisoen.

Hoe kan die boer genetiesever-betering bewerkstellig om sodo-ende swaarder kalwers te speen?Genetiese verbetering.Die mees logiese metode om genetieseverbetering te

verseker is om voortdurend die huidige kudde-vaar geneties te verbeter deur die toepassing van BLUP teelwaardes as seleksiehulpmiddel. Vermy eerder die praktyk van bul koop sonder prestasie data of geen BLUP teelwaardes.

Die gebruik van ‘n terminale bul is ‘n opsie om groei te verhoog in die kudde, maar al die nageslag moet geslag word en die vroulike nageslag moet nie as teelmateriaal behou word nie.

Spesifieke eienskappe wat by die teler se teeldoelwitte inskakel, moet altyd oorweeg word by die seleksie van ‘n bul. Hierdie belangrike eienskappe moet in balans wees vir die teel van vervangingsverse. Eienskappe wat altyd in ag geneem moet word is vrugbaarheid, groei, raam-tipe en ander eienkappe wat ‘n aanduiding is van doeltreffendheid.

Dis altyd belangrik om die veilingskatalogus so spoedig moontlik te bekom voor die veilingsdatum om sodoende “genetiese seleksie” toe te pas en ‘n kortlys op te stel van bulle wat by spesifieke teeldoelwitte inpas vir ‘n kudde.

Direkte geboorte teelwaardes moet altyd op die rasgemiddeld of effens onder rasgemiddeld wees. Speen direkte- en maternale teelwaardes altyd bokant die rasgemiddeld. Gemiddelde daaglikse toename vir verbetering op groeivermoë ook bokant rasgemiddeld. Skrotum- omtrek teelwaardes as ‘n indikasie van vrugbaarheid behoort hoër as die rasgemiddeld te wees.

Teelwaardes vir volwasse gewig moet verkieslik op rasgemiddeld of onder rasgemiddeld wees. Ander doeltreffendheid eienskappe soos voeromset moet verkiesllik laer of onder die rasgemiddeld wees.

OpsommingDr Gordon Dickerson het die volgende stelling gemaak “On a farm, an efficient cow herd exhibits early sexual maturity, a high rate of reproduction, low rates of dystocia, longevity, minimum maintenance requirement, and the ability to convert available energy into the greatest possible kilograms of weaned calves”.

Maksimum winsgewendheid word gewoonlik bereik voor maksimum produksie.


EFFICIENCYIs bigger always better?Cow productivity is usually associated with the frame size of a cow. Bigger cows tend to produce bigger calves at birth as well as a heavier calf at wean which is financially beneficial if the calf is to be sold to a feedlot. The question remains whether bigger is always the more profitable option in a wean calf production system. Surely other factors which can play an important role should also be considered. The input- versus output-costs should form the basis when considering a calf production system aimed at the feedlot market.

BY: Frans Jordaan LNR - DPI:

National Beef Improvement Scheme

CowCow


Heavier animals are usually associated with a bigger frame, as mentioned, which results in an increase in maintenance requirements because of a higher milk production, high visceral organ weight

and an increased need for feed supply to sustain high production. These animals usually have higher body lean weight and lower body fat when compared with smaller frame animals which are associated with lower maintenance requirements and lower milk production. Small frame animals have a lower visceral organ weight, low body lean weight and are higher in total body fat weight and these animals require a lower feed supply than their bigger frame counterparts. Smaller frame animals will also typically be those that reach maturity at an earlier stage in life than large framed breeds. It is important to note that significant variation in frame size can also occur within breed which calls for a balanced approach and a need to identify an adapted, optimum animal based on the production environment and market requirements.

Breeding objectives to improve theefficiencyofbeefproduction.It is important to maintain or increase production per unit (either growth and/or milk production) to enable the commercial beef producer to ensure sustainability of his enterprise or to increase profitability. Due to the important role of the cow-calf phase in the production of beef it just makes sense to concentrate on this phase in order to increase the efficiency of production. Sixty to seventy percent of the cost of producing beef is due to feeding costs and the solution should be to look more closely at the bull and cow for feed efficiency.

According to literature, the genetic variation for maintenance linked to energy requirements is moderate to high and this highlights the importance of genetic selection aimed at improving feed efficiency. Researchers are currently busy with studies addressing this issue, of which the Beef Genomics Project is a multi-institutional and multidisciplinary project aimed at, amongst others, quantify and qualify the factors that affect

feed efficiency. As part of the project young bulls are tested in centralized testing centres of the Agricultural Research Council as well as private test centres to identify the most effective young bulls when it comes to converting feed into meat. Feed conversion ratio has always been regarded as an indication of feed efficiency and it indicates the amount of kilogram of feed needed by the animal to convert into one kilogram of live weight. This ratio unfortunately does not serve as an ideal trait for selection purposes: because of the combination of two combined traits in the ratio, e.g. feed intake as well as growth. If used as selection criteria the outcome will always result in selection for growth as well as an increase in body weight and/or frame size.

When testing animals for residual feed intake these two traits can be scientifically separated and the most efficient animals with regard to feed intake can be identified independently from growth. It makes sense to select on male animals due to the genetic influence from the bull on the cow herd. Also keep in mind if the female progeny of these bulls are kept as replacement heifers, genetic improvement can then be established within the herd by improving the feed efficiency of the cow herd, and therefore the efficiency of beef production for a specific environment.

Cow weight as an indication of cow size and the tempo of calf growth are essential factors to be considered by the commercial breeder to ensure efficiency of his production system.

Methods to evaluate cow efficiency.Hierdie is ‘n verhouding en kombinasie van twee eienskappe, naamlik voer inname sowel as toename in groei. Indien dit wel as hulpmiddel gebruik word vir seleksie, sal indirek vir groei selekteer word. Die nageslag sal diere wees met hoër volwasse liggaams gewigte en gevolglik


groter raam koeie wat nie gewens is nie vanwee die hoër onderhoudshoeftes.

Met die toets van bulle vir netto voer inname kan diere identifiseer word wat ‘n laer voerinname as hul tydgenote het, maar steeds gemiddeld of selfs bo-gemiddelde groei potensiaal According to literature numerous methods have been investigated in the past to evaluate cow efficiency. Kilogram of calf weaned per cow exposed is a combination of production and fertility of the cow to produce. Another option is kilogram of calf weaned per cow exposed per kilogram of cow weight which is the well-known cow-calf ratio used by farmers to evaluate their cows. The ideal is a cow must be able to wean at least 50% of her own weight, but this ratio tends to benefit the smaller cows. Keep in mind that 50% of a 300 kilogram cow will produce a 150 kilogram calf which may not be in demand by feedlots. In general, feedlot agents use calf wean weight as an indicator for potential growth (post wean) in the feedlot.

The option of kilogram of calf weaned per cow exposed per unit of feed requirements (large stock unit) makes provision for feed efficiency as well as the production ability and fertility of the cow.

Cowefficiencyoffourlandracebreeds of South Africa.Research in the efficiency of production for the four landrace breeds has recently been undertaken by researchers of the Agricultural Research Council. Production, maintenance and fertility formed the three important components of cow efficiency. Traits such as the phenotypic weaning weight, feed requirements of the dam linked to large stock unit, frequency of calving (inter-calving period) and calving percentage formed the basis of these three components.

Large stock unit was defined as the equivalent of an ox of 450 kilogram, with an average daily gain of 0.5 kilogram on grass pasture with an average digestible energy content of 55% and 75 MJ metabolizable energy. (Meissner, 1983)

This is an equivalent of 9 kilogram dry material intake per day. Large stock units based on this equation was calculated for the two small frame breeds (Afrikaner and

Nguni) and for the two medium frame breeds. (Bonsmara and Drakensberger). It is also important to keep in mind that the feeding requirements and therefore feed intake of a small frame cow of 450 kg will be different from that of a big frame cow of the same weight.

A predicted calving percentage was calculated from the average inter-calving period per year for each breed. Cow efficiency was calculated as kilogram calf weaned per large stock unit.

Summaryofcowefficiencyof the four landrace breeds over 30 years.One of the breeds studied improved on weaning weight and decreased in mature weight with an improvement in inter-calving period and an overall improvement of 18.3 % in cow efficiency. Three of the breeds managed to increase weaning weight. All four breeds improved inter- calving periods but two of the breeds also simultaneously increased mature weight.

With the absence of a common breeding strategy for one of the small frame breeds they could not manage an improvement in wean calf production but still managed to improve on cow efficiency through the reduction in inter-calving period.

What can be done to improve cowefficiencyinthenationalherd?Improvement in fertility, which is indicated by the calving percentage, needs to be increased from the current 62% for the commercial sector. The common objective should be to increase wean calf production without increasing the mature cow weight. This can be accomplished by either making use of cross-breeding or an increase in the milk production of the dam. The ideal is to produce more from less resources to improve on the efficiency of beef production.

According to a prominent and successful Bonsmara breeder, the


goal of producing calves at birth between 35 and 37 kilogram with an average growth of 1 kilogram per day till weaning will ensure a 240 kilogram calf at wean, which is in demand by feedlots. This can be a benchmark for beef farmers farming with medium frame breeds.

He also calculates profitability as the number of calves weaned from the number of cows mated during the mating season.

A breeding goal for the commercial breeder is to produce the desired weaner for the feedlot in order to satisfy the needs of his market. According to Dave Ford of the SA Feedlot Association, an average wean calf of 235 kilogram would allow the feedlot to add an additional 200 kilograms of meat to the carcass over a three month period which will ensure a profitable calf in the feedlot production system. This implies that the most profitable calf is not always the heaviest calf at wean, but rather one with an optimum weight which is required by the market.

ManagementManagement is an environmental factor which has a big influence on the efficiency of the cow-calf production system. The aim is to produce replacement heifers of good quality genetics to maintain production of the cowherd and also to improve production of the herd. Older cows become less efficient with a decline in milk production and have to be replaced with heifers of good genetic potential.

Manage the condition of cows before mating as well as before calving to ensure higher percentage of conception and a stronger calf at birth. Over-feeding will also increase the birth weights of calves and this should rather be prevented. The production environment will determine the optimum cow size and not the other way round. If the breeder tries to create an environment for the optimum cow by supplement feeding it is not a sustainable environment for the cow herd and can influence the sustainability of his production system. Always keep in mind that the easier the calving process, the quicker and shorter the recovery will be after calving, and as a result it will be easier to get her pregnant again with the following mating season.

Genetic improvementThe logical way to ensure genetic improvement is to always improve on the current herd sire by utilizing BLUP breeding values and to purchase registered and tested bulls. Never buy bulls without performance data and BLUP breeding values.

The use of a terminal bull is another option to increase growth in the herd but the progeny of these bulls should be slaughtered and the females should not be kept as breeding material or replacement heifers. Always consider specific traits of importance when selecting bulls. These important traits need to be in balance for the breeding of replacement heifers. Traits to be considered will always be fertility, growth, frame size and efficiency traits.

Get hold of the auction catalogue as early as possible prior to the auction date and do a “genetic selection” of bulls that fit into the breeding objectives specified for the herd.

Birth direct breeding values should always be on breed average or below average. Wean direct breeding values should be above breed average as well at the maternal breeding value at wean. Average daily gain for improvement on growth ability should also be above breed average. Scrotum circumference is an indication of fertility and should also be higher or better than breed average.

Mature weight should be on breed average or below. Other efficiency traits such as feed conversion ratio and residual feed intake should be below breed average.

ConclusionDr Gordon Dickerson used to say “On a farm, an efficient cow herd exhibits early sexual maturity, a high rate of reproduction, low rates of dystocia, longevity, minimum maintenance requirement, and the ability to convert available energy into the greatest possible kilograms of weaned calves”.

Maximum profitability is usually achieved before maximum productivity.


DIAMANT-V-BORANBreeder of beefy, fertile, sound and low input Borans

DVB 0822 (Monster) Ceasar

seun uit TLM 1003

DVB 817M: TLM 249V: TLM 505

Net die beste is goed genoeg

Net die beste is goed genoeg

Ons aanbod vir die Nasionale Veiling

CHRISTO & CHARMAINE PISTORIUSCell: 078 912 4148 • E-mail: [email protected]

AJB10-16 (B04-10xTLM05-7)

C10-6 (BALTHAZAR dogter) en AB10-184 (PM14R x TLM05-54)

MAR13-8 (ROY dogter) NERO MHB11-19 (K6K3534 x KPO933)

SAVAGE JF15-12 en ASTRID JF15-15(AB10-184 kallers)

PANDORA JF15-6(AB10-184 dogter)

ATHENA JF14-12(AB10-184 dogter)

AURORA JF15-5(AB10-184 dogter)

Kobus Pieterse: 083 390 [email protected]: S24’34’58” E28’52’18”

NABOOMSPRUIT

Breeding quality animals through solid genetics

Lid van Waterberg Boran Klub Diere te koop by die “ OUT OF AFRICA” veiling

Simeon Hurwitz 082 415 5448 (owner)Jarren Hurwitz 082 412 3393 (owner)Hendy Mathews 071 675 3012 (ceo)Jeannie Du Plessis 072 680 8589 (stud manager)

Office 017 815 5008Office&Fax 017 629 3392 Email [email protected] www.bhfarming.co.za

Breeding Boran Since 1995

O

From the perfect heifer to the ultimate super cow!!!the flagship cow of the Circle H Boran stud. We have watched her develop over the years with much anticipation.

As a heifer she was magnificent and as a cow, majestic and elegant. Out of the rare and exclusive Mafundzalo genetics, she is the combination

of both Kenyan and Zambian blood lines. Her inter-calving period is currently 329 days between natural calves and she produced 7 outstanding

calves out of 10 embryos in her first and only flush. The quality of calves she has produced has elevated her position in our herd to being our

ultimate super cow, our queen matriarch and our foundation dam for many generations to come!

The perfect heifer

BH 15 238BH 15 234

BH 15 229

The proven progeny

(Z 04 61 x EK 98 01)

(NDA 9 x K6K 2245) x (Mafundzalo 81C x Mafundzalo 186G)

The super cow

Pearl BH 10 11

Pearl -

Circle H Studs - Where quality, Quantity & excellence meat! 6 August - Production Auction 28 September - Bull Auction 2016 Auctions

VOORSITTER: Werner Steinobel 0833019090ONDER VOORSITTER EN SEKRETARIS: Anton Lombard: 074 102 2365WEBBLAD: Marisa du Bruyn 051 924 2424LID: Tinus Bessinger 079 522 4988BEMARKING: Paul Pienaar 082 924 6078BLOEM SKOU: Marcel Basson en Pieter Malan

KLUB KOMITEE

“Champion of the Yard” EXPO 2015

MHB 07 31 (Groenland Borane)

Many thanks to African Elite Boran Stud for sponsoring the trophies

of Boran Expo 2016

Thank you!

www.vrystaatboranklub.co.za

KLUB VEILINGDONDERDAG, 8 SEPT. 2016KROON BOMA, KROONSTADTOP BULLE & VROULIKE DIERE OP AANBOD

“Champion of the Yard” EXPO 2106

KokkieBAR 11-58

Quentin De Bruyn and Marisa de Bruyn (VASTRAP)Tinus Bessinger and partners (GROENLAND)Stompie Nic Olivier (HOTSPOT)Ockert Werner (MODEL) Wilco du Toit and Nols (PRATOS)Burnie and Dennis Staal, Kosike Staal (BOS BLANCO)Danie Botha (JODAN)

EXHIBITORS AT BORAN EXPO

2016

ONTHOU!BORAN &

MEATMASTER EXPO 2017

KROON BOMAKROONSTAD

Dylan Meintjes (STERKFONTEIN)Anton Lombard (GRASSMOHR)Makena Scheepers (BOSUI)Paul Pienaar (BAR CIRCLE)Zippo Lamprecht (BLOODLINE)Danie Strydom

Berno van Niekerk, Alberto Luca Martini and Johan Von Gericke (AFRICAN ELITE)

Expo2016 BoranExpo


The aim of the Expo is to provide an opportunity for breeders to showcase their top animals and for new breeders and commercial farmers alike to learn about the attributes that define a top quality stud animal. In contrast to an auction breeders can bring their herd sires, matriarchs and future stars that are not necessarily for sale. For potential new Boran breeders, the Expo is a great place to meet existing breeders in a relaxed environment and to see some of the best that the breed has to offer in one place.

The inaugural Expo was a huge success with 22 breeders from around the country showcasing almost 60 top animals in four different categories: heifers; cows; young bulls; and bulls older than three years.

The Expo was opened by the President of the South African Boran Society, Ed Koller, who lauded the initiative and gave his commitment to the Expo becoming an annual event and one of the highlights of the Boran calendar. Francois Smit (Fonteine Borans) was the main speaker who presented some insightful economic data about the beef industry in South Africa and the pressures on farmers to be more productive. In this context, he highlighted some of the unique characteristics of the Boran that differentiate them from other breeds and make them commercially attractive. For example, the Boran lies third of all breeds in terms of percentage of mother weight weaned (48% vs. national stud average of 43%). The Boran is also extremely adaptable to its environment allowing the farmer to maximize stock numbers, whilst at the same time controlling input costs. Finally, the Boran provides an alternative Bos Indicus breed with its associated hybrid vigour. After the growth cycle of the past decade, there is now a much wider pool of good quality animals available at affordable prices, which presents a real opportunity for the commercial market.

The rest of the afternoon involved a very informative evaluation of each animal, led by Burnie Staal (Bos Blanco).. The cows were assessed on four attributes: femininity, reproductive ability, meat attributes and structural soundness. The bulls were assessed on masculinity (including reproductive organs), muscling (“vleiseienskappe”) and structural soundness. This was a great opportunity to view cattle through the eyes of an experienced and knowleagable stockman and there certainly was a lot to learn!

Before the formal evaluation of the cattle kicked off, all the breeders were given an opportunity to write down their top three picks in each category, which were collated and announced at the end of the day. Burnie then announced his best animals in each category and the “Champion of the Yard”.

Thank you to everyone involved for making such a success of the day. We look forward to hosting an even better day next year!

Renoster BA10-168 - Best Bull

Danie Botha (Jodan Borane - Best Bull

Mokoena Scheepers (Bosiu Borane) - Best Heifer

Champie BUI 14-35 - Best Heifer

Organising committee

The Free State Boran Club hosted the Boran Expo on 13 March 2015 at Kroonboma. The Expo was held jointly with the Meatmaster sheep breeders’ society. These are two very compatible breeds because both are indigenous African breeds with low input costs and good production off the veld. Judging by the resounding success of the day, the Expo will become an annual event supported by the South African Boran Society.


Category Judge’s Choice Breeders’ Choice

Senior Bull

1.”Renoster” BA 10-168 (Jodan)

2. “Oros” MHB 11-73 (Sterkfontein)

3. “Gunner” MHB 06-26 (Groenland)

1.”Renoster” BA 10-168 (Jodan)

2. “Oros” MHB 11-73 (Sterkfontein)

3. “Gunner” MHB 06-26 (Groenland)

Heifer

1.”Champie” BUI 14-35 (Bosui)

2.”Tharina” BUI 14-25 (Bosui)

3. “Rose” VST 13-114 (Vastrap)

1. W 15-916 (Model)

2. “Zanel” HOT 14-12 (Sterkfontein)

3. “Rose” VST 13-114 (Vastrap)

Cow

1. “Kokkie” BAR 11-58 (Bar Circle)

2. Z 06-77 (African Elite)

3. “Brandy” HOT 10-01(Sterkfontein)

1. “Brandy” HOT 10-01 (Sterkfontein)

2. “Jackie” MHB 09-22 (Vastrap)

2. “Savanna” MHB 07-16 (Groenland)

Champion of the Yard “Kokkie” BAR 11-58 (Bar Circle)


Documents

Contact: Dylan Meintjes Rohan Meintjes 072 892 6347 · DEUR: Frans Jordaan LNR - DPI: Nasionale Vleisbees Koei Verbetering Skema Koei 26 2016 BORAN | JOURNAL | JOERNAAL. I nsetkoste