Bonsmara Cattle
Price range: $240.00 through $1,100.00
Bonsmara cattle are a hardy South African beef breed known for their red coats, excellent meat quality, and adaptability. They offer fast growth, high fertility, strong mothering ability, and resistance to diseases—making them ideal for both commercial and small-scale farming.
The Bonsmara is a world-renowned South African beef cattle breed, prized for its exceptional adaptability, fertility, and high-quality meat production. Developed through scientific breeding and performance testing, the Bonsmara has earned a global reputation for being one of the most reliable and profitable cattle breeds for both small and large-scale farmers.
Origin and History
The Bonsmara breed was developed in the mid-20th century by Professor Jan C. “Spick” Bonsma at the Mara Research Station in South Africa. The breed was scientifically bred by crossing Afrikaner, Hereford, and Shorthorn cattle. The goal was to create a hardy, well-adapted beef breed suited to the hot, harsh African climate while maintaining excellent meat quality and consistent performance.
Physical Characteristics
Bonsmara cattle are medium to large-framed animals with a deep red coat, smooth hair, and a sleek appearance that helps them resist heat and parasites. They are naturally polled (hornless), which makes them easier to handle and reduces injury among the herd. Their muscular build and balanced conformation make them highly efficient meat producers, with carcasses known for their tenderness and marbling.
- Color: Deep red to light brown
- Horns: Naturally polled
- Weight: Mature bulls weigh around 1,800 to 2,200 lbs (820–1,000 kg); cows weigh 1,100 to 1,400 lbs (500–650 kg)
- Frame: Medium to large with strong legs and good muscling
Temperament
One of the breed’s standout traits is its docile and calm temperament, making Bonsmaras easy to manage. They are intelligent, adaptable, and social animals that respond well to good handling practices — ideal for both pasture and feedlot systems.
Adaptability and Hardiness
Bonsmara cattle are extremely hardy and heat-tolerant, thriving in both tropical and subtropical regions. They perform well under challenging grazing conditions and are resistant to many local diseases and parasites. Their strong maternal instincts and ability to calve unassisted make them a perfect choice for low-input, efficient beef production systems.
Reproduction and Fertility
Fertility is one of the breed’s strongest attributes. Bonsmara cows are known for their regular breeding cycles, short calving intervals, and excellent mothering ability. Calves are vigorous at birth and grow quickly, thanks to the breed’s strong genetics and milk production.
- Early maturity and high conception rates
- Calving ease and strong maternal behavior
- High weaning weights and uniform calves
Meat Quality and Production
Bonsmara beef is highly regarded for its fine texture, tenderness, and rich flavor. The meat’s natural marbling and low fat content make it desirable in both local and export markets. Bonsmara carcasses grade consistently high, yielding excellent dressing percentages and high returns for farmers and butchers alike.
Uses
- Beef production (primary use)
- Crossbreeding programs to improve hardiness and fertility in other cattle breeds
- Commercial and stud breeding due to predictable performance and genetic reliability
Why Choose Bonsmara Cattle
- Proven fertility and calving ease
- Excellent growth rate and carcass quality
- Heat and disease resistance
- Calm temperament and easy handling
- Exceptional mothering and herd uniformity
- Scientifically bred and performance-tested
The Bonsmara breed combines science, strength, and sustainability — making it one of the most profitable and dependable beef breeds in the world. Whether you’re expanding your beef operation or starting a new herd, Bonsmara cattle deliver unmatched performance in both the pasture and the marketplace.
| Choose an option | Bottle fed calves (6-8weeks old), Weaned older calves, Yearling cows, Pregnant heifers, Adult bulls |
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