Articles

In this section of the website we feature ALL the articles written by HARTEBEESTLOOP BONSMARAS, mainly from our Bonsmara stud breeding program. In most of the articles we refer to what works for us at Hartebeestloop and how we do things in our Bonsmara stud. We also have articles done by other authors. If we can learn from you, we certainly will publish your work! This is a very comprehensive part of this website and we hope you enjoy reading and learning here!

CONTACT US: JOGGIE BRIEDENHANN +264 81 231 6169 (jbried@joggie.com.na)

Publication selected in the Archive of 2013:
Guidelines for breeding season 2013

Date:
January 2013

Joggie Briedenhann
Hartebeestloop Bonsmaras

Hierdie artikel is ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans:
Riglyne vir dekseisoen 2013

Thorough planning is important

The year 2012 has reached its end. Changes and corrections can no longer be made. We have to accept all mistakes made and rather focus on the coming year. The 2013 breeding season is with us and the time now should be used for thorough planning. Many farmers commence with their breeding programs as early as mid-December or at the beginning of January.
As cattle farmers, our objectives should include the following:

A minimum of 90% calving percentage
A minimum of 85% weaning percentage

An average rainy season has been predicted

How will this be reached given that an average rainy season is on hand and that your grazing management is optimal? The following criteria become important when trying to reach the above mentioned objectives.

A top quality pregnant heifer

Heifer replacement

Heifers should be genetically superior than most of the older cows. Therefore do not hesitate to mate more heifers than what you will need.

Weight of heifers should be ± 350 kg (18 months to 2 years):/
Those female animals which do not reach the target weight should be eliminated from the herd.
Gender traits (feminine):
Consider good wedge conformation with a clean brisket area.
Outstanding udder and teat development:
This should be clearly visible at 18 to 24 months.
Well-developed reproductive organs : Under-developed reproductive organs are a sign of reduced femininity. The reproductive organs (vulva) should be clearly visible and well developed.
Healthy legs and claws:
Pay attention to an excellent depth of heel and identify those animals presenting with strong, dark and short claws. Heifers should not be excessively sickle- or cow hocked – select for strong legs.
Short hair and shiny coat:
These characteristics are important for adaptation, hardiness and tick control.

Bulls - prior to the breeding season

Bulls should be tested by a veterinarian for fertility and sheath washing should be done for venereal diseases. The veterinarian should also check for easy penetration of the penis out of the sheath. Neighbouring farmers should consider having these procedures done on a number of farms simultaneously to cut down on costs.
Assess the dentition of the older bulls on a yearly basis. Also evaluate your grazing conditions and veld type. As in the case of the cows, the suitability of the animal for the herd should be determine by the condition of the dentition and not the relative age of the bull. A bull with worn down teeth will struggle to graze and may experience difficulty to breed.
Bulls should be fit and not too fat (condition point of 3)
Use a sufficient number of bulls: the norm is to use one bull per thirty cows in a ninety-day breeding season period
Young bulls breeding for the first time should be closely watched for their breeding dexterity and libido. Do not assume that the bull will be able to "do the work" without checking that he “can do the work”.
Keep an eye out for any illnesses amongst the bulls during the breeding season. Check regularly for any abnormalities on the scrotum of the breeding bulls.

Purchasing of bulls for 2013 should be planned ahead - do not underestimate the bull factor in your herd!

Bulls full of energy and libido!
Bulls full of energy and libido!

Purchasing a Bonsmara bull – what you should buy….

Performance tested (Southern African Veld Bull Test)
Fertile and free from venereal diseases
Acceptable scrotal circumference of 34 to 40 cm
Approved by a senior selector
“B” brand on the right shoulder
DNA parentage confirmation
Veld prepared/rounded off and not too fat
A fertile mother with a reproduction index of not lower then 90 and a ICP of below 450 days

Playful and full of zest, even in the hot Kalahari sun
Playful and full of zest, even in the hot Kalahari sun