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| The Denand Bonsmara Stud currently consists out of 270 cows and 9 bulls. The cattle is kept mainly on the family farm, Kleinuitschot just outside Sannieshof and Houthaalbomen near Lichtenburg in the North West Province, South Africa. With the start of the stud in 1981, the main focus was on fertility, wean weight and growth after weaning. The objectives was largely successful, especially when the average weight of the Denand Stud compared to general Bonsmara breed averages. The current breeding program is focused to decrease birth weight without effecting the above mentioned characteristics. The ideal is a negative number on birth weight whilst the above three characteristics remain the same. With the start of the stud in 1981, the main focus was on fertility, wean weight and growth after weaning. As shown by graphs A, B & C, the objectives was largely successful, especially when the average weight of the Denand Stud is compared to general Bonsmara breed averages. The graphs, for the most part, focus on weaning weight, average daily growth (GDT), as well as feedlot profits. |
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The current breeding program is focused on decreased birth weight without effecting the above mentioned characteristics. The ideal is a negative number on birth weight whilst the above three characteristics remain the same. Testing of young bulls after weaning start with a Fase D or C test. To qualify for the Fase C test, the bull must have a birth weight of 35 kg or less.In EBV/BLUB the birth weight must there for be less than 1. The wean index must be more than 100. To qualify for the stringent growth Fase D test, the bull's birth weight must be 40kg or less, with an EBV figure under 2. Wean index must be 100 or more. Only bulls that were Fase D or C tested are used in the stud and offered for sale. Heifer selection take place whilst weaning by means of indexes. Only heifers with a minimum of 95 or higher on her index, are held back for breeding. Final selection takes place at 18 months. |
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