Selecting breeding stock using economically important criteria over many years has enabled Tony Spolidoro to build up a stud herd of hardy, productive, no-nonsense Beefmaster cattle second to none. Chris Nel visited him on his farm near Magaliesburg in North West.
“Beefmaster genetics remove much of the guesswork for a cattle farmer. Whether for stud or commercial, Beefmaster breeders breed cattle for cattlemen.” So says Tony Spolidoro of Spolidoro Beefmaster.
Spolidoro has been involved with Beefmaster since 2001, when he established a herd on a portion of his farm off New Thorndale Road near Magaliesburg in North West.
He has no formal training in animal husbandry, only an enquiring mind and a keen curiosity about the subject. In a sense, this has been an advantage: it has freed him from the restrictions of conventional science, enabling him to keep an open mind, make observations and draw his own conclusions. Over the years, imported semen and Lasater genetics have boosted the Brahman influence in his herd.
“Commercial cattle farmers recently started buying some of the most expensive bulls and females at Beefmaster auctions. This has increased the demand for high-quality breeding animals, leading to intense competition among stud breeders to offer top-quality bulls,” he says.
FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY
A cow’s daily feed intake, expressed as kilogram dry matter, is directly proportional to her metabolic weight, Spolidoro explains. In his herd, with the average cow weighing 500kg, the long-term, average 205-day calf weaning weight (both sexes) is 265kg, or 53% of the cow’s weight. “Obviously, a 500kg cow that weans a 250kg calf [50% of her body weight] is more functionally efficient and productive than a 650kg cow weaning a 259kg calf [less than 40% of her body weight],” says Spolidoro.
A NEW BULL IN THE HERD EVERY YEAR
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 3 August 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 3 August 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.