Genetics forged in the Alps help Braunvieh excel in SA

Since its introduction to South Africa 114 years ago, the Braunvieh, with its good walking ability and non-selective grazing habits, has adapted well and can thrive under some of the harshest conditions in the country. Hans Bester and his three daughters run the Witbek Braunvieh stud on Sussiesdeel farm in Vrede, Free State, and spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of this hardy breed.

- Annelie Coleman

The Witbek Braunvieh stud flourishes in the often taxing conditions of the cold Free State Highveld, with its sour veld grazing. One of the reasons this breed can withstand such a harsh environment is that it originated thousands of years ago high in the Swiss Alps, where oxygen levels are relatively low. As a result, these animals evolved to have a higher red blood cell count than any other cattle breed in the world.

“This is why the South African Braunvieh excels in the extreme heat of Limpopo, Northern Cape and Namibia, as well as the bitter cold of the South African Highveld,” says stud owner Hans Bester. “Over a period of more than 100 years, the Braunvieh has developed into a truly African breed and become a serious contender in the beef cattle arena.”

Bester runs the stud on Sussiesdeel farm, near Vrede, with his three daughters, all of whom are veterinarians: Drs Daleen Roos, Hanri Bester-Cloete and Molly Lubbinge.

Bester and his wife Marina stay on the farm, Roos and Bester-Cloete are based in Vrede, and Lubbinge lives in Nelspruit.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Witbek Braunvieh stud comprises 100 animals, which include breeding cows, replacement heifers and bulls. Bester takes care of the day-to-day management of the herd, shows and auctions; Roos, a senior Braunvieh selector, is responsible for lick management and breeding pairings; BesterCloete is in charge of finances; and Lubbinge keeps a record of birth registrations, cancellations, and identification of animals. The three sisters run the animal health programme together.