The Bonsmara is recognised by its smooth red coat and pigmented eyes.
The Bonsmara is perhaps one of the best-known beef cattle breeds in South Africa, and currently dominates beef production in the country, according to the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa (Bonsmara SA).
The breed was developed in South Africa in the mid-1900s after it became apparent that European cattle breeds, while able to produce beefy animals, could not tolerate South Africa's hot temperatures and low rainfall well. In 1937, Prof Jan Bonsma began the initial trials that eventually led to the development of the Bonsmara. Five European breed bulls were put to Afrikaner cows.
After the initial trials, Bonsma decided to continue with the better-performing Hereford and Shorthorn crossbreeds.
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