Braford: Beef Cattle Bred For South Africa

Fertility is foremost for optimal productivity in a beef cattle concern, according to Wessel Wessels, a Braford stud breeder from the Free State. Annelie Coleman reports.

- Annelie Coleman

The South African Braford was developed during the mid-1970s by Flip de Jager from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, and Naudé Bremer from Rosendal in the Free State. The two cattlemen bred the Braford from registered Hereford and Brahman animals, combining both breeds’ specific traits to create a breed with increased productivity flowing from outstanding fertility.

The Hereford was used as the basis for the cross because it was one of the most popular beef breeds in the world at the time. It excels under intensive and extensive conditions and is known for fertility and top meat quality. These traits, coupled with the longevity and outstanding mothering ability of the Brahman, produced an early-maturing, fast-growing and highly fertile breed.

“Braford weaners are known for incomparable growth rates on the veld or in the feedlot. This trait, as well as the breed’s exceptional feed conversion rate, obviously benefits beef cattle concerns greatly. The Braford is a well-rounded, money-making breed,” says Wessel Wessels, who runs the Platdoorn stud near Ventersburg in the Free State.

The stud comprises 300 Braford stud cows, including 80 replacement heifers, as well as 120 commercial cows. The farming concern also includes a Merino flock and a Hereford stud of 70 breeding female animals. About 70% of the Hereford progeny are sold, while the rest is bred with grey Brahman bulls.

FAST FACTS

• Fertility, growth, carcass quality and functional competency form the cornerstones of the Platdoorn Braford stud.

• The Braford is a non-selective grazer, has strong walking ability and is heat- and disease-resistant.