In 1997 Weshoek Bonsmaras acquired the first pregnant Bonsmara cattle from Fortress studs and Hakplaas. Once the cows have calved, AI was used to impregnate them. A catch up bull waswas borrowed from Fortress Bonsmara.

 

In the beginning years AI was mostly used and more female animals were acquired from Sernick, Arcadia and Robco. Catch up bulls ware also bought from Fortress, Hakplaas and Gülden Bonsmaras for the next few years.

 

During the past seven years bulls were also acquired from Bostrum, Limerick, Aveling, Marloo, Rutland and Jacusta Bonsmaras. Some female cattle were also bought from Marochel and Rutland Bonsmaras.

 

Weshoek’s cattle farming is totally extensive without the aid of grain fields in winter. It results in the fact that fertility and adaptability are some of the most important breeding goals in the stud. Animals that perform here, can adapt well almost anywhere.

 

Good is one of our most important qualities for adaptability, regarding capacitybuilt. Meat quality, broadness and depth, as well as strong bone structure and hooves are also qualities that we select for.

 

A lot of attention is given to growth qualities in the , in which performance testing plays a major role. EBV’scan be quite studhelpful, but are not always reliable and constant. At Weshoek, it is used in combination with other selection criteria.

 

There is also a group of polled Bonsmaras in the stud. We are constantly striving to enlarge this group of high quality polled animals in the stud. The polled animals also have to comply with the same high selection criteria that the rest of the stud is submitted to.

 

Regardless of challenges like severe droughts and the devastating fire of 2014, it is still an enormous joy and privilege for us to farm with Bonsmaras.

 

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