Thirteen (13) emerging Limpopo livestock farmers bought a young breading Bonsmara bull each for R3201 and R3381 respectively at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (LDARD) Toowoomba Research Station, outside Bela-Bela on 3 December 2021.
“The aim of providing these young breading bulls is to help you improve your herds. We are providing you with the bulls that are ready to do their job. Breeding bulls are so expensive that a cheapest one could be R30 000. With the little money that you shall have purchased the bulls, the LDARD only wants you to take ownership so that you take care of them,” indicated Ntuwiseni Mmbi, Senior Researcher at the station during the briefing session to farmers before the sale.
He advised those farmers to monitor the bulls and feed them well so that their performance is not affected. Mmbi added that ideally, a bull should be servicing 25 cows. He advised them to exchange their bulls after two years to avoid the bulls breeding with their [daughters] resulting in inbreeding.
Phuti Ngoepe, livestock farmer in both Capricorn and Vhembe districts who has 200 cattle was asked the reason for requiring Bonsmara breed in his farming.
“I need the breed because it is hardy, therefore he can survive in my area especially in winter because we sometimes receive little rainfall in summer,” he said.
Another farmer, Mandla Meela from Capricorn indicated that his herd was mainly a cross of a Brahman and Nguni.
“I need a Bonsmara bull to have the same breed in my herd. I believe that with this type of a bull breed, I would have more improved cattle. However, I do not have sufficient land,” he said whilst his fellow livestock owner, Mish Moeketsane appreciated the LDARD for providing farmers with young breeding Bonsmara bulls.
Researching on the cost of a Bonsmara bull, the Red Meat Producers Organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Gerhard Schutte says they range from R50 000, therefore, “R40 000 would be a the cheapest”.
Farmers concerned are expected to keep the bulls for breeding purposes only. If the animals are ill or dead, it should be reported to the department. Truly, livestock farmers have received early Christmas from the LDARD.
