inhoud / contents advertisers / adverteerders PRODUKSIE VAN JOERNAAL:

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1 inhoud / contents Afrikaner bestuur/council 3 Voorwoord/Preface 6 Lauren Tisser 8 Afrikaner trap diep spore in Suid-Afrika 10 Gebruik van Blup teelwaardes deur kommersiële teler Use of BLUP breeding values by commercial farmer 13 Desirable and undesirable udders 18 Evaluation of meat tenderness 25 Die droogte bees van Suid-Afrika The drought cattle of South Africa 32 Nuwe lede 34 Did genetic change improve the efficiency of Afrikaner cattle? Het genetiese verandering die doeltreffendheid van die Afrikanerbees verbeter? 35 Die waarde van Op-die Plaas (Fase D) prestasietoetse The value of On-Farm (Fase D) performance tests 38 The Afrikaner embraces the future 47 Afrikaner, gehard, dog spog met sagte vleis 52 Infusion/Infusie 56 Worcester skou 60 Stoffberg Boeredag 60 Algemene Jaarvergadering 61 Bloemskou 62 Nampo 62 Thabazimbi Skou 63 Potch produksie groepveiling 66 African Farmer s Expo 67 Hoopstad veiling 67 Ultimate beef challenge 69 Veldvleis/Free Range Beef 72 Die produksie van vleisbeeskudde/ The production of a beef herd 76 Leptospirosis survey 83 Rooiwater in jong kalwers 85 Selection & Management of heifers and First-calf-cows Seleksie & Bestuur van verse en eerstekalfkoeie 88 Suiwer of Kruisteling/Pure or crossbreeding 98 Genetic evaluation of the Afrikaner breed Genetiese evaluasie vir die Afrikaner ras 101 Project on effective crossbreeding/projek oor effektiewe kruisteling 108 Watter faktore bepaal speenkalf prys?/wat factors are considered when weaner calves are purchased? 112 LNR Beste produserende koeie 114 A lifetime passion for Merinos 116 Afrisim - die maklike boerbees/the easy farming cattle 122 AFRIKANERBEESTelersgenootskap AFRIKANER Cattle Breeders Society Posbus/PO Box 29571, Danhof 9310 [T]: [F]: / [E]: info@afrikanerbees.com [W]: PRODUKSIE VAN JOERNAAL: Charmainé Alberts Ontwerp en Bemarkingsdienste TEL: E-POS: palberts@telkomsa.net Ontwerp deur: Caria Vermaak Advertensies: Donovan Heunis advertisers / adverteerders Karstveld IFC Sanra 2 Sonderhout & TBB 9 Derus 12 Etambeni 15 Magpela 17 Millenium 24 Mokala 30 Grootkuil 31 Unistel 41 Sahara 44 Geelbos Cotton wear FNB 57 Vleissentraal 58 Afric Hoopstad bulveiling 68 Sanmaroux 71 Molatek 79 Zoetis 82 Veeplaas 87 Pronk Taaibos 97 Duineveld 107 Wegdraai FF Afrisim 124 ProAgri 124 Salerika 126 Demeter 126 Juwel of Africa 127 BeefPro 128 Afrisim veiling IBC Esfané OBC

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3 2014 Journal Afrikaner 3 Afrikaner BESTUUR/COUNCIL PRESIDENT Dr Pieter de Kock Dr Pieter de Kock, ons huidige President, is gebore 7 September 1953 te Klerksdorp. Hy het in Johannesburg (Aucklandpark) grootgeword en matrikuleer later in Alberton. Na matrikulasie studeer hy geneeskunde op Tukkies vanaf 1972 tot Daarna tree hy in die huwelik met Elbie de Kock (toe Botha) en is tot vandag toe sy beste maat en sielsgenoot. In 1980 verhuis hulle na die Bosveld en begin met Afrikanerbeeste boer in Die stoet het bestaan uit beeste van O-La-La Stoet boerdery van die De Jagers en Harmse na aansporing van Christo Bouwer. Later word Dr Pieter lid van die Produksie bevorderingsgroep en skakel by die Infusie projek in. Wetenskaplikes soos Dr Johan Meaker, Mnr Danie Bosman, Mnr Lynton Vermaak, Professor Frikkie Neser en Dr Machiel Scholtz beïnvloed hulle teling en teelbeleid beduidend. Dr Pieter de Kock werk nou telingsgewys saam met David van der Linde en het tans n besondere passie en opgewondenheid oor die toekoms van die connoisseur inheemse ras; die Afrikanerbees, met n diepe besef van die magtige rol wat God Drie Enig in sy bestaan speel. VISIE PRESIDENT David van der Linde Die Geelbos Stoet is in 1952 begin met die aankoop van 18 stoetkoeie op die boedelveiling van wyle W.J.C. Brink van Klerksdorp. Hierdie diere was almal uit die van Biljon bloedlyn. In 1959 besluit Mnr. At Marais van die Slangdraai Stoet om Brahmane in plaas van Afrikanerbeeste te teel. David se pa, Nic van der Linde, het toe die geleentheid gehad om 16 koeie en 16 kalwers daar te gaan uitsoek. Hierdie diere was hoofsaaklik Deelvlei geteelde beeste. Met die ontstaan van die Produksiegroep in 1983 was David by die stigtingsvergadering te Glen. Die gebruik van prestasietoetsing en wetenskaplike teling het vir hom baie sin gemaak en dit is dan ook hoe die kudde sedertdien geteel is. Gedurende 1987 is Dr. Johan Meaker ontplooi as konsultant. Hy het n noemenswaardige invloed gehad op die Geelbos kudde. Alle ingeteelde bulle is toe verkoop en onverwante kuddevaars is bekom. Dit het tot n groter genepoel gelei asook n groter lewenskragtigheid van die beeste. Vrugbaarheid was die eerste prioriteit vir David. Die vereistes van die kommersiële telers is voorop gestel. Dit het gelei tot die teel van diere met goeie reproduksie eienskappe asook sterk bespierde bulle, soos die bedryf verkies het. Met die begin van die Infusieprojek van die genootskap in 1994 is daar ook dadelik ingeskakel. Dit is nou 19 jaar na die aankoop van die eerste Bonsmara bul in April 1994 by Mnr Athur de Villiers. David is uiters opgewonde oor die projek en die positiewe resultate wat reeds bereik is. Die 86% dragtigheid van alle diere gepaar in die kudde tydens die afgelope jaar getuig dat daar suksesvol met die beeste geboer word. Die feit dat hierdie beeste ook nie deur bosluissiektes geraak word nie, is n verdere bonus vir David. Kommersiële telers in hulle area neem reeds kennis daarvan en die vraag na hulle bulle en verse neem steeds toe. David glo dat met die genetika wat nou in die ras bestaan, hulle beslis met behulp van die regte seleksie en wetenskaplike teling van krag tot krag sal gaan. LEWENSLANGE PRESIDENT Martin Ras Martin Ras het langs die oewer van die Vetrivier tussen sy geliefde Afrikanerbeeste grootgeword. Hy boer vandag steeds op die plaas Leeuwkraal, in die Hoopstad distrik. In 1957 matrikuleer hy aan die Hoërskool Grey College in Bloemfontein, n skool waarmee hy steeds noue bande het. Hy was n kranige sportman wat erekleure

4 4 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 in atletiek, sowel as rugby verwerf het. Na n jaar in die Leërgimnasium begin hy boer. Sy groot passie is die Afric Afrikanerstoet en die uitbou van n suiwer Afrikanerbeesras. Sedert hy begin boer, is hy aktief betrokke by die Hoopstad Afrikanerbultelersvereniging, waarvan hy tans voorsitter is. Hy is bekend vir sy betrokkenheid by die ABTG. Sedert 1985 dien hy op die bestuur van die ABTG, verskeie jare hiervan as president. Hy is tans ere-lewenslange president. As beoordelaar, aanbieder van boeredae en kursusse, deel hy met geesdrif sy kennis met voornemende en jong telers. Hy is n inspirasie vir sy vrou, drie dogters, skoonseuns en kleinkinders wat sy liefde vir die rooibees deel. Enige iemand wat al ooit met Martin Ras te doen gehad het, sal weet hy praat Afrikanerbeeste, hy droom Afrikanerbeeste en hy leef Afrikanerbeeste. Hy is n ware Afrikanerbeesleier in die woorde van John Quincy: If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Herbert Bruinette Die Sahara kudde is begin deur Herbert Lategan in 1957 deur die aankoop van vroulike diere van wyle O.J. Carey. Later word die kudde aangevul deur diere uit die volgende kuddes: die Serf kudde van wyle Kootjie Serfontein, die Agterlangberg kudde van wyle Johannes van Zyl, en die Rooibees kudde van wyle Kotie Cloete. In 2002 neem Herbert Bruinette die leisels oor by sy oupa, en die kudde word verder aangevul deur beeste uit onder andere, Grootkuil, Karstveld en Zebu kuddes. Die beginselvaste en doelgerigte teelbeleid word steeds vandag nougeset voortgesit. Jacquies Steenkamp Pierre-André Cronjé Dit is vir Jacquies n voorreg Pierre-André het in 1997 gematrikuleer om betrokke te wees by die te Welkom-Gimnasium. Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap. Na Daarna het hy by die Universiteit van sy studies aan die UOVS (Veekunde die Vrystaat studeer waar hy in 2002 en genetika) word sy kudde in sy Bsc. Agric honneurs graad in veeteling 1994 gekeur en sluit hy aan by die verwerf het. genootskap met Derus as stoetnaam. Sedert 2003 is hy op die plaas waar Mede boere vra hom baie keer waarom hy vir sy pa gewerk het, alhoewel hy met Afrikanerbeeste boer. Die hy in 2006 vir n jaar in Engeland regte antwoord kan hy verseker na sy ook gewerk het. Hy moes help met ondervinding met ander rasse en die die saaiboerdery en die beeste op droogte van 2013 gee: Die Afrikaner Grootkuil is ook onder sy sorg gelaat. is die ras wat n mens maksimum wins In 2008 is hy getroud met sy liewe met die minimum insette gee. vroulief Tharina en klein Andrea is in In Suid-Afrika met sy uiterste klimaat 2011 gebore. en veranderende topografie staan Die Afrikanerbees is nog altyd na die Afrikanerbees sy man. Gemak van aan Pierre-André se hart en hy dink kalwing, bosluis- en siekte weerstand, nie hy sou altyd by al sy werk op die loopvermoë, lankslewendheid, afronding plaas uitgekom het as dit nie so n van die veld en vele meer kan maklike bees was om mee te boer nie. ons aan die Afrikanerbees toedig. Hy is ook baie opgewonde oor die toekoms van die ras, veral as hy dink By kommersiële telers is daar aan al die positiewe publikasies en n behoefte aan n moeite-vrye hernude gees onder die telers, veral ekonomiese kudde. Die Afrikanerbees, die afgelope twee jaar. suiwer of gekruis, is die besliste antwoord. Dit is vir hom n groot voorreg om deel te wees van so n dinamiese Jacquies se visie as bestuurslid is om span by die bestuur, en hy hoop om die Afrikanerbees met sy menige voortreflikhede aan soveel as moontlik n goeie bydrae te lewer vir die hele kommersiële telers Best Genootskap. voor te stel sodat hulle ook kan deel in die puik voordele wat die beesras ons bied.

5 2014 Journal Afrikaner 5 Lynton Vermaak Estienne Cronjé RASDIREKTEUR Lauren Tisser Sy verbintenis met die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap begin in 1968 toe hy met geel Afrikaners in Limpopo geboer het. Sedert 1971, toe hy by die Landboukollege diens aanvaar het, was hy baie nou betrokke by die Afrikaner ras. Die Afrikaner kudde van die Potchefstroom Landboukollege het direk onder sy bestuur gestaan en in hierdie tydperk tot einde 1996 het die kudde gevorder tot die vrugbaarste kudde met die beste TKP binne die ras. In 1992 raak hy in raadgewende hoedanigheid betrokke by die beesboerdery van Dr Hentie J van Rensburg in die Leeudoringstad distrik. Aan die begin van 1997 aanvaar hy die pos as Streeksbestuurder van die Irene Streek by die LNR waar sy hooftaak was om prestasiemeting binne die streek te bevorder. Hy word gekoöpteer as verteenwoordiger van die LNR, op die Bestuur van die ABTG en beywer hom veral tot die bevordering van prestasiemeting by die Afrikaners. Prestasietoetsing is al sedert 1986 deur die bestuur verpligtend. In 2000 het 78% van alle Afrikaner koeie wat op SA Stamboek se boeke was aan prestasiemeting deelgeneem. In 2011 was daar 89% deelname. In SA Stamboek se laaste Annual Logix Beef Report wat op 31/12/2012 saamgestel is staan die persentasie diere wat getoets word op 94%. Dit is dus duidelik dat die telers wat ernstig is om hulle beeste te verbeter tog aan prestasiemetings deelneem. Prestasietoetsing, of -meting, bly die enigste manier om op n betroubare wyse kwantifiseerbare genetiese verskille tussen diere te bepaal sodat n ras of kudde genetiese kan vorder. Die genetiese vooruitgang van die ras moet altyd eerste prioriteit bly. Dus sal hulle produksiemeting en die gebruik van beraamde teelwaardes aanhou promoveer. Die Cronjé s van Grootkuil Afrikaner Stoet glo vas in prestasiemeting en hulle diere kan as besonders geklassifiseer word. Estienne Cronjé is baie trots om deel te wees van so n groep beestelers. By sy aftrede in 2008 gaan vestig hy uur hom op die plaas Kareeboskuil en is hy voltyds verantwoordelik vir die Afrisim kudde van Dr Hentie. Die kudde het reeds verskeie toekennings ontvang vir hulle akkurate prestasiemetings en vorder steeds baie goed. Tans dien hy as Afrisim verteenwoordiger op die bestuur van die ABTG.

6 6 Afrikaner Joernaal is over, the centenary celebrations are behind us and a new century lay ahead. A period which many of us met negatively, due to reasons such as the economy, climate, the demand for our breed, globalization and so on is verby, die Eeufeesvieringe is agter die rug en ʼn nuwe eeu lê voor. ʼn Tydperk wat deur baie van ons negatief tegemoet gegaan word, om redes soos die ekonomie, die klimaat, die aanvraag vir ons ras, globalisering en dies meer. Ek is bly om vir u almal te sê: Vergeet van die negatiwiteit! Dinge is besig om vinnig en dramaties te verander. Die bedryf het wêreldwyd besef dat die uitdagings om 7miljard mense te voed, nie kan slaag op mensgemaakte stelsels en reëls nie. Die besef het deurgedring: Produseer voedende gesonde voedsel in simbiose met die natuur. In Suid-Afrika en ander dele van die wêreld het die besef gesetel om vleis (proteïen) te produseer vanuit die aangepaste inheemse rasse en die klem het, glo ons, finaal verskuif van die konsep van kg of rand per karkas, na kg of rand per hektaar. Vooropgestelde, mensgemaakte telingsbeginsels het nie die toets van die tyd deurstaan nie, terwyl die produksie van proteïen wat op ʼn natuurlike wyse van die goedkoop weiding beskikbaar geskied, nou beskou word as die ideaal en is die oplossing vir ons beesboere. Ons waardevolle, geliefde inheemse Afrikanerbees is in Suid-Afrika ge-oormerk vir hierdie uitdaging vir die toekoms. Die redes hiermee is dat: a) Die smaaklikste, sagste, sappigste vleis in Suid- Afrika selfs in vergelyking met sekere bekende uitheemse rasse, is die Afrikanerbees bo aan die lys! b) Aanpasbaarheid: Teen hitte (aardverwarming). Teen parasiete. Teen siektes. Loopvermoë. Floreer saam met wild. Kruis uitstekend met amper alle ander rasse. Dit voer uitstekend op ʼn goedkoop rantsoen en is ongeveer 30 dae vroeër mark gereed. Dit is die uitverkore veldvleis voorsiener in Suid- Afrika en wêreldwyd. I am pleased to tell you all: Forget the negativity! Things are busy changing rapidly and dramatically. The industry has realized, worldwide; the challenge to feed 7 billion people cannot succeed on manmade systems and rules. The realization has dawned: Produce nutritious healthy food in symbiosis with nature. In South Africa and other parts of the world the realization has settled to produce meat (protein) from the adapted indigenous breeds and the focus has, we believe, finally shifted from the concept of kg or rand per carcass to kg or rand per hectare. Preconceived, artificial breeding principles have not stood the test of time, while the production of protein in a natural way by way of cheap grazing available is taking place, and is now regarded as the ideal and the solution for our cattle farmers. Our precious, beloved indigenous Afrikaner cattle in South Africa are earmarked for this challenge for the future. The reasons for this is: a) The tastiest, most tender, juiciest meat in South Africa - even compared with some well-known foreign breeds, the Afrikaner is at the top of the list! b) Resilience: Against heat (global warming). Against parasites. Against diseases. Walking abilities. Thrives alongside wildlife. Crosses well with almost all other breeds. It performs well on a cheap ration and is marketready about 30 days earlier. It is the chosen free range (veldvleis) meat supplier in South Africa and worldwide. c) As an indigenous damline breed, the Afrikaner cattle s equal is yet to be found. These cattle of ours have been a breed for over 100 years in South Africa. Why now suddenly realize their value? The answer: After our blooming period until 1970, which was followed by strong opposition from imported breeds, you, the breeders, accepted the challenge to make our cattle a world leader. It is rightly said that if we as South Africans are put

7 2014 Journal Afrikaner 7 c) As inheemse moederlyn ras moet die Afrikanerbees se gelyke nog gevind word. Hierdie bees van ons is al ʼn honderd jaar lank ʼn beesras in Suid-Afrika. Hoekom word sy waarde nou ewe skielik besef? Die antwoord: Na ons bloeitydperk tot 1970 wat gevolg is deur sterk opposisie van ingevoerde rasse het julle, die telers, die uitdaging aanvaar om die bees ʼn wêreldleier te maak. Daar word met reg gesê dat as ons Suid-Afrikaners onder druk geplaas word moet jy oppas die aanslag kom. d) Wat het ons telers gedoen? Hulle het: Hul huis in orde gekry ten opsigte van hulle teling. Minimum teling standaarde aanvaar en toegepas. Prestasietoetsing sinvol geïmplementeer en toegepas. Infusie van gene om vrugbaarheid, bespiering en raamkonfigurasie aan te spreek, sinvol toegepas. Soos wat elektronika, medisyne en ingenieurswese dramaties ontwikkel het, het ons telers telingspraktyke en bemarking van die Afrikanerbees aangespreek en suksesvol verander. Aan elkeen van u, Baie Geluk, maar dit is net die begin. Die groot werk lê voor naamlik om die basis wat gelê is nou te bemark en ons produk suksesvol en vir die langtermyn te bevestig. Hoe doen ons dit? Deur harde werk asook die toepas van: Weldeurdagte wetenskaplike telingspraktyke. Die skep van vertroue in die beesmark vir die Afrikanerbees deur eerbare optrede en inherente trots op ons produk wat vir ons, kosbaar is. Deur bemarking van ons ras deur meer telers en beeste geregistreer te kry om met ons ras te boer. Ons het eenvoudig net te min beeste om in die vraag te voorsien. Ons bemagtig elkeen van u as telers om nuwe telers te werf en te laat registreer. Die bestuur alleen is nie in staat om sonder almal se hulp en samewerking die doelwit te bereik nie. ʼn Vaste onwrikbare geloof in God Drie Enig wat ons bestaan in die holte van Sy hand hou. Hierdie nuwe belangstelling in ons bees kom nie van mense nie, maar van ʼn hoër hand wat ons eerlike en desperate gebede gehoor het. In ons bestuur is daar geen rangorde nie. Ons funksioneer soos enige ander teler met dieselfde passie en vooruitsigte. Ons nooi elke teler om hierdie pad saam met ons te stap en as mense met eerbaarheid en integriteit, suksesvol bo uit te kom ons oog gerig op Jesus en die ewigheid wat voor ons lê. under pressure - you should beware - the onslaught is on its way. d) What did our breeders do? They: Got their affairs in order with regard to their breeding. Accepted and implemented minimum breeding standards. Meaningfully implemented and applied Performance Testing. Meaningfully applied the infusions of genes to address fertility, muscling and frameconfiguration. As electronics, medicine and engineering have evolved dramatically, our breeders successfully addressed and changed their breeding practices and the marketing of the Afrikaner breed. To each of you, Congratulations, but this is just the beginning. The big job lies ahead, namely, to promote the foundation now laid and to establish our product successfully and for the long term. How do we do it? Through hard work and the use of: Well planned scientific breeding practices. Creating confidence in the cattle market for the Afrikaner by honorable actions and inherent pride in our product which is precious to us. By marketing our breed through obtaining more breeders and cattle to be registered to farm with our breed. We simply do not have enough cattle to meet the demand. We empower each of you, as breeders, to encourage and obtain new breeders to register. The Council alone is not able to reach these goals without everyone s help and cooperation. A firm belief in God Almighty Whom holds us in the palm of His hand. This new interest in our breed does not come from men, but from a higher hand Whom heard our honest and desperate prayers. Within our Council there is no ranking order. We function like any other breeder with the same passion and prospects. We invite every breeder to walk this road with us and as people with honesty and integrity, successfully come out on top - our eyes focused on Jesus and the eternity that lies ahead of us.

8 8 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Another year has passed and the Afrikaner is, thanks to our breeders and believers, back on the map and we have kept them there! I would firstly like to congratulate Dr Pieter de Kock on his new presidency and also the new council, I look forward to working with all of you. This year has been one of many ups and downs, mostly caused by the drought. Although the drought came down hard on most of the farmers, I believe that the Afrikaner cattle surpass their abilities in such times. Their hardiness is what makes them unique and own to our country. We have had a lot of enquiries about Afrikaner cattle and from the office s side, it seems that breeders are starting to realise that the breed to farm with, remains the Afrikaner. I have been working for the Society for over three years and it has been an absolute privilege to be part of this Society and its breeders. In three years I have never seen more positivity and encouragement within the breed. There are many new challenges to look forward to and I am convinced that it is only going to be beneficial to the Afrikaner. On a sad note, we are all very sad to say goodbye to Neels van Rooyen, Hendrik Breedt Snr and Johan Cronjé. As most of you will know they each played major roles within the Society and amongst the breeders. They will truly be missed. And once again I appeal to all the breeders to believe in their product. These animals are a part of us and our country and if we believe in them, everyone else will too! I wish you all everything of the best for 2014 and hope you enjoy the journal! Nog n jaar is verby en die Afrikaner is, te danke aan ons telers en gelowiges, terug op die kaart en ons het hulle daar gehou! Eerstens wil ek graag vir Dr Pieter de Kock gelukwens met sy nuwe presidensie en ook die nuwe raad, ek sien uit daarna om saam met julle almal te werk. Hierdie jaar was een van baie ups en downs, meestal veroorsaak deur die droogte. Hoewel die droogte hard op die meeste van die boere neergekom het, glo ek dat die Afrikaner beeste hul vermoëns oortref in sulke tye. Hulle gehardheid is wat hulle uniek maak en eie aan ons land. Ons het baie navrae ontvang oor Afrikanerbeeste en van die kantoor se kant blyk dit dat telers besig is om te besef dat die ras om mee te boer die Afrikaner bly. Ek werk nou vir meer as drie jaar vir die Genootskap en dit is n absolute voorreg om deel te wees van hierdie Genootskap en sy telers. In drie jaar het ek nog nooit sulke positiwiteit en aanmoediging binne die ras gesien nie. Daar is baie nuwe uitdagings om na uit te sien en ek is oortuig dat dit net tot voordeel gaan wees vir die Afrikaner. Ons is almal baie hartseer om totsiens te sê vir Neels van Rooyen, Hendrik Breedt Snr en Johan Cronjé. Soos die meeste van julle sal weet het hulle elkeen n baie belangrike rol gespeel in die Genootskap en onder die telers. Hulle sal baie gemis word. En weereens doen ek n beroep op al die telers om te glo in hulle produk. Hierdie diere is deel van ons en ons land en as ons in hulle glo sal almal ook! Ek wens julle almal alles van die beste vir 2014 en hoop julle geniet die joernaal!

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10 10 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Afrikaner trap diep spore in Suid-Afrika Andries Groenewald Geen ander beesras het sulke diep spore in die Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis getrap as juis die Afrikaner nie en solank as wat met integriteit geteel word, lê daar n blink toekoms vir die ras voor, reken hierdie lewenslange ere-voorsitter van die telersgenootskap.

11 2014 Journal Afrikaner 11 Op 14 April 1912 verdwyn die sogenaamde onsinkbare Titanic onder die water en sterf mense in die ysige see. Suid-Afrika se swart elite kom bymekaar om n nasionale organisasie te stig om teen rassediskriminasie beswaar te maak en die African National Congress (ANC) kry beslag. In Junie daardie jaar vergader Afrikanerbeesboere met ʼn visie in Potchefstroom en stig ʼn nasionale telersgenootskap om die Afrikanerbees se ontwikkeling te reguleer, vertel mnr. Martin Ras, lewenslange ere-voorsitter van die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap van Suid-Afrika (ABTG) en bekende Afrikaner teler van Hoopstad. Ras het tydens die telersgenootskap se eeufeesvieringe ʼn terugblik gegee oor die pad wat die genootskap die afgelope 100 jaar geloop het. Met die stigting van die genootskap is die ras op ʼn vaste grondslag geplaas waar inligting formeel aangeteken kon word, het hy gesê. Die geskiedenis van die Afrikanerbees is onlosmaaklik verweef met die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika. Met die groot trek het die Afrikanerbees die boerefamilies geneem na waar hulle wou gaan woon, Natal, die Vrystaat en Transvaal en dié wat ʼn bietjie befoeterd was het selfs na die dorslande van Namibië en Suid-Angola gegaan. Ons sien in skilderye hoe Afrikanerosse die waens deur riviere en oor berge trek. Hulle was by Bloedrivier waar hulle kalmte opmerklik was. Saam met die boere het die beeste noue ontkoming soos droogtes, die runderpes in 1896 en die Anglo-boere-oorlog oorleef. Ons bring hulde aan die ontslape telers van die verlede wat die Afrikanerbees in al sy glorie staande gehou het. Só onthou ons ook die oudvoorsitters van die genootskap, het Ras gesê. Aanvanklik was daar manne soos Johannes Rudolph Bührmann en Petrus George Theron. Volgens Ras het hy hulle nie eintlik geken nie, want hulle was ʼn bietjie voor sy tyd! Daarna, in 1955, was dit oom Oubaas O.T. Carey, ʼn prokureur van Bothaville, se beurt om die genootskap te lei. Ek onthou 1955 baie goed en ek was gelukkig om by die groot skou in Bloemfontein te wees. Dáár is ook baie gepraat van die geelbul van oom Abé van Biljon. Ek onthou oom Abé se bul Doornbult Bokser het die kampioenskap Mnr. Martin Ras (links), lewenslange ere-voorsitter van die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap, het die feesrede gelewer tydens die genootskap se eeufeesvieringe en is hier saam met me. Greta de Wet (sy dogter), die seremoniemeester, en mnr. Pierre Fouché, vorige voorsitter van die genootskap, afgeneem. (Foto: Andries Groenewald) gewen vir die veldklasse. Dit was sommer ʼn groot skou, daar was veldklasse, stalbeeste, spanne osse en ʼn afdeling vir die uitkeer van beeste met perde waaraan ek ook as ʼn kannetjie deelgeneem het, het Ras vertel. Die volgende man was oom Johan Theunissen en hy het altyd gesê hy voer nie sy beeste nie, maar dan kom hy op die skou met sulke mooi vet en mak beeste. Dan het ou Josef du Plessis altyd gesê Johan voer ʼn baie sterk lek! Volgens Ras het hy later van Theunissen se gronde oorgeneem en toe op etlike skelm voerplekkies in die bosse langs die Vetrivier afgekom. Ras onthou ook oom Attie Geldenhuys se span beeste op Bloemfontein se skou in 1955 en veral daardie vyf sterk ligrooi bulle wat só langs mekaar vasgemaak en waarna die mense al te lekker kom kyk het. Ras en oom Attie het saam kursusse gehou en hy het baie by hom geleer. Geldenhuys het gesê hy is nie ʼn kenner van beeste nie, maar hy is ʼn baie groot entoesias. Ras sê hy dink nie daar is groot kenners nie, maar hy is bly daar is baie entoesiaste wat met Afrikaners boer. En dan oom Dodds Pringle, ʼn regte ou gentleman van die Oos-Kaap. Hy het ʼn hele klompie jare die kampioenskappe by die Randse Skou (Johannesburg) gewen met sy koei Orange Grove Prudence. Daarna was dit P.R du Toit, ʼn baie bekwame man wat ook later die voorsitter van die Vleisraad was en by Vleissentraal betrokke was. Mnr. Louis du Plessis het hom opgevolg en hy was vir ʼn hele klompie jare in die voorsitterstoel. Hy was vreeslik langdradig en presies en was bekend vir sy uitgerekte vergaderings. Dickie van Rensburg onthou ek weer omdat hy die raadslede nooit meer as twee in ʼn kar laat ry het nie. Hy het altyd gesê want as daar ʼn ongeluk is, is daar te veel wat weg is. Op mnr. Jan Jordaan se droë manier het hy een keer toe hy sy rede tydens ʼn algemene vergadering moes lewer, gesê hy is nou baie jammer, maar hy het die papiere by die huis vergeet! Dr. Jan Buitendag het hom baie opgehou met die konstitusie, want jy kon niks doen nie alvorens jy nie eers seker gemaak het die konstitusie laat dit toe. Alles moes op net die regte manier gedoen word. Schalk de Jager het die manne gereeld tyd gegee om te rook, want as Schalk ʼn sigaret in die een hand en ʼn blikkie Coke in die ander hand gehad het, was hy op sy gelukkigste. David van der Linde is man wat lief is vir sy duiwe en lief is om vleis te werk want hy het slaghuise gehad. En, aan die vorige voorsitter, Pierre Fouché, wil ek baie

12 12 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 dankie sê en die huidige voorsitter, dr. Pieter de Kock, alle sterkte toewens! Ras sê tydens die 50-jarige bestaan van die ABTG was Johan Theunissen die voorsitter en het die destydse staatspresident Blackie Swart die verrigtinge as eregas bygewoon. Tydens die 75-jarige bestaan was dr. Jan Hofmeyer die gasspreker en hy ʼn bietjie vêr gaan draai met proewe wat hulle gedoen het met muise en ek weet nie meer met waste goeters alles nie, en die ouens het later van tyd kriewelrig geraak só ek sal julle verskoon as julle begin kriewelrig raak. Martin Ras sê hy het iewers gelees dat geskiedenis die bewaring van die herinneringe oor groot dade en die getuie van die verlede is, die voorbeeld en die leermeester van die hede èn die waarskuwing vir die toekoms. Ons moet kennis neem van die toekoms, want daar rus ʼn groot verantwoordelikheid op ons, het hy gesê. Daar was sedert 1912 baie toegewyde leiers wat hulle laat lei het deur hulle instink en groot liefde vir hulle beeste. Hulle het groot sukses daarvan gemaak en goue bekers met die beste vleisbeeste by interras kompetisies in Johannesburg sowel as in Windhoek verower. Ek onthou nog Doornspruit Sonskyn en Doornspruit Spore en die koei van oom Koos van Wyk. En dan het Christo Mouton op Windhoek en Vryburg se skoue groot sukses behaal. Op die Randse skou het die Afrikaner die beste groep van vyf bulle sekerlik vyf keer gewen asook die groep van vier beeste wat uit twee koeie en twee bulle bestaan het. Baie mense het gesê skoue is ʼn onding, maar dit is tog waar ons ons beeste kon meet teen die ander rasse, aldus Ras. Nuwe tye bring nuwe vereistes en aanpassings is nodig vir oorlewing. Só moes ons geliefde bees aanpas van ʼn trekdier na n geharde en goed-aangepaste vleisbees. Soos die Afrikaner moet aanpas by oorlewing, so moet ons as telers ook aanpas by veranderende omstandighede. ʼn Goeie voorbeeld hiervan is onthoring. Hoewel oom Johan Basson in 1962 begin voorspraak maak het om beeste te onthoring, het dit eers heelwat later onder die telers begin posvat, maar vandag is dit ʼn algemene gebruik. En wat hou die toekoms vir ons geliefde bees in? Solank as wat ons telers met die nodige integriteit, hoë professionele standaarde, akkurate rekordhouding en die nodige vrugbaarheidsvereistes bly teel, lê daar n blink toekoms vir ons en ons kinders voor. Kom ons werk saam in liefde as ʼn span waar ons in mekaar se suksesse en vreugdes kan deel, het Ras afgesluit. Met vergunning: Landbouweekblad

13 2014 Journal Afrikaner 13 - Frans Jordaan Gebruik van Blup teelwaardes deur die kommersiële teler Wat is Blup? Die woord BLUP is slegs die afkorting vir die internasionale term; Best Linear Unbiased Prediction. Deur van gesofistikeerde sagteware en kragtige rekenaars gebruik te maak kan n dier se genetiese vermoë bepaal word deurdat Blup n teelwaarde toeken, waarvolgens die dier geskaal word binne rasverband. Kortliks gestel is n teelwaarde n dier se genetiese vermoë om sy prestasie oor te dra na sy nageslag. Indien n dier mooi vertoon in n skou-ring weet niemand of dit te danke is aan goeie genetika of goeie voeding nie! Wanneer n Blup analise gedoen word vir n ras, word alle prestasie- en stamboom inligting van alle diere vir die ras in ag geneem. Diere se prestasie word met mekaar vergelyk in hul onderskeie kontemporêre- of behandelingsgroepe. Byvoorbeeld n speengroep van dieselfde plaas, jaar en seisoen wat presies dieselfde voeding en behandeling ontvang het. Vir sekere veranderlikes soos moeder ouderdom, die kalf se speen ouderdom en geslag word aanpassings gemaak sodat diere op gelyke voet met mekaar vergelyk word. Sodoende kan die variasie in speengewig dan aan genetiese vermoë toegeskryf word. Teelwaardes word dan aan diere toegeken op grond van die verskille (variasie) in speengewig binne die groep. Binne die speengroep sal die beste presteerders beter teelwaardes ontvang en die diere met kleiner speengewigte kleiner of swakker teelwaardes. Hierdie is n voorbeeld van direkte teelwaardes waar die kalf se direkte genetiese vermoë beoordeel word. Die kalf se prestasie by speen is egter ook afhanklik van sy ma se maternale vermoë soos melkproduksie. By geboorte en speen waar die koei die kalf se grootte en groei beïnvloed is daar ook maternale teelwaardes van toepassing. Die erfbaarheid van eienskappe word ook in ag geneem wanneer teelwaardes bereken word omrede sekere eienskappe laer oorerflik is as ander, maar indien n eienskap wel oorerflik is, kan daar geselekteer word vir die eienskap. Use of BLUP breeding values by the commercial farmer What is BLUP? The word BLUP is the acronym for the international term; Best Linear Unbiased Prediction. By using sophisticated software and powerful computers, a Blup analysis can be executed whereby breeding values are calculated for individual animals for a specific breed. In a nutshell, a breeding value is the genetic potential of an animal s ability to transfer its own performance to its progeny. If an animal appears to be excellent in a show ring it is unclear if it s due to excellent genetics or feeding! Complete performance records, as well as pedigree data are taken into account during the execution of a Blup analysis for a breed. Performance of animals within contemporary groups, or groups of animals receiving the same treatment and management, are compared to each other. For example a weaning group from the same farm, birth-year and season which received the same treatment and feeding. Adjustments are made for age of the dam, age at weaning of the calf and the gender of the calf, to ensure a fair comparison of animals based on performance and the difference in growth due to difference in genetic potential. Within such a weaning group the animals with the bigger measurements will receive the higher breeding values and the animals with the smaller weaning weights will receive the lower breeding values. This is an example where the direct genetic ability of the calf is evaluated. However, the calf s performance at weaning is also dependant on his mother s maternal ability e.g. milk production. Maternal breeding values of the dam play a big role in determining the size of the calf at birth. The heritability of specific traits is also taken into consideration and form part of the calculation of breeding values. Some traits have lower heritabilities and other traits are higher. It is possible to select for a trait if the trait is heritable.

14 14 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Teelwaardes kan basies vir alle meetbare eienskappe bereken word en word in dieselfde eenheid uitgedruk as die eienskap; soos die teelwaarde vir speen gewig word in kilogram uitgedruk. n Magdom van teelwaardes is al vry gestel in die bedryf. Groei eienskappe van belang waarvoor Blup teelwaardes al bereken is, is geboorte-, speen-, jaar-, 18mnde- en volwasse gewig asook gemiddelde daaglikse toename. Reproduksie teelwaardes sal insluit eienskappe soos skrotum omtrek, kalftempo, ouderdom by eerste kalwing en tussenkalfperiode. Raamtipe teelwaardes soos skouerhoogte en liggaamslengte asook sekere karkas eienskappe. Hoe kan ek as kommersiële teler voordeel trek uit Blup? Indien die kommersiële teler geregistreerde bulle koop, kan hy deur middel van Blup teelwaardes, sy bulkeuse baseer op voorkoms sowel as die genetiese vermoë van n bul. Dit is maklik om deur middel van voeding n bul se genetiese tekortkominge weg te steek. Afhangend van sy teeldoelwitte, kan die kommersiële teler deur middel van Blup teelwaardes, n ingeligte besluit neem van hoe hy die bul in sy kudde kan aanwend om sy doelwitte te verwesenlik. n Teler het op n dag besef nadat hy n mooi, groot bul teen n winskoop gekoop het, het hy ook begin kalwers trek! By nadere inspeksie van die teelwaardes, het dit aan die lig gekom dat die bul n teelwaarde van +3.5 kg op geboorte direk het. Die ras gemiddeld was op daardie stadium +0.5 kg. Die bul se teelwaarde was n hele 3 kg bokant ras gemiddeld, maar dit was onmoontlik om met die blote oog te sien of die bul groot kalwers gaan gee of nie. Onthou teelwaardes is die gedeelte van n dier se prestasie wat oordraagbaar is na sy nageslag. Die prestasie van n dier wat toegeskryf word aan goeie voeding kan nie na sy nageslag oorgedra word nie; omrede dié prestasie toegeskryf word aan bestuur en nie noodwendig goeie genetika nie. Die ideaal is natuurlik goeie genetika en goeie bestuur! n Paar basiese teeldoelwitte is: 1) Vrugbaarheid. 2) Maksimum groei tot op speen en selfs daarna vir die voerkraal. 3) Teel van verse vir vervanging in sy koei kudde. n Teeldoelwit is die eindpunt dit wat n teler wil bereik. Seleksie kriteria is die kenmerke waarvoor geselekteer moet word om die teeldoelwit te bereik. In die geval van vrugbaarheid is die seleksie kriteria (dit waarvoor geselekteer moet word) skrotum omtrek, kalfinterval en ouderdom by eerste kalwing. Vir maksimum groei tot op speen is die seleksie speengewig en melkproduksie soos gemeet deur die Blup teelwaardes vir speen direk en speen maternaal. Blup teelwaardes kan sinvol gebruik word vir regstelling (korrektiewe parings) in die kudde, bv. lae melkproduksie of om sterk punte in jou kudde nog verder te verbeter. Vir elke teeldoelwit kan unieke bulle met gewenste teelwaardes vir spesifieke seleksie kriteria met behulp Breeding values are calculated for all measureable traits and in the same unit as the trait itself, e.g. the breeding value for weaning expressed in kilograms. A relative number of breeding values were already released for all kinds of growth traits, e.g. birth-, wean-, year-, 18 months- and mature cow weight, as well as for average daily gain. Reproduction breeding values will include traits such as scrotum circumference, calving tempo, age at first calving and inter-calving-period. Breeding values for frame type will be shoulder height and body length as well as some carcass traits such as fat depth and inter muscular fat. How can the commercial farmer benefit from Blup? The commercial breeder that purchases registered bulls can make his choice of a bull by using breeding values, based on the visual appearance of the bull as well as the genetic ability of the bull. By feeding a bull long enough it is easy to hide certain shortcomings and the bull will appear to be excellent at the auction. The choice of bull will depend on the breeder s breeding objectives and Blup breeding values can be utilized as a selection tool to reach these breeding objectives. A breeder once realized that after he bought a bull at a very good price, calving difficulty also appeared in his cow herd. After investigation it was found that the bull had a breeding value for birth direct of +3.5 kg while the average breeding value for the breed was in the region of +0.5 kg. That means that the bull was 3 kg s above the average of the breed which is impossible to identify by just using visual appearance in bull selection. Always keep in mind that breeding values are that part of the animal s performance that he can transfer to his progeny. The performance, due to good feeding, cannot be carried over to his progeny because the performance will be a result of good management and not a result of superior genetics. The ideal is, of course, a combination of excellent genetics as well as good management! A couple of basic breeding objectives are: 1) Fertility 2) Maximum growth at weaning and post weaning for the feedlot. 3) Breeding of replacement heifers. A breeding objective is what the breeder wants to achieve by the selection of animals. Selection criteria are the traits to select for in order to enable the breeder to achieve these goals. By selecting for fertility the selection criteria will be traits like scrotum circumference, inter-calving-period and age at first calving. For maximum growth up until weaning, the selection criteria is weaning weight and milk production as measured by the Blup breeding values for wean direct and wean maternal. Breeding values can also be used to rectify

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16 16 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 van Blup identifiseer word wat onmoontlik is deur slegs visuele beoordeling sonder teelwaardes. Dis wel moontlik om na gelang van die vader en moeder se prestasie, ook n keuse te maak; maar teelwaardes is n voorspelling van hoe die bul sal teel en n aanduiding van hoe sy nageslag sal presteer. Alhoewel daar op n veilingskatalogus teelwaardes verskyn vir byna elke meetbare eienskap; is daar drie basiese teelwaardes om altyd in ag te neem by bul seleksie. Dit is die teelwaardes vir geboorte direk, speen direk en speen maternaal. Hieronder word n paar gevalle bespreek hoe teelwaardes toegepas kan word; 1) Maksimum groei Hoë teelwaardes vir geboorte direk en speen direk. Daar bestaan n hoë korrelasie tussen geboorte gewig en speen gewig wat beteken n groot kalf by geboorte behoort ook swaar te speen. Die bul se nageslag sal natuurlik verkieslik almal vir die voerkraal bestem wees en die bul sal nie aangewend word om verse te dek nie. Die teler moet egter ook bedag wees op moontlike kalfprobleme. Ook genoem n bul vir terminale gebruik. 2) Vervangingsverse Geboorte direk rondom ras gemiddeld en bogemiddeld op speen direk en speen maternaal indien moontlik. Speen maternaal is ook belangrik omrede dit n aanduiding is van melkproduksie en belangrik is in die koei kudde vir swaar speenkalwers. In hierdie geval sal gebalanseerde teelwaardes belangrik wees omrede n goeie balans van ekonomies belangrike eienskappe in die koei kudde vasgelê moet word. 3) Indien n teler bewus is van n tekortkoming in sy kudde bv. Lae melkproduksie sal die logiese keuse wees om n bul te identifiseer wat sterk is op speen maternaal, maar sonder om heeltemal in te boet op die ander eienskappe. 4) Indien die teler reeds goeie groei tot op speen het in sy kudde (dus bogemiddelde teelwaardes speen direk), maar hy wil geneties nog verder verbeter, moet hy altyd n bul wat n beter teelwaarde het as sy vorige kudde bul, vir speen direk, aankoop vir gebruik. 5) Vrugbaarheid kan deur die gebruik van kalf tempo en skrotum omvang teelwaardes verbeter word. Skrotum omvang is byvoorbeeld n aanduiding van die vrugbaarheid van n bul. Ander inligting soos die tussenkalfperiode van die bul se moeder is ook waardevolle inligting. Om teelwaardes prakties en so eenvoudig moontlik toe te pas is die volgende belangrik; 1) Teelwaardes is altyd in dieselfde eenheid as die meting m.a.w. indien speen gewig in kilogram gemeet word is die teelwaarde ook in kilogram. 2) Die maatstaf waarteen n teelwaarde gemeet moet word om te sien of dit goed of swak is, is altyd die ras shortcomings in a herd, also known as corrective mating. For example, low milk production or to strengthen existing strong points in the herd. Unique bulls for each trait can be selected by making use of breeding values. This would have been impossible by making use of visual appearance when making a choice between bulls without breeding values. It s also possible by taking into account the performance of the parents to choose the best bull, but breeding values are a prediction of the bull s ability to breed progeny with specific genetic merit. Although breeding values for numerous traits may appear on an auction catalogue, there are three basic breeding values to take into account each time a bull needs to be selected as breeding stock. This is the breeding value for birth direct, wean direct and wean maternal. A couple of examples how to apply breeding values are: 1) Maximum growth High breeding values for birth direct and wean direct. A correlation exists between birth weight and weaning weight which means a heavy calf at birth will normally also be heavy at weaning. Progeny of such a bull will be destined for the feedlot and the bull should rather not be mated with heifers. The breeder has to be cautious of distocia. This is also known as a bull for terminal use. 2) Replacement heifers Birth direct breeding value around the breed average as well as above breed average for wean direct and maternal. Wean maternal is an indication of milk production and is vital within the cowherd for heavy weaner calves. In this case it s important to select for balanced breeding values to ensure traits of economic value are captured in the cow herd. 3) If a breeder is aware of shortcomings in his herd, e.g. low milk production he will make the logical choice to select a bull which has high breeding values for wean maternal but without compromising other important traits. 4) If the breeder already has good growth for wean within his herd (breeding values above breed average for wean direct) but he still wants to improve growth in his herd, it is vital to select a bull with better breeding values for wean than his previous herd bull. 5) Fertility can be improved by the use of calving tempo and scrotum circumference breeding values. Scrotum circumference is an indication of the fertility of a bull. Other useful information to select for fertility is the inter-calving-period of the bull s mother. Important to know when applying breeding values: 1) Breeding values are always in the same unit as the traits were measured. If weaning weight is measured in kilograms the breeding value will also be in kilograms. 2) Breed average is always the norm to determine if a breeding value is good or bad and is based on the

17 2014 Journal Afrikaner 17 gemiddeld vir n spesifieke eienskap wat baseer is op die lewende diere in die ras en verskyn ook op die veilingskatalogus. 3) Teelwaardes kan positief of negatief wees en vir n eienskap; soos geboorte direk kan n negatiewe waarde beter wees as n positiewe waarde. 4) Bekom die veilingskatalogus so lank moontlik voor die dag van die veiling en maak n kortlys van bulle wat inpas by die verlangde teeldoelwitte. Op die dag van die veiling sal die teler nie geïntimideer voel deur n klomp syfers nie, want hy het reeds n kortlys van moontlike bulle in gedagte en hoef slegs visueel n keuse te maak. 5) Onthou n mooi bul het nie noodwendig gewenste teelwaardes nie. n Bul met gewenste teelwaardes kan egter ook n mooi bul wees. Indien u enige verder inligting rondom die toepassing van teelwaardes verlang kan u Frans Jordaan kontak by die Nasionale Vleisbeesskema van die Landbounavorsingsraad. Tel fransj@arc.agric.za average breeding value for live animals for a specific breed and will always appear on the auction catalogue. 3) Breeding values can be positive or negative and sometimes a negative breeding value can be better than a positive breeding value for a specific trait such as birth direct. 4) If possible the breeder should get hold of the auction catalogue prior to the auction to enable himself to shortlist bulls that fit into his breeding objective(s). This will ensure that he won t feel intimidated by figures on the day. At the auction only visual selection can then be made from the shortlist of possible bulls. 5) Always keep in mind that it s not a given that a beautiful bull will have the ideal breeding values but a bull with the desired breeding values may also be a beautiful bull. Please feel free to contact Frans Jordaan if you need more information regarding the use of breeding values at the National Beef Improvement Scheme of the Agricultural Research Council. Tel fransj@arc.agric.za

18 18 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Desirable and undesirable udders Alex Ashwood The udder of a beef cow is an extremely important physical asset which impacts on the economic, production and labour efficiency of the breeding unit. Udder soundness affects milk production, milk composition and calf weaning weights, the incidence of calf mortalities and the duration the cow stays in the herd. All these factors affect the overall profitability and productivity of the beef enterprise. The udder of a highly productive female must have the capacity to produce and deliver sufficient milk for high weaning weights and retain physical characteristics that allow repeated calvings. Without these functions the cow loses most of her breeding value. Weak udder suspension results in a pendulous udder that is difficult to suck by the new born calf. Balloon or funnel-shaped teats make it difficult for the post natal calf to suck increasing the incidence of illthrift and calf mortalities. Udder and teat unsoundness are a concern for a number of reasons:- o o o o o Extra inconvenience and additional costs Reduced longevity due to poor suckling, injury and disease Reduced milk flow and lower colostrum intake Heritability of udder and teat defects Ongoing issues associated with retaining daughters of problem bulls and cows Poorly shaped teats and badly shaped udders are a recipe for reduced profits It is subsequently important that stud breeders observe and identify the physical characteristics of sound functional udders to make more informed breeding and herd management decisions that improve udder durability and cow longevity. FUNCTION AND FORM The productive capacity of an udder is determined by its shape, size and its capacity to handle numerous calvings. The most desirable udder is one that provides sufficient levels of milk from the smallest amount of mammary tissue. It is incorrect to assume that a large udder is highly productive and that small udders are unproductive. Furthermore, there is a negative correlation between large size and udder durability. Large udders tend to contain a higher percentage of supporting tissue than medium sized pliable udders. Large udders and excessive edema at calving endanger the suspensory attachments and are prone to injury and disease (mastitis) reducing the long term durability of the udder.

19 2014 Journal Afrikaner 19 Cows with good udders out perform cows with POOR udders UDDER CHARACTERISTICS An ideal udder is snugly attached, symmetrical and of moderate length. The quarters should be evenly balanced with medium sized teats placed squarely under each quarter. A side view of the udder should show a level udder floor without quartering. The median suspensory ligaments support the udder to the cows body thus a strong suspensory attachment is essential for a satisfactory mammary system. A cow with weak suspensory attachment is subject to several problems: The udder floor may drop further weakening the udder attachment Once the floor has dropped the teats will stick outwards making them more prone to injury. The mammary system may deepen to a point where the calf can t suck. Figures 1 and 2 provide excellent examples of good udders. It is noted that the udder is strongly attached to the front and back to the body, that the teats have medium size and shape and hang plumb and the udder has moderate length without too much depth. Figure 1 Good udder attachment and sound teats improve cow longevity The foreudder should be of moderate length and strongly attached. Extra long foreudders are meaty and frequently break away from the body wall. The rear udder should be attached high to the body with moderate width and show a strong median suspensory attachment. The udder texture should be soft and pliable free from congestion and hardness. Studies show that cows with medium sized well attached udders weaned faster growing and heavier calves than cows with bottle teats and/or pendulous udders. Cows with desirable udders also reared more cows due to longer lifetime production and less mortalities. It is essential that a much greater emphasis be placed on selecting bulls and cows that improve udder traits particularly the median ligament and the acceptable placement of the shape and size of the teats. GENETIC PARAMETERS Studies suggest that the moderate heritabilities of udder depth (0.16), udder attachment (0.17), teat placement (0.24), teat size (0.18) and udder shape (0.24) permit gradual change through selection. Furthermore, the genetic correlations between udder traits imply that the selection for improvement of one trait results in the improvement in other traits. SHAPE & VISUAL ASSESSMENT It is beneficial when forming a concept on the form and appearance of desirable udders to examine as many udders as possible. Figure 2 Figure 3 shows the udder of an 18 year old cow which has endured the hazards of numerous lactations and retains its full functional capacity and highly desirable form. Figure 3

20 20 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Figure 4 is the daughter of this aged cow which demonstrates the desirable traits of the cow, ie good shape and texture of the udder and medium size and good placement of the teats. Figure 6 Figure 4 The highly desirable udder aspects of a 2 year old heifer are well demonstrated in Figure 7. The udder provides an excellent example of symmetry, desirable length, shape and softness without excess skin. Figure 5 shows the desirable characteristics common to a good non lactating udder. The udder is fully collapsed and shows excellent texture. The attachments are firm showing no evidence of breaking away from the body wall and the uniform teats, medium sized are well placed on a level udder floor. Figure 7 Figure 5 Figure 8 provides the example of a heifer with good capacity and shape and medium teats that are well attached. The rear attachment is high and wide and the folds of skin indicate capacity without looseness and meatiness. The tendency of the teats to hang straight downward from the centre of each quarter indicates strong median support. Figure 6 is a further example of a desirable non lactating udder. The udder of this 19 year old cow is even, has well placed teats with excellent shape and size. Figure 8

21 2014 Journal Afrikaner 21 Undesirable udders can be divided into two main groups. Those that are the result of:- o Poor teat shape and placement o Poor udder shape and attachment The implications of udder defects on the efficiency and productiveness of the cow differ with the various degrees of udder abnormalities. Certain shape defects may influence eye appeal more than functionality whilst teat defects often make the cow unacceptable as a viable breeder. Abnormalities increase labour costs and since most producers are becoming time poor due to increased size and scale of operation the inconvenience caused by udder defects is becoming less tolerated. Teat Problems: it is probable that these defects have the greatest detrimental impact on functional capacity and durability. Deviations from highly acceptable forms are varied, however, bottle and excessively long thick teats cause the greatest problems to new born calves. Cows with these defects should receive serious consideration regarding the retention of their progeny in the herd. Udder Problems: most of these abnormalities arise from attachment failure in conjunction with size and shape. Figures 9 and 10 show udders with poor shape, teat placement, texture and the body attachment is narrow, weak and short. Udder Edema: Congestion, or accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces in the udder, is physiologically normal for cows and heifers at calving but severe cases should be less than 2-3 per cent of the herd. Severe edema can interfere with calf suckling and may predispose the premature breakdown of the udder. Udder edema occurs primarily as a result of the restriction in blood and lymph flow from the lower abdomen due to fetal pressure in the pelvic cavity. Edema is most common at calving particularly with well conditioned heifers. The problem is compounded if there are udder and teat defects. Severe edema can reduce udder durability since ligaments and attachments can be stretched and seriously challenged. Because edema exists in the outer tissue severe cases can cause the skin to be leathery, cracked and tough limiting calf sucking. Figure 11 shows a severe case of edema with swelling to the belly, udder and teats. The edemic tissue covering the front and rear of the udder is 2-3 cms thick reducing access to the teats leading to extreme discomfort. Chronic cases of edema can permanently reduce the softness and pliable nature of the udder and cause problems in subsequent calvings. Figure 11 Figure 9 Figure 10 BOTTOM LINE Udder unsoundness shortens the lifetime and productiveness of cows. Whilst there has been an increased emphasis on the underline of bulls it is equally important to consider the underline of cows, ie consider the functionality of the key productive unit of the cow the udder. Undesirable udders seriously impact on cow productivity through poor udder health, dry quarters, increased labour costs, reduced profits, increased calf mortalities and reduced weaner weights. Additionally, cows with undesirable udders and teats can pass these defects to their progeny magnifying the problem.

22 22 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 The two key types of bad udders include funnel shaped teats and weak attachments. Observing, reporting, culling and selecting to avoid these defects on both sides of the pedigree will eventually improve the form, function and durability of udders and ultimately the quality of the herd. When selecting replacements emphasis should be placed on desirable udders Increased emphasis on udder and teat improvement will increase profits through:- o More beef produced per cow o Improved herd and breeding management o Increased productivity through less wastage o Better udder health and less injuries o Reduced labour and variable costs o Emphasis on selection rather than forced culling Identification and removal of cows with unsound udders and using genetics (ie bulls and females) with a history of well shaped udders will lead to cummulative gains in udder structure and soundness. Most udder traits are moderately heritable offering opportunities for gradual improvement of udders through visual selection of females and the dams of bulls. Since only half of the heritable traits are passed on by the bull female assessment in combination with sire selection most likely to give greatest benefits in udder and teat shape and size. Since there is a high correlation between functionality of well formed udders and eye assessment, udder scoring can be a valuable breeding and marketing tool for stud breeders. APPENDIX UDDER SCORING Udder and teat quality are the key functional characteristics of the cow and deserve the same attention given to other selection and production criteria used by studs. Udder scoring is basically the continuous assessment and reporting of udder soundness based on teat size and shape and udder shape and attachments. These characteristics (traits) are the most significant aspects of udder functionality. Like most management tools, udder scoring is subjective and requires standardization but assessment leads to improved knowledge on which to make more informed breeding and selection decisions. The improved knowledge of the herds and individual cow status also provides important feedback to potential purchases of stud stock (bulls and heifers). Udder scoring is a powerful management and marketing tool. PROCESS Since udders change with subsequent lactations, udder scoring is a continuous process and requires good reporting. o o o o Assessment needs to be standardized and practised to acquire the necessary skills to achieve repeatable and consistent results. Stock should be assessed each year at calving and the results recorded with other important calving details. The best time to udder score is hrs after calving. Records should be monitored on an ongoing basis to assess change and make the appropriate herd and breeding management decisions. POTENTIAL BENEFITS Assessing, reporting and acting on udder scores can lead to the following benefits: o Improved profitability through better breeding and herd management decisions o Identification of genetics that leads to durable udders and cows longevity. o Decreased labour costs associated nursing calves and poor udder health. o Introduction of standards and guidelines regarding the retention and sourcing of breeding stock (bulls and heifers). o Ongoing improvement in udder quality and functionality improving profits and the value of the herd. o Identification of cows that have minimal udder problems at calving. o Benchmarks to set clear objectives and targets regarding phenotypic standards for udders and teats. o Increased credibility with clients and potential purchasers of stud stock (bulls and females). EXAMPLE OF AN UDDER SCORING CHART Each producer can simply compile a chart to meet their individual goals and targets for udder conformation. The standards can then be used to make in herd comparisons and more informed breeding and herd management decisions. An excellent vessel and teats with good symmetry, attachment and texture allows the placement and spacing of ideally sized and shaped teats.

23 2014 Journal Afrikaner 23 A very good udder with level floor, strong attachments and soft pliable texture. Good shape and spacing of teats. A functional udder with good teats but weak front attachment may pose a problem in subsequent lactations. A very functional udder with good symmetry and excellent texture. Good front and rear attachment and teat shape and size. Potentially a problem udder due to size and poor body attachment is compounded by poor teat shape and spacing. A functional udder with excellent teats and texture but lacks balance and strength of front and rear attachments. An uneven udder with tendencies to break down with age. Poor teat spacing and potentially large front teats reduces sucking and milk intake by the new born calf.

24 24 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 An udder with weak attachments and suspension. The unevenness of quarters and teats will cause calf sucking problems and mortalities. Poor shape and texture leads to injury causing scar tissue and reduced milk flow. A pendulous udder with poorly spaced teats that are thick and prone to ballooning. These udders result in poor suckling and possibly increased calf mortalities. We would like to thank Alex Ashwood of the Australian Brahman Breeders Association for permission to reproduce this article.

25 Evaluation of meat tenderness of indigenous South African and other beef breeds 2014 Journal Afrikaner 25 L. Frylinck, P.E. Strydom, M.F. Smith, R.T. Naudé and P.H. Heinze Animal Production and Animal Products Institute, ARC, Private Bag X2, IRENE, 0062 Results and Discussion Abstract The inherent meat tenderness (sensory panel and shear force resistance measurements) of two South African indigenous Bos taurus africanus (Sanga) breeds, Nguni and Afrikaner, and one South African synthetic Bos taurus africanus (Sanga)/Bos taurus breed, Bonsmara, were compared against that of two Bos taurus (British and European) breeds, Hereford and Simmental, and one Bos indicus breed, Brahman. The role of the calpain system (two calcium-dependent proteases and their inhibitor, calpastatin) and the collagen status (amount and solubility) in the meat tenderness were determined. Postmortem changes in myofibril fragmentation length, sarcomere lengths, fiber areas and fiber typing were also studied to help explain tenderness characteristics. The influence of electrical stimulation on the inherent tenderness and the calpain system were also studied. The statistical evaluated results showed that although meat tenderness is highly dependent of pre- and post-slaughter practices, measurable genotype differences in meat quality characteristics (specifically tenderness) do exist due to differences in biochemical and physiological factors. In this project it was found that the specific biochemical and physiological characteristics related to meat tenderness favour the two Bos taurus africanus breeds and the synthetic Bos taurus africanus/bos taurus breed when compared to the Brahman and Simmental. Therefore, the results refute the international view that cattle breeds with humps generally produce less tender meat. In this publication only breed and breed ageing differences are discussed. Differences as result of electrical stimulation will be discussed in the follow-up publication. Every effort is made to eliminate the electrical stimulation X breed effects from the data discussed. Animals, Live Mass, Carcass Mass characteristics, Water- Binding Capacity, ph and Temperature Testosterone is involved in collagen synthesis, accumulation and maturation, which impact negatively on meat tenderness (Cross et al., 1984; Seideman et al., 1989). Muscles of bulls have higher levels of calpastatin with the consequent lower ability for tenderisation through the ageing process (Morgan et al., 1993). These effects only come into effect after puberty; therefore bull meat from young animals (A-age) should not be affected. The average live animal mass of the breed-groups is listed in Table 1. The Nguni and Afrikaner breed groups that have small frame characteristics had lower live animal mass than the other animal breeds (Bonsmara, Brahman, Hereford and Simmental) that had similar live animal mass. The average warm mass, cold mass, and % mass loss of the carcasses of the six breeds evaluated are reported in Table 1. At similar age, fat code 2 the Afrikaner, Nguni and Simmental breeds had similar average carcass mass (warm and cold) that is lower than the average carcass mass of the other breeds; Bonsmara, Brahman, and Hereford that have similar carcass mass (warm and cold). The % mass loss from warm to cold was similar for all the breeds, except for the Simmental that had a significant higher mass loss of 2.5 %. Water binding capacity (WBC) data is listed in Table 1. WBC did not vary much between the breeds. Table 1. Least square mean values and standard errors of means (SEM) describing the carcass mass and % carcass loss characteristics, water binding capacity (WBC) and the effect of postmortem metabolism on the temperature and ph decline of M. longissimus lumborum in the six cattle breeds evaluated.

26 26 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 p-value SEM Bonsmara Brahman Nguni Afrikaner Hereford Simmental Live animal mass at slaughter (kg) Hot carcass weight (kg) < bc b a a b ab Cold carcass weight (kg) - 24 h p.m. < bc b a a b b % Carcass Loss a b a a a b WBC a ab ab ab a ab Muscle ph 2 h p.m h p.m a a a a ab 5.81 ab 9 h p.m a 5.77 ab 5.63 a 5.58 a 5.68 a 5.77 ab 24 h p.m a 5.60 a 5.55 a 5.62 a 5.72 b 5.70 ab Muscle Temp ( C): 2 h p.m h p.m h p.m b b a a b ab 24 h p.m b 7.10 ab 5.03 a 4.37 a 6.92 ab 5.62 a p.m. = postmortem; abcd Means in a row with different superscripts differ significantly (p<0.05) with the Fishers means separation test. ph and Temperature measurements at 2, 6, 9, and 24 h are reported in Table 1. The Hereford and Simmental ph decline differed a little from that of the other breeds. The ultimate ph at 24 h postmortem of the Hereford and Simmental was also a bit higher at ph 5.7 compared to the other breeds of about ph 5.6. The significance of this difference is not known, because only ph measured at 2 h postmortem correlated with tenderness and WBSF measurements (Table 7). Table 2. Least square mean values and standard errors of means (SEM) for sensory meat quality and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) measurements and the effect of ageing on M. longissimus lumborum of the six cattle breeds evaluated. p-value SEM Bonsmara Brahman Nguni Afrikaner Hereford Simmental WBSF (N/2.5 cm ø) Breed effect average < a 129 b 103 a 90 a 101 a 130 b 1 d p.m. < a 172 c 140 b 105 a 113 a 160 c 3 d p.m. < b 143 c 127 b 85 a 113 b 157 c 7 d p.m. < b 124 c 113 bc 78 a 105 b 152 d 14 d p.m. < a 123 c 106 b 82 a 83 a 136 c 21 d p.m. < ab 106 b 93 ab 75 a 81 a 118 bc Sensory panel measurements First bite 1 Breed effect average < a 4.8 b 5.7 a 6.0 a 5.6 a 4.9 b 1 d p.m. < a 3.3b c 4.5 ab 5.5 a 5.1 a 3.9 b 3 d p.m. < a 4.4 ab 5.1 a 5.8 a 5.4 a 3.8 b 7 d p.m. < a 5.0 c 5.8 ab 6.6 a 5.9 a 4.7 c 14 d p.m. < a 5.3 ab 5.8 a 6.6 a 6.6 a 4.8 b 21 d p.m. < a 5.6 ab 5.8 b 6.8 a 6.8 a 5.5 ab Tenderness 2 Breed effect average < a 4.8 b 5.8 a 6.0 a 5.7 a 5.0 b 1 d p.m. < a 3.4 b 4.4 ab 5.5 a 5.3 a 4.0 b 3 d p.m. < a 4.4 ab 5.1 a 5.9 a 5.4 a 3.7 b 7 d p.m. < a 5.0 ab 5.8 a 6.7 a 5.8 a 4.8 b 14 d p.m. < a 5.1 ab 5.8 a 6.5 a 6.6 a 4.8 ab 21 d p.m. < a 5.4 ab 5.8 a 6.9 a 6.8 a 5.4 ab

27 2014 Journal Afrikaner 27 Residue 3 Breed effect average < a 4.8 b 5.6 a 5.8 a 5.5 a 4.9 b 1 d p.m. < a 3.7 b 4.6 ab 5.5 a 5.3 a 4.2 b 3 d p.m. < a 4.5 ab 5.0 ab 5.7 a 5.2 a 3.8 b 7 d p.m. < a 4.8 ab 5.7 a 6.2 a 5.6 a 4.8 ab 14 d p.m. < a 5.0 b 5.7 a 6.3 a 6.3 a 4.9 b 21 d p.m. < a 5.2 ab 5.6 ab 6.4a 6.4 a 5.4 ab p.m. = postmortem; 1 First bite (1 = extremely tough; to 8 = extremely tender) 2 Tenderness (1 = extremely tough; to 8 = extremely tender) 3 Residue (1 = extremely abundant to 8 = none) abcd Means in a row with different superscripts differ significantly (p<0.05) with the Fishers means separation test. ph measurements at 2 h postmortem did not significantly differ among the breeds. These results could be explained by the low number of animals per group, high variation between animals and the sensitivity of the ph-meter. Carcass temperature and temperature decline rate was similar for all the breeds at 2 and 6 h postmortem. Up till then the carcasses had hung in a cool room at about 10 C. After shifting the carcasses into the 4 C cooler the smaller carcasses (Afrikaner and Nguni) cooled down quicker resulting in significant lower carcass temperatures at 9 h postmortem and 24 h postmortem (see Table 1). Carcass temperature measured at 2 and 6 h. p.m. did not correlate with tenderness and WBSF, but temperature at 24 h postmortem did show a high correlation with tenderness ( at 7 d postmortem) and WBSF (0.486 at 21 d postmortem). M. longissimus Meat Tenderness (Sensory and WBSF) Least square mean values and standard errors of means for trained sensory panel tenderness, first bite and residue ratings and Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) are given in Table 2. From Table 2 it became evident that the trained sensory panel (TSP) had a very similar evaluation of the three tenderness related sensory attributes. Thus only the tenderness data (representing all the sensory tenderness related data) and the Warner Bratzler shear force data will be discussed further in correlation to the other characteristics determined. Figures 1 and 2 show the influence of ageing period on tenderness evaluation by the trained sensory panel and Warner Bratzler sheer force of M. longissimus in South African indigenous and foreign beef breeds respectively. From Figures 1 and 2 it is clear that meat tenderness of the Sanga breeds (Bonsmara, Nguni and Afrikaner) compared favourably with the Hereford breed over the whole ageing period. The Simmental and Brahman were significantly tougher than the Hereford and indigenous South Africa Sanga breeds, which agrees with the findings of De Bruyn (1991). Numerous other studies have also established that the M. longissimus from Brahman cattle is less tender than meat from Bos Taurus breeds (Crouse et al., 1989; De Bruyn, 1991; Shackelford et al., 1991; 1995; Whipple et al., 1990; Koohmaraie, 1996). Our surprising result was that of the Simmental toughness, which is a European Bos taurus. Communications with local Meat Industry representatives indicated that they were not surprised. Muscle Histochemistry (Fiber Areas, Fiber Type, and Sarcomere Length) The Bonsmara, Brahman, Hereford and Simmental breeds had significantly higher % white fibers compared to the Nguni and Afrikaner breeds. On the other hand the Nguni and Afrikaner breeds had a higher % intermediate fibers compared to the other breeds (Table 3). The % intermediate fiber values correlate positively with sensory panel tenderness and negatively with Warner Bratzler shear force values (see Table 7). Contrary the % white fibers values correlate negatively with sensory panel tenderness and correlated positively with Warner Bratzler shear force. This phenomenon indicates that more intermediate fibers favour meat tenderness, which corresponds with the characteristics of the Nguni and Afrikaner. The % red fibers had no effect on any tenderness measurements. Table 7. Correlation-matrix showing simple correlation coefficients of how tenderness and Warner-Bratzler shear force statistically correlate with various physiological, biochemical and histological parameters.

28 28 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Tenderness Warner Bratzler Shear Force (N/2.5 cm ø) 1 d p.m. 3 d p.m. 7 d p.m. 14 d p.m. 21 d p.m. 1 d p.m. 3 d p.m. 7 d p.m. 14 d p.m. 21 d p.m. ph 1 h p.m h p.m h p.m h p.m Carcass Temperature 1 h p.m h p.m h p.m h p.m Carcass Mass Warm Cold % Mass Loss WBC Osmolality (Osm/kg) Muscle Histochemisty Red Inter White % Red % Intermediate % White Sarcomere Length (μm) 1 h p.m d p.m d p.m Correlations > 0.47 are significant (p<0.05). Conclusion In spite of the low number of animals used in this study, the results of the project indicate that although meat tenderness is highly dependent on pre- and post-slaughter practices, measurable genotypic meat quality characteristic differences do exist among breeds. They exist because of a number of genetically determined interacting biochemical and physiological factors. More knowledge about how a specific breed reacts to specific pre- and post-slaughter treatments will help us exploit these facts to the advantage to the Meat Industry. The South African indigenous cattle breeds have smaller carcass mass that lead to differences in chilling rate, ph decline, rigor shortening, rate and extent of proteolysis, and quality and quantity of connective tissue, all of which could affect tenderness. Indications are that every breed reacts differently to a certain set of pre- and post-slaughter treatments (results discussed in follow-up publication). As one of the aims of the project was to study the biochemical reactions in muscle, carcasses were not cold chilled immediately after slaughter, but kept at an environmental temperature of about C for six hours. In this way the enzyme system in muscle could function to full potential during the immediate post slaughter stage, not being inhibited by chilling. Therefore, enzymatic differences could then be attributed to breed or genetic differences and not to post-slaughter chilling conditions. In conclusion the meat tenderness of the Sanga breeds (Bonsmara, Nguni and Afrikaner) compared favourably with the British Taurus breed, the Hereford. Under the specific experimental conditions, the Simmental unexpectedly showed significantly tougher outcomes compared to the Hereford and Sanga breeds, which agree with the findings of De Bruyn (1989). According to sarcomere lengths, tenderness differences between breeds were probably not a function of myofibrillar contraction. This was confirmed

29 2014 Journal Afrikaner 29 by the low correlation between sarcomere length and tenderness (Table 7). However, significant differences in myofibril length occurred among the breeds at all the postmortem ageing times tested, indicating differences in longitudinal fragmentation of myofibrils (Results from the Histological Light-Microscopic studies done by Dr Richard Taylor, INRA, France should also explain the tenderness results). Correlation coefficients between sensory panel tenderness and myofibril length and sensory tenderness support this statement (higher tenderness scores for shorter myofibril fragments. It is accepted that myofibril fragment length (MFL) does not explain all tenderness differences due to fragmentation completely, since fragmentation also occurs in other dimensions than the longitudinal dimension of the muscle fiber. The calpain system activities seem to support some of the meat tenderness similarities and differences of the breeds evaluated. The favourable tenderness measurements of the Bonsmara, Nguni and Afrikaner (Table 8) were associated with low calpastatin activities and high µ-calpain and m-calpain activities, resulting in lower calpastatin/calpain ratios. The higher calpastatin levels and lower calpain activities of the Brahman breed correspond with the lower tenderness scores, as reflected by relationships between tenderness and calpain/calpastatin activities presented in Table 8. In simple terms this means that meat from Bos indicus tend to age slower than meat from Bos taurus due to the inhibiting effect of the calpastatin on the ageing process. Results from this study again confirm these findings. A very important fact to always keep in mind is the interaction between breed and nongenetic factors. There will always be a place for Bos indicus cattle because of their adaptability to tropical climates and environment as well as their resistance to tropical parasites. It would thus be especially to the advantage of Bos indicus breeders to select for tenderness within the breed. Bos indicus breed carcasses seem to benefit more by the use of post-slaughter technologies such as electrical stimulation and alternative hanging methods. Table 8. Correlation-matrix showing simple correlation coefficients of how tenderness and Warner-Bratzler shear force statistically correlate with various physiological, biochemical and histological parameters. Tenderness Warner Bratzler Shear Force (N/2.5 cm ø) 1 d p.m. 3 d p.m. 7 d p.m. 14 d p.m. 21 d p.m. 1 d p.m. 3 d p.m. 7 d p.m. 14 d p.m. 21 d p.m. Myofibril Fragment Lengths (μm) 1 d p.m d p.m d p.m d p.m d p.m Calpain System Analyses Calpastatin - 1 h p.m Calpastatin - 24 h p.m μ-calpain 1 d p.m m-calpain 1 d p.m Calpastatin/μ-Calpain Calpastatin/m-Calpain Calpastatin/(μ - Calpain + m-calpain) Collagen Status Total Collagen % Soluble Collagen Correlations > 0.47 are significant (p<0.05). In simple terms this means that meat from Bos indicus tend to age slower than meat from Bos taurus due to the inhibiting effect of the calpastatin on the ageing process. Results from this study again confirm these findings. A very important fact to always keep in mind is the interaction between breed and nongenetic factors. There will always be a place for Bos indicus cattle because of their adaptability to tropical climates and environment as well as their resistance to tropical parasites. It would thus be especially to the advantage of Bos indicus breeders to select for tenderness within the breed. Bos indicus breed carcasses seem to benefit more by the use of post-slaughter technologies such as electrical stimulation and alternative hanging methods.

30 30 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Implications Currently the worldwide recommendation improving meat quality is not to include any cattle breeds with humps (National Beef Tenderness/Palatability Conference of the National Cattlemen s Association, Denver, Colorado, April 22 23, 1994). This could have a very negative effect on the South African beef industry should exporting be considered. Statistical evaluated results show that the indigenous Bos taurus africanus breeds, Nguni and Afrikaner as well as the synthetic Bos taurus africanus/bos taurus breed Bonsmara, compares well with the British Bos taurus breed in terms of meat quality, in fact they consistently came out best of all the breeds in terms of meat tenderness. It would be preferred to repeat the calpains and calpastatin analyses so that the results can be statistically more reliable, but results show that Bos indicus has a higher calpastatin to calpain ratio than that of the other breeds. This finding confirms the statement made above that the indigenous breeds compare better with the Bos taurus than the Bos indicus in terms of calpain system characteristics. Taking into account that the number of animals per breed and per test group was very low, the results acquired were remarkable good. The opportunity came to evaluate more animal numbers through collaboration with ARC-AII on an ACIAR funded project. These results will be of tremendous value to challenge this blank recommendation.

31 2014 Journal Afrikaner 31

32 32 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Die droogte bees van Suid-Afrika The drought cattle of South Africa Beesboere in Suid-Afrika het oor die laaste dekades hulle bedryf totaal gefokus op diere wat presteer onder omstandighede wat so ideaal vir diere is, as wat dit vir mense is. Ons mense beleef feitlik op geen tydstip in ons lewe voedseltekort in Suid-Afrika nie en baie boere boer ook so met hulle beeste, maar hulle begroot vir produksie onder absolute ideale voeding situasies en hulle boer met tipe beeste wat slegs presteer onder ideale voedingstoestande. Ongelukkig is dit so dat Suid-Afrika n land van ekstreme klimaat toestande is, soos tans weer die geval is in die Noorde van die land, veral in die Noordelike Bosveldgedeeltes van Limpopo, in die Noordwes Provinsie en in die Vrystaat. Daar is boere in die Bosveld wat al tot 20 beeste moes skiet wat weens maerte en verswakking nie meer kon opstaan nie. Op plase net langsaan, waar Afrikanerbeeste loop, het geen beeste nog gaan lê of gevrek weens die droogte nie. Die inheemse ras wat homself tydens die huidige droogte met onderskeiding bewys as n aangepaste dier wat droogtes kan oorleef, is die Afrikaner, wat presteer tydens goeie geil tye, maar ook oorleef tydens die moeilike, swaar, moordende tye soos tans in dele van Suid-Afrika beleef word. Vir beesboere om droogtetye te oorleef moet hulle met die regte ras boer, wat werklik aangepas is in die natuur, en nie net aangepas is op papier vir reklame doeleindes nie. n Afrikanerbees met Over the past decades cattle farmers in South Africa have totally focused their industry on animals that perform under conditions which are perfect for animals as they are for people. Our people virtually ever experience food shortages in our lives in South Africa and many farmers also farm like this with their cattle, but they budget for production under absolute ideal feeding situations and they farm with types of cattle that only perform under ideal feeding conditions. Unfortunately it is true that South Africa is a land of extreme climatic conditions, as is currently the case in the North of the country, especially in the northern Bosveld parts of Limpopo, the North West Province and the Free State. There are farmers in the Bosveld who have had to shoot up to 20 cattle due to the cattle being too thin, thus becoming increasingly weak and the animals could no longer rise to walk. On a farm right next door, where there are Afrikaner cattle, none of them have ceased or died due to the drought. The indigenous breed which proves itself with distinctions during the current drought is an adaptable animal which can survive droughts, the Afrikaner, which excels in good fertile times, but also survives during the tough, heavy, grueling times, as now being experienced in parts of South Africa. For farmers to survive these droughts they need to farm with the right breed, one which is adapted to nature and not merely adapted on paper for advertising purposes. Afrikaner cattle with a condition

33 2014 Journal Afrikaner 33 n kondisietelling van 1 uit 5 staan, en oorleef, terwyl sy eweknie gaan lê om nooit weer op te staan nie. Hoekom die Afrikaner: 1. n Mediumraam bees met lae self onderhoud behoeftes - Afrikanerkoeie vreet minder as swaarraam beeste. 2. Die Afrikaner besit die vermoë om relatief lae voedingswaarde weiding gunstig te benut vir oorlewing. Lae proteïen inhoud, droë voeding (gras, blare of reste) is genoeg om die Afrikaner koei asook haar kalf te onderhou en te laat oorleef. 3. Afrikaners se stap- en klimvermoë in bergagtige areas stel hulle in staat om kos vêr te gaan soek, en tot so lank as uur sonder water klaar te kom. Uitheemse rasse is nie in staat om dieselfde te doen nie. 4. In temperature van 44 grade lê Afrikaners in die bloedige son en herkou sonder tekens van hitte simptome soos kortasemheid of koors. Die Afrikaner is absoluut hitte weerstandbiedend en aangepas in n wêreld waar aardverwarming n onomkeerbare werklikheid is - dus die ras vir die toekoms. Sy geplooide blink rooi vel met kort hare is absoluut ideaal vir hitte hantering deur middel van verdamping en uitstraling. Die prominente lug sinusse in die skedel en oogbanke beskerm die brein teen oorverhitting en senuwee afwykings by die dier. 5. Afrikaners is diere met n lang lewensverwagting. Ouer diere, wat eerste maer word tydens droogtes, is nie die reël by Afrikaner koeie nie. Koeie van jaar oud het nog al hulle tande en benut droë weiding optimaal. 6. Weerstand teen uitwendige parasiete as gevolg van hulle kort glansende haarkleed en dik vel (let wel die ras met die dikste vel van die inheemse rasse in Suid- Afrika) maak dat bosluise en vel myte die minimum invloed op Afrikanerbeeste het. Hoe minder bosluise - hoe minder siektes, hoe minder bloedarmoede en hoe sterker weerstand teen die elemente (Let wel - die Afrikaner het). 7. As gevolg van die feit dat die Afrikaner n Afrika bees is, het hy deur die eeue weerstand ontwikkel teen siektes wat uitheemse rasse afmaai soos knopvelsiekte, rooiwater, snotsiekte en tot n mindere mate hartwater. Hoe gesonder die bees, hoe langer hou hy sy kondisie en hoe groter is sy weerstand teen die elemente, veral in velle droogtes soos nou. 8. Die optimaal geteelde Afrikaner voer goed en al is die veldgras klaar, oorleef die Afrikaner op n goedkoop rantsoen soos byvoorbeeld net hawer en n verrykte lek en kan weer die veld benut na die reën. Uitheemse beeste wat op konsentraat gevoer is kan nie weer maklik in die veld aanpas nie. Ons boere moet besef dat Suid-Afrika n land van uiterstes is, van baie reën en weiding tot snikhete warm klimaat, tot droogtes, tot parasiete, tot ysige koue. Hierdie count of 1 out of 5 remain standing and survive, while their counterparts cease, never to rise again. Why the Afrikaner: 1. Medium-frame cattle with low self maintenance requirements - Afrikaner cows eat less than heavy frame cattle. 2. The Afrikaner has the ability to utilize relatively low nutritional value grazing for survival. Low protein content, dry foods (grass, leaves or residues) are enough to maintain the Afrikaner cow and her calf and to survive. 3. The Afrikaner s walking- and climbing abilities in mountainous areas enables them to seek food far away and can survive without water for as long as hours. Foreign breeds are unable to follow suit. 4. In temperatures of 44 degrees Afrikaners lie in the blazing sun and ruminate without signs of heat symptoms such as shortness of breath or fever. The Afrikaner is absolutely heat resistant and adapted in a world where global warming is an irreversible reality - thus the breed for the future. Their pleated shiny red skin with short hair is absolutely ideal for heat treatment by means of evaporation and radiation. The prominent air sinuses in the skull and eyebrows protect the brain against overheating and nerve disorders in these animals. 5. Afrikaners are animals with a long life expectancy. Older animals which normally become thin first during droughts is not the case with Afrikaner cows. Cows aged between years of age still have all their teeth and utilize dry pastures optimally. 6. Resistance against external parasites due to their short glossy coat and thick skin (note the breed with the thickest skin of all the indigenous breeds in South Africa) ensures that ticks and skin mites have a minimal influence on Afrikaner cattle. The fewer the ticks - the less the diseases and anemia and a stronger resistance is built up against these elements (Note - the Afrikaner). 7. Due to the fact that the Afrikaner is an African animal, it has, over the centuries, developed resistance against exotic diseases which kill foreign breeds, such as lumpy skin disease, redwater, malignant catarrhal fever and to a lesser extent, heartwater. The healthier the animal, the longer it keeps its condition and the greater its resistance to the elements, especially in droughts as these. 8. The optimal bred Afrikaner feeds well and even if the veld grass is finished, the Afrikaner can survive on a cheap ration, for example; just oats and an enhanced lick and can utilize the field after the rains. Exotic cattle which are fed concentrates cannot adapt easily in the veld. Our farmers have to realize that South Africa is a land of extremes, from loads of rain and grazing to sweltering hot climates, droughts, parasites and freezing cold. These

34 34 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Afrikaners wat in die son lê ten spyte van 44 grade son & Afrikaners op droogte veld, slegs gevoer met verrykte lek. toestande is n gegewe en ons kan dit nie kies nie. Ons kan wel die beesras kies waarmee ons boer wat aanpas, oorleef en floreer onder bogenoemde toestande en dan nog as n bonus sagte sappige vleis produseer onder al hierdie omstandighede. Al ras wat ons ken wat oral in Suid-Afrika kan presteer is die Afrikaner. Die ras oorleef tans in die haaglike droogte in die land. Neem kennis daarvan, dink blink en boer met Afrikanerbeeste. conditions are a given and we cannot choose differently. However, we can choose the breed with which to farm, which is adaptable, survives and thrives under the aforementioned conditions and then as a bonus produces soft juicy meat under all circumstances. All breed we know which can perform anywhere in South Africa is the Afrikaner. This Breed currently survives this terrible drought in the country. Please note, think clever and farm with Afrikaner cattle.

35 2014 Journal Afrikaner 35 Did genetic change improve the efficiency of Afrikaner cattle? F J Jordaan 1,2, M M Scholtz 1,2, F W C Neser 2 & Z K ing 1 1 ARC-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2 Irene 0062, South Africa 2 University of the Free State, PO Box 33009, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa Over the past 50 years there has been much focus on breeding animals to meet specific, sometimes artificial, breed standards and the use of genetic information to select animals that conform to specific production norms. Each breed society also has its own unique breed standard and therefore selection between different breeds may differ. Within breeds individual breeders may concentrate more on fertility than on growth where others breeders may concentrate more on maximum growth for age at wean to meet the commercial market requirements. Since the implementation of breeding values in 1994 it is still unknown as to how many breeders actually utilize breeding values in selection decisions. The impact of breeding values on trend lines, as a selection tool over time in the Afrikaner breed is still unknown. The question is whether the use of breeding values resulted in any genetic improvement or was the improvement due to better management and a more favourable environment? Genetic change is easy to achieve. It results when animals that depart from average are selected as parents. Genetic improvement is much more difficult to achieve. It requires that the value of favourable changes exceed the losses by unfavourable changes. Favourable changes are normally linked to economic values but can also be linked to non-monetary values such as carbon footprint. Data of the Afrikaner was used to estimate the genetic change in direct weaning weight and mature cow weight over a period of 25 years. The genetic trends (changes in average breeding values), as well as the phenotypic changes in 205-day corrected calf weaning weight and cow weight at weaning of the calf were estimated. The actual kilogram calf weaned (KgC) per Large Stock Unit (LSU) was also estimated. A LSU is an animal that needs 9kg of grass/day with a Digestible Energy concentration of 55%, and 75 MJ Metabolisable Energy. An improvement in KgC/LSU reflects an improvement in cow efficiency and should also reduce the carbon footprint of weaner calf production. Het genetiese verandering die doeltreffendheid van die Afrikanerbees verbeter? F J Jordaan 1,2, M M Scholtz 1,2, F W C Neser 2 & Z K ing 1 1 LNR-Diereproduksie-Instituut, Privaatsak X2 Irene 0062, Suid-Afrika 2 Universiteit van die Vrystaat, Posbus 33009, Bloemfontein, 9300, Suid-Afrika Oor die afgelope 50 jaar was daar baie gefokus op teeldiere om te voldoen aan spesifieke, soms kunsmatige, rasstandaarde en die gebruik van genetiese inligting om diere te selekteer wat voldoen aan spesifieke produksienorme. Elke telersgenootskap het ook sy eie unieke rasstandaard en dus sal seleksie tussen verskillende rasse verskil. Binne rasse mag individuele telers dalk meer konsentreer op vrugbaarheid as op groei waar ander telers dalk meer konsentreer op n maksimum groei vir ouderdom by speen om aan die kommersiële markvereistes te voldoen. Sedert die implementering van teelwaardes in 1994 is dit nog onbekend hoeveel van die telers eintlik teelwaardes gebruik in hulle seleksie besluite. Die impak van teelwaardes op tendens-lyne as n seleksie hulpmiddel met verloop van tyd in die Afrikaner ras, is nog onbekend. Die vraag is of die gebruik van teelwaardes gelei het tot n genetiese verbetering of was die verbetering te danke aan beter bestuur en n gunstiger omgewing? Genetiese verandering is maklik om te bereik. Dit gebeur wanneer diere afwyk van die gemiddelde en gekies word as ouers. Genetiese verbetering is baie moeiliker om te bereik. Dit vereis dat die waarde van

36 36 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 gunstige veranderinge die verliese deur ongunstige veranderinge oorskry. Gunstige veranderinge word gewoonlik gekoppel aan ekonomiese waardes, maar kan ook gekoppel word aan nie-monetêre waardes soos koolstof-voetspoor. The trends in the Afrikaner breed are illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, whereas the trends are also summarized in Table 1. Figure 1: Genetic trend in weaning weight Data van die Afrikaner is gebruik om die genetiese verandering in direkte speengewig en volwasse koei gewig oor n tydperk van 25 jaar te beraam. Die genetiese neigings (veranderinge in gemiddelde teelwaardes), sowel as die fenotipiese veranderinge in 205 dae gekorrigeerde speenkalf gewig en koei gewig by speen van die kalf was beraam. Die werklike kilogram kalf gespeen (KgK) per Grootvee Eenheid (GVE) is ook beraam. n GVE is n dier wat 9kg van die gras/dag met n Verteerbare Energie konsentrasie van 55% en 75 MJ Metaboliseerbare Energie benodig. n Verbetering in KgK/GVE weerspieël n verbetering in die koei doeltreffendheid en sal ook die koolstof-voetspoor van speenkalfproduksie verminder. Die tendense in die Afrikaner ras word in figure 1-5 geïllustreer, terwyl die tendense ook opgesom word in Tabel 1. Figure 2: Genetic trend in mature cow weight (1st weight after four years of age) Figuur 1: Genetiese tendens in speengewig Figure 3: Phenotypic trend weaning weight 205 days Figuur 2: Genetiese tendens in volwasse koei gewig (1ste gewig na vier jaar ouderdom) Figure 4: Phenotypic trend in mature cow weight

37 2014 Journal Afrikaner 37 Figure 5: Phenotypic trend KgC/LSU Table 1: Summary of the genetic and phenotypic in the Afrikaner breed over the 25 year period. Figuur 3: Fenotipiese tendens speengewig 205 dae Tabel 1: Opsomming van die geneties en fenotipies in die Afrikaner ras oor die 25 jaar periode. Breed Genetic trends (kg) Phenotypic trends (kg) % Change Weaning Mature cow 205-day Cow weight in KgC/LSU weight weight weaning weight at weaning of calf Afrikaner % It is clear that the genetic change which occurred in the Afrikaner also resulted in genetic improvement. It is important to note that the breeding strategy followed by the Afrikaner breeders seemed to increase calf weaning weight, while maintaining mature cow weight. This genetic change improved cow efficiency and thereby reduced the carbon footprint of weaner calf production from Afrikaner cows. This advantage will even be bigger if the Afrikaner cow is used as a dam line in effective cross breeding systems. Figuur 4: Fenotipiese tendens in volwasse koei gewig Figuur 5: Fenotipiese tendens KgK/GVE Dit is duidelik dat die genetiese verandering wat plaasgevind het in die Afrikaner ook genetiese verbetering tot gevolg gehad het. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat die teel-strategie gevolg deur die Afrikaner telers speenkalf gewig verhoog het, terwyl die volwasse koei gewig gehandhaaf was. Hierdie genetiese verandering het die koei doeltreffendheid verbeter en sodoende die koolstof-voetspoor van speenkalfproduksie van Afrikanerbeeste verminder. Hierdie voordeel sal nog groter wees as die Afrikaner koei gebruik word as n moederlyn in effektiewe kruistelingstelsels.

38 38 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Die Waarde van Op-die Plaas (Fase D) PRESTASIETOETSE The Value of On - Farm (Fase D) Performance Tests Leslie Bergh Fases van die Nasionale Vleisbeesaantekening en -Verbeteringskema Die Nasionale Vleisbeesaantekening en -Verbeteringskema (die Skema) van die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR) van SA maak voorsiening vir toetsing van vleisbeeste in verskeie fases, naamlik: Reproduksie- en Kuddetoetsing (Fase A): Hierdie fase is die basis van die Skema en ook by verre die belangrikste fase, aangesien dit die fase is waar die ekonomies mees belangrike eienskappe in die produksieproses geëvalueer word. Hierdie eienskappe sluit in reproduksie (vrugbaarheid), gemak van kalwing, voorspeense groei en koeidoeltreffendheid. Fase A is die enigste fase van die Skema wat van die LNR se kant verpligtend is om aan deel te neem. Op-die-plaas naspeense toetsing (Fase B): In hierdie fase word die naspeense groeitempo van jong verse, bulle en osse onder normale plaastoestande geëvalueer deur middel van hul gewigte op 12- en 18 maande ouderdom. Sentrale prestasietoetse (Fase C): Jong bulle word direk na speen onder intensiewe (voerkraal) toestande getoets. Op-die-plaas prestasietoetse (Fase D): In hierdie fase Fases of the National Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme The National Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme (the Scheme) of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa provides for testing of cattle in several fases: Reproduction and herd testing (Fase A): This fase is the basis of the Scheme and also by far the most important fase, as this fase is where the most economically important characteristics in the production process are evaluated. These characteristics include reproduction (fertility), ease of calving, pre-wean growth and cow efficiency. Fase A is the only fase of the Scheme, from the ARC s side, which is compulsory to participate in. On-the-farm pre-weaning testing (Fase B): In this fase the pre-weaning growth rate of young heifers, bulls and oxen are evaluated under normal farming conditions by means of their weight at 12 and 18 months of age. Central performance testing (Fase C): Young bulls are tested immediately after weaning in intensive (feedlot) conditions. On-the-farm performance testing (Fase D): In this

39 2014 Journal Afrikaner 39 word jong bulle na speen op die plaas getoets. INTENSIEF OF OP DIE VELD? Alhoewel daar nog meningsverskille is oor die rol van intensiewe en ekstensiewe naspeense prestasietoetse, is die meeste wetenskaplikes van mening dat dit die ideaal is om diere te toets onder dieselfde omstandighede as waarin hulle nageslag moet produseer. Sommige mense sal nou onmiddellik sê dat die antwoord dan baie eenvoudig is: Bulle moet onder veldtoestande getoets word omdat vleisbeeste in Suid- Afrika op natuurlike weiding loop. Maar is die antwoord werklik so eenvoudig? Speenkalwers word in Suid-Afrika byna uitsluitlik op natuurlike weiding (veld) geproduseer. Daarenteen is ongeveer 75% van alle beesvleis wat in Suid-Afrika geproduseer word van voerkrale afkomstig. Dit beteken dat die meeste speenkalwers in voerkrale uitgegroei en afgerond word vir bemarking. As verder in ag geneem word dat die aankomsgewig van kalwers ongeveer verdubbel word tydens die voertydperk in ʼn voerkraal, is dit duidelik dat voerkrale n enorme rol vervul in die voorsiening van hoë kwaliteit beesvleis aan die Suid- Afrikaanse verbruiker. Hierdie situasie sal waarskynlik vir die afsienbare toekoms die geval bly, aangesien SA nie oor voldoende weidingskapasiteit beskik om genoeg vleis vir die mark te produseer van natuurlike weidings nie. Die rede hiervoor is eenvoudig dat ander faktore buite rekening gelaat die nasionale koeikudde drasties verklein sal moet word om plek te maak vir die uitgroei en afronding van jong diere naspeen op die veld en dit sal tot gevolg hê dat baie minder speenkalwers geproduseer kan word. Bogenoemde in ag genome, is daar nogtans n groeiende bewustheid, veral by gesofistikeerde gebruikers, oor die voordele van veld-geproduseerde vleis hoofsaaklik as gevolg van gesondheid- en etiese aspekte en daar word verwag dat hierdie mark in die afsienbare toekoms verder sal groei, veral indien sulke vleis teen mededingende pryse beskikbaar is. Dit is egter, met die inligting nou tot ons beskikking, baie onwaarskynlik dat hierdie neiging sou beteken dat daar n grootskaalse ommeswaai weg van voerkraal geproduseerde beesvleis na veldgeproduseerde beesvleis gaan plaasvind. Ons kan dus met redelike sekerheid aanvaar dat voerkrale in die toekoms steeds n baie belangrike skakel gaan bly in die vleisketting. Bulle se dogters sal in die toekoms dus steeds moet kan produseer en reproduseer op natuurlike veld en hul kalwers, ten minste tot op speen, op die veld gedy. Maar na speen sal dieselfde kalwers steeds moet kan aanpas by voerkraal omstandighede en vinnig en doeltreffend groei tot by bemarking. Op grond hiervan is daar dus n plek vir beide intensiewe en veldtoetse van jong bulle naspeen. Om Fase C en intensiewe Fase D toetse verder in perspektief te sien, moet onthou word dat hierdie fases slegs n klein gedeelte is van die totale toetsing van bulle fase, young bulls are tested after weaning on the farm. INTENSIVE OR ON THE VELD? Although there are still disagreements about the role of intensive and extensive post-weaning performance testing, most scientists believe that the ideal is to test animals under the same conditions where they would produce progeny. Some people will immediately say that the answer is very simple: Bulls should be tested under veld conditions because beef cattle in South Africa graze on natural pastures. But is the answer really that simple? Weaner calves in South Africa are almost exclusively produced on natural pastures (veld). In contrast, about 75 % of all beef produced in South Africa comes from feedlots. This means that most weaner calves are grown and rounded-off in feedlots for marketing. When further taking into account that the arrival-weight of calves approximately double during the feeding period in a feedlot, it is clear that feedlots fulfil a huge role in the provision of high quality beef to the South African consumer. This situation is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future, as South Africa does not have sufficient grazing capacity to produce enough beef for the market from natural pastures. The reason for this is simply that - other factors not taken into account - the national cow herd will have to be drastically reduced to make place for the growth and rounding-off of young animals post-weaning on the veld and this will result in a lot less weaner calves being produced. Taking the above into account, there is still a growing awareness, especially amongst sophisticated users, on the benefits of veld produced beef, mainly due to health and ethical aspects - and it is expected that this market will grow in the foreseeable future, especially if such beef is available at competitive prices. It is, however, with the information now available to us, very unlikely that this would mean that there will be a major turnaround from feedlot produced beef to veld produced beef. We can therefore accept with reasonable certainty that feedlots in the future will remain a very important link in the beef production chain. Bulls daughters will therefore still have to be able to produce and reproduce on natural veld and their calves should also thrive on the veld, at least until weaning. After weaning these same calves will still have to be able to adapt to feedlot conditions and grow quickly and efficiently up to the marketing stage. On this basis there is a place for both intensive and veld tests of young bulls, post-weaning. To gain further perspective on Fase C and intensive Fase D tests, it needs to be kept in mind that these fases are only a small part of the overall testing of bulls, as they are kept and tested under extensive conditions until weaning age and also after the Fase C or D testing. Heifers are also kept and tested under extensive

40 40 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 aangesien hulle tot en met speenouderdom en ook na afloop van die Fase C of D toets onder ekstensiewe toestande aangehou en getoets word. Verse word voorspeen en ook naspeen onder ekstensiewe toestande aangehou en getoets en dieselfde geld vir koeie gedurende hul produksieleeftyd. Die evaluering van aanpasbaarheid-eienskappe onder ekstensiewe toestande kry dus voldoende aandag in die Skema. Verskillende tipes Fase D prestasietoetse Soos reeds genoem, kan kalwers naspeen onder verskillende produksiestelsels markgereed gemaak word en kan teeldoelwitte hiervolgens varieer. Daarom maak die Skema in Fase D toetse daarvoor voorsiening dat jong bulle, volgens die teler se keuse, onder intensiewe- (voerkraal), semi-intensiewe- (byvoorbeeld op aangeplante weiding) of ekstensiewe (natuurlike weiding) toestande getoets kan word. Die LNR is dus nie voorskriftelik ten opsigte van die stelsel waaronder hierdie toetse uitgevoer kan word nie, om voorsiening te maak vir behoeftes, omstandighede en doelwitte wat mag verskil van teler tot teler. Om n Fase D toets te kan doen, moet daar ten minste 10 bulkalwers van dieselfde ras wees wat nie meer as 100 dae in ouderdom verskil nie. Dit is verkieslik om ʼn Fase D toets te begin so gou moontlik nadat die bulle gespeen is, dit wil sê op ongeveer 7 8 maande ouderdom. Om naspeense groeitempo akkuraat te evalueer, is dit belangrik dat n sekere groeitempo (GDT) en totale gewigstoename behaal word. Intensiewe toetse duur, afhangend van die voedingspeil en gevolglike groeitempo, van 84 tot 112 dae na n aanpassingstydperk van minstens 21 dae. Semiintensiewe toetse duur gewoonlik 112 tot 140 dae. Die belangrikste voordeel van intensiewe toetse is dat die bulle se aanpasbaarheid, groeivermoë en, indirek, doeltreffendheid van groei onder voerkraaltoestande geëvalueer word. By ekstensiewe toetse begin die toets gewoonlik eers met die aanvang van die volgende reënseisoen en is die bulle dan ongeveer 12 maande oud. Die maksimum ouderdom waarop n bul n Fase D toets kan begin, is 425 dae (15 maande). Ekstensiewe toetse kan tot n maksimum periode van 270 dae (9 maande) duur. Normaalweg strek hierdie toetse oor die Somer groeiseisoen van die veld waartydens die bulle in n groeifase is. Die belangrikste voordeel van veldtoetse behalwe vir die feit dat dit moontlik goedkoper is as intensiewe toetse is natuurlik dat die aanpasbaarheid (insluitende bosluisweerstandbiedendheid) en groeivermoë van bulle onder veldtoestande geëvalueer word. Die belangrikste moontlike nadeel aan veldtoetse is dat die groeitempo grootliks bepaal word deur die reënval. Aangesien daar n minimum groeitempo (sien hieronder) verlang word, kan dit beteken dat n toets gekanselleer mag word indien die groeitempo nie voldoende is nie, veral as byvoeding nie n opsie is om conditions pre- and post-weaning and the same counts for cows during their production life. The evaluation of adaptability characteristics, under extensive conditions, is therefore given sufficient attention within the Scheme. Different types of Fase D performance tests As already mentioned, calves, post-weaning, can be market-ready under different production systems and breeding objectives may accordingly vary. Therefore the Scheme in Fase D testing provides for young bulls, according to the breeder s decision, to be tested under intensive (feedlot), semi-intensive (e.g. on pasture) or extensive (natural pastures) conditions. The ARC is thus not prescriptive regarding the system under which these tests are performed in order to provide for requirements, circumstances and objectives that may differ from breeder to breeder. To undergo a Fase D testing, there must be at least 10 of the same bull calves of the same breed which do not differ more than 100 days in age. It is preferable to start a Fase D testing as soon as possible after the bulls are weaned, i.e. at about 7-8 months of age. To accurately evaluate the post-weaning growth rate, it is important that a certain growth rate (ADG) and total weight gain is achieved. Intensive tests last, depending on the feeding level and subsequent growth rate, between 84 to 112 days after an adjustment period of at least 21 days. Semi- intensive tests typically last between 112 to 140 days. The main advantage of intensive tests is that the bulls adaptability, growth potential and, indirectly, growth efficiency is evaluated under feedlot conditions. With extensive testing, the tests usually start at commencement of the next raining season and then the bulls are about 12 months old. The maximum age at which a bull can start a Fase D test is 425 days (15 months). Extensive tests can last up to a maximum period of 270 days (9 months). Normally these tests range over the summer growing-season of the veld whereby the bulls are in a growth-phase. The main advantage of veld tests - except for the fact that it is possibly cheaper than intensive tests - is of course that the adaptability (including tick-resistance) and growth potential of bulls are evaluated under veld conditions. The most important possible downside to veld tests is that the growth rate is largely determined by the rainfall. Since a minimum growth rate (see below) is required, it may possibly mean that a test can be cancelled if the growth rate is not sufficient, especially if supplementary feeding is not an option to maintain a certain growth rate. Fase D tests with bulls of the same owner are called Fase D1 tests. Where two or more owners test bulls together, it is called Fase D2 tests with more stringent requirements than in the Fase D1 tests; among other

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42 42 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 n sekere groeitempo te handhaaf nie. Fase D toetse met bulle van dieselfde eienaar word Fase D1 toetse genoem. Waar twee of meer eienaars saam bulle toets, word dit Fase D2 toetse genoem en geld daar strenger vereistes as by Fase D1 toetse; onder andere wat betref die maksimum toelaatbare gewigsvariasie tussen die bulle. Let asseblief op dat veldbultoetse wat onder die vaandel van Veldbul SA gedoen word, slegs as n amptelike Fase D toets van die LNR kwalifiseer indien die betrokke veldbulklub by die LNR aansoek gedoen het om die toets as n amptelike Fase D toets te laat doen en mits die betrokke toets en alle diere in die toets aan al die toepaslike Fase D vereistes voldoen en die toets deur n LNR beampte afgesluit word. Let ook daarop dat slegs amptelike Fase D toetse se data op die INTERGIS opgeneem en verwerk word en in die amptelike INTERGIS/Stamboek veilingskatalogusse gedruk word. Dit beteken dus dat data wat slegs deur Veldbul SA verwerk is (met ander woorde wat nie as n amptelike Fase D toets erken is deur de LNR nie), geen amptelike status geniet nie. Die waarde van Fase D toetse Fase D toetsing bied heelwat voordele bo Fase B toetsing. Alhoewel Fase D in wese n groeitoets is, bied dit die teler die geleentheid om heelwat meer eienskappe te evalueer. Hierdie data is dan beskikbaar aan beide die teler en bulkopers. Toetse word beplan en uitgevoer onder die toesig van n goedgekeurde tegnikus van die LNR- Diereproduksie-instituut wat kontroleer dat die toets uitgevoer word volgens die neergelegde riglyne en reëls van toepassing op Fase D toetse van die Skema. Die betrokke tegnikus is ook persoonlik teenwoordig tydens die afsluit van die toets om die bulle te weeg en ander metings te neem. Dit verseker onder andere dat die toets en al die betrokke eienskappe wat geëvalueer word, voldoen aan die wetenskaplike beginsels van prestasietoetsing. Verder verleen die betrokkenheid van hierdie onafhanklike persoon addisionele kredietwaardigheid aan die resultate van Fase D toetse. ʼn Minimum van 10 bulle per toets word vereis om te verseker dat sinvolle evaluasie moontlik is. Die meeste telers maak gebruik van teelseisoene en al die bulkalwers wat gespeen word (behalwe miskien die heel swakstes) word normaalweg saam getoets. Dit verseker dat kontemporêre groepe gewoonlik heelwat groter is as die minimum van 10 bulle, wat natuurlik beter vergelyking van bulle verseker. n Minimum gemiddelde groeitempo asook minimum totale gewigstoename word vereis gedurende die toetstydperk om te verseker dat groeitempo doeltreffend geëvalueer kan word. Vir mediumraamrasse word byvoorbeeld ʼn minimum things, the maximum allowable weight-variation between the bulls. Please note that veld-bull tests conducted under the auspices of Veld Bull SA, only qualify as an official Fase D test of the ARC if the relevant veld-bull club applied to the ARC for the test to be recognised as an official Fase D test, provided that the relevant test and all the animals in the test comply with all applicable Fase D requirements and the test is officially concluded by the ARC. Also note that only official Fase D testing data is recorded and processed on the INTERGIS and printed in the official INTERGIS / Studbook sale catalogues. This means that data only processed by Veld Bull SA (in other words not recognized as an official Fase D testing by the ARC) has no official status. The value of Fase D tests Fase D testing offers many advantages over Fase B testing. Although Fase D is essentially a growth test, it offers the breeder the opportunity to evaluate many more characteristics. This data is then available to both the breeders and bull buyers. Tests are planned and carried out under the supervision of an approved technician of the ARC - Animal Production Institute, whom checks that the test is carried out according to the set guidelines and rules applicable to Fase D tests of the Scheme. This technician is personally present during the conclusion of the test to weigh the bulls and take other measurements. This ensures, among other things, that the test and all the relevant characteristics which are evaluated, adhere to the scientific principles of performance testing. Furthermore, the involvement of this independent person grants additional credibility to the results of the Fase D tests. A minimum of 10 bulls per test is required to ensure meaningful evaluation. Most breeders use breeding seasons and all the weaned bull calves (except perhaps the very weakest) are usually tested together. This ensures that contemporary groups are usually much bigger than the minimum of 10 bulls, which of course provides for better comparison of the bulls. A minimum average growth rate and minimum total weight gain is required during the test period to ensure that growth rate can be effectively evaluated. For medium frame breeds, for example, a minimum ADG of g per day is required and a minimum total weight gain of kg. The bulls in Fase D test are weighed at regular intervals during the test to monitor their growth rate and to detect and identify any potential problems early enough.

43 2014 Journal Afrikaner 43 GDT van g per dag vereis en n minimum totale gewigstoename van kg. Die bulle in n Fase D toets word met gereëlde tussenposes geweeg gedurende die toets om hul groeitempo te monitor en moontlike probleme vroegtydig te identifiseer. Die skrotum-omtrek van die bulle word by afsluit van die toets deur die tegnikus teenwoordig gemeet. Dit verseker dat hierdie baie belangrike vrugbaarheidseienskap geëvalueer word by alle Fase D getoetsde bulle. Verder word die testikels ook ondersoek vir enige afwykings, byvoorbeeld hipoplasie, swellings of ander beserings. Skouerhoogte (of heuphoogte) en liggaamslengte van die bulle word ook deur die tegnikus gemeet (opsioneel) aan die einde van die toets. Hierdie mates gee inligting betreffende die raamtipe van die betrokke bul. Ultrasoniese skandering (RTU) van die bulle word ook gedoen (opsioneel) aan die einde van die toets. Onderhuidse vetneerlegging, binnespierse vetneerlegging (marmering) asook oogspieroppervlakte is die eienskappe wat gemeet word. Slegs RTU metings van geakkrediteerde tegnici word aanvaar, aangesien hierdie metings gespesialiseerde tegniese vaardigheid en toerusting vereis. Pelviese mates (pelvis-opening, hoogte en -breedte) van die bulle word ook gedoen (opsioneel) aan die einde van die toets deur ʼn die tegnikus of n ander geakkrediteerde persoon. Met behulp hiervan kan daar geselekteer word vir bulle wat verse sal teel met ʼn voldoende grootte pelviese opening wat maklik sal kalf. In ekstensiewe (veld) Fase D toetse kan die aantal bosluise op elke bul (op bepaalde areas op die dier) op n gereëlde basis getel of gepunt en aangeteken word gedurende die toets. Hierdie bosluis-tellings of punte word dan aan die einde van die toets verwerk in n indeks wat aandui watter diere meer bosluisweerstandbiedend is. Met dipstowwe wat al hoe duurder word en bosluise al hoe meer weerstand teen dipstowwe opbou, is hierdie n eienskap wat baie meer aandag behoort te geniet. (Terloops, bosluis-tellings of punting kan ook deur die teler self gedoen word op diere wat in Fase B getoets word). Bulle wat in Fase D getoets is se groeitoetsdata, liggaamsmates, ensovoorts word natuurklik ingesluit in die BLUP ontledings wat die LNR doen vir die betrokke ras (mits daar natuurlik voldoende data beskikbaar is) en sodoende kry sulke bulle betroubare teelwaardes vir die betrokke eienskappe wat in Fase C en D geëvalueer word. Dit beteken dat beide die telers en bulkopers betroubare teelwaardes tot hul beskikking het om te gebruik vir die seleksie van hul diere. The scrotal circumferences of the bulls are measured at close of the test by the technician present. This ensures that this very important fertility characteristic is evaluated in all Fase D tested bulls. Furthermore, the testicles are also examined for any abnormalities, such as hypoplasia, swelling or other injuries. Shoulder height (or hip height) and body length of the bulls are also measured by the technician (optional) at the end of the test. These measurements give information about the frame type of the particular bull. Ultrasound scanning (RTU) of the bulls is also done (optional) at the end of the test. Subcutaneous fat deposition, intramuscular fat deposition (marbling) and eye muscle area are the characteristics which are measured. Only RTU measurements of accredited technicians are accepted, as these measurements require specialized technical skills and equipment. Pelvic measurements (pelvic opening; height and width) of the bulls are also done (optional) at the end of the test by a technician or an accredited person. Using these measurements, selection can take place for bulls which will breed heifers with a sufficiently large pelvic opening for ease of calving. In extensive (veld) Fase D tests, the number of ticks on each bull (in specific areas on the animal) can be counted or pointed and recorded on a regular basis during the test. These tick-scores or points are processed in an index at the end of the test indicating which animals are more tick resistant. With dips increasing in cost and ticks becoming increasingly resistant to dips, more attention must be given to this characteristic. (By the way, tickscores or points can also be done by the breeder himself on animals tested in Fase B). Bulls tested in Fase D s growth test data, body measurements, etc. is included in the BLUP analyzes done by the ARC for that relevant breed (provided of course that there is sufficient data available) and so these bulls receive reliable breeding values for the relevant characteristic evaluated in Fase C and D. This means that both the breeders and bull buyers have reliable breeding values at their disposal to use for the selection of their animals. CONCLUSION Depending on the specific circumstances of an individual breeder or breed, their needs and breeding objectives, Fase D offers various options for testing young bulls after weaning. The main advantage of Fase D testing is that it is under the direct supervision and control of an

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45 2014 Journal Afrikaner 45 SLOT Afhangende van n individuele teler of ras se spesifieke omstandighede, behoeftes en teeldoelwitte, bied Fase D groeitoetse verskeie opsies vir die toetsing van jong bulle na speen. independent authority, namely the ARC, and therefore the performance test data obtained from this fase will enjoy high regard in the industry in terms of accuracy and reliability. Die belangrikste voordeel van Fase D toetse is dat dit onder direkte toesig en beheer van n onafhanklike instansie, naamlik die LNR, geskied en gevolglik geniet die prestasietoetsdata, afkomstig van hierdie fase, hoë aansien in die bedryf wat betref akkuraatheid en betroubaarheid. Graag verwelkom ons die volgende lede wat by die Genootskap aangesluit het: H Adlem, Dr J Smit & JG Wolhuter (Wollie) En die volgende as Kategorie B / Subskripsie lede: FH Conradie, AJ Grobler, J Scheepers & K Terblanche Nuwe lede En die wenner is... Ons Joernaal het die jaar beste advertensie op Vryburg gewen. Baie geluk aan Pierre Fouché met Sonderhout en TBB se beste advertensie!

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47 2014 Journal Afrikaner 47 The Afrikaner embraces the future Annelie Coleman, Farmer s Weekly SA cattlemen increasingly recognise the Afrikaner s competitive advantage, says Barry Steenkamp, co-owner of the Palmietkuil Afrikaner herd in the Vredefort area of the Free State. Annelie Coleman paid him a visit. The Afrikaner was a popular breed in the early days of cattle farming in South Africa and Afrikaner genetics form the basis of many of today s synthetic breeds. The introduction of cattle breeds from abroad and the development of synthetic breeds led to a gradual decline in the numbers of Afrikaner cattle. However, with the focus of beef cattle shifting towards adaptability and productivity, father and son team Dirk and Barry Steenkamp see this hardy breed as the breed of the future. The Afrikaner is as competitive today as it was in its glory days, says Dirk, whose father and grandfather were also Afrikaner breeders. The Steenkamps run Afrikaner, Bonsmara and Santa Gertrudis cattle, as well as grow maize, on their farm in the Vredefort Dome area in the northern Free State. The Afrikaner component produces 43% of the livestock turnover in the business. We farm three breeds so that we use the right breed for the right job, so to speak, Barry explains. As a theoretical example, for maximum milk production we would use Holsteins, for the highest butterfat content, Jerseys, and for smaller-framed animals, Dexters. Barry says that the future of beef farming lies in using the right breed for the conditions. No single breed can outperform all other breeds. A breed s performance should be evaluated in terms of the conditions the animals are kept in, supported by EBVs. Breeds perform differently in different conditions. There s no breed that performs best in all traits such as maternal behaviour, temperament, growth, walking ability, mobility, hardiness, resistance to disease and

48 48 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 TOP LEFT: The Steenkamp family. Front from left: Barry s mother Miekie and wife Mari-Lise. Back from left: Dirk, daughter Marieke and Barry. TOP RIGHT: As protection against predators, Palmietkuil Afrikaners are not dehorned. ABOVE: Dirk and Barry Steenkamp see the Afrikaner as an efficient and competitive beef cattle breed. RIGHT: Well-known Afrikaner stud breeder Martin Ras, from Hoopstad, inspects Palmietkuil s Afrikaners. parasites, adaptability and fertility. So if need be, a cattleman should be prepared to keep more than one breed on his farm. PLANTS, TERRAIN AND TEMPERATURE We need to know the areas we farm, and the strengths and limitations of the cattle, stresses Barry. A farm can contain bushveld, rocky outcrops and grass plains. To us, it makes sense to use three different breeds because of environmental diversity on our farm, says Barry. The soil varies from sandy to sandy loam to heavy clay and there are rocky outcrops in the hills of the Vredefort Dome. Temperatures range from -6 C to 43 C and the average annual rainfall is 575mm. The area represents elements of two veld types: Bankenveld (Acocks) and Cymbopogon-Themeda veld (Acocks) with Eragrostis plana and red grass (Themeda trianda) as dominant grasses. The Steenkamps stock at 4,5ha/ MLU to 6ha/ MLU. Afrikaner cattle graze the hilly part of the farm during summer and utilise maize stover in winter. These animals are suited to the steep hills and koppies of the Vredefort Dome, according to Barry. The cattle can climb the steep hills without strain and make the best use of grazing. says Barry. We can use the farm s full potential. Afrikaners easily walk the 6km between watering points when required to do so. Some camps have wetland areas but water is supplied mainly by boreholes. The breed s hardiness, thick skin, short-haired coat and parasite resistance make it ideal for the more rugged areas of the farm. Afrikaners have an inherent resistance to ticks and endo-parasites, which means less dipping

49 2014 Journal Afrikaner 49 and treatment against tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis and three-day-stiff sickness. We inject the herd with Multimin and products containing avermectin, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic with insecticidal properties, twice a year, explains Barry. In winter, animals are treated with pour-on pesticide, and in summer they re spray-dipped when necessary. Cattle have a phosphate lick in summer, and a protein lick in winter, while young animals have access to a production lick. PROTECTIVE INSTINCTS The Afrikaner s strong maternal and herding instincts are invaluable to us, says Barry. At night, the cattle form a dense group to defend their young against predators. This makes herd management easy. Afrikaner cows also form nurseries where a few cows look after the calves while the rest of the herd is out grazing. They won t leave the calves until the herd returns. A few years ago, a leopard killed several calves on the farm. Only one was an Afrikaner calf, however, due to the protective nature of the Afrikaner cows. The rest were Bonsmaras. One reason we prefer horned Afrikaners is that the horns help in defence and keep predators at bay. On one occasion when we moved the herd about 22km away by truck we inadvertently left a calf behind. Its mother walked back during the night and was reunited with her calf in the morning, recalls Barry. FEEDLOTTING Dirk started a feedlot on the farm in the 1980s. Barry feels that many feedlotters harbour misconceptions about the feedlot performance of Bos indicus breeds. Feedlotters don t consider the fact that Afrikaner weaners in a 90-day feedlot cycle bring in income four times a year, compared to three times a year for weaners that have to stay in the feedlot for 120 days, he explains. The Afrikaner has a competitive feed conversion rate (FCR), but it is not profitable to keep an Afrikaner in a feedlot beyond 90 days because by then it has grown out. Quick turnover helps cash flow. Weaners of all three breeds are put through the feedlot before being sent to slaughter. The Steenkamps also supply Afrikaner beef to a local butchery at a premium price. The meat is highly sought-after because of its exceptional marbling and tenderness. BREEDING For optimal productivity, bulls run with the cows yearround. Palmietkuil cows must wean a calf every year. The profitability of any beef cattle enterprise depends on the number of calves born in a herd, says Barry. We maintain a ratio of between 20 and 60 cows per bull depending on age (of bull) breeding traits selected for and bull virility. Heifers are put to the bull at 12 months. Virility is a strong trait in Afrikaner bulls. One of our bulls had a take rate of more than 93% in a herd of 60 cows for four consecutive years. This keeps the investment cost in bulls low, and combined with the Afrikaner s longevity, increases the profit margin. Dirk and Barry are in the process of registering an Afrikaner stud as an investment in and contribution to Afrikaner genetics and the breed s development in South Africa. They are currently selecting animals for the stud from the existing herd. This doesn t mean that our breeding strategy will change in any way, explains Dirk. We re committed to optimum meat production per hectare to realise decent profits. But the future looks bright for the Afrikaner. It was the breed of the past, and we think it s the breed of the future. Barry Steenkamp at barrysteenkamp@ gmail.com

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52 52 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Afrikaner Gehard,dog spog met sagte vleis Vleisliefhebbers het verlede maand by die Ultimate Beef Club in Johannesburg hoë punte toegeken aan die Afrikaner-beesvleis wat op die spyskaart was. Een van Suid-Afrika se gewildste vleisbeesrasse het n tongtippietoets vir tekstuur, sagtheid en smaak met onderskeiding geslaag. Afrikanerkruis- en -lendeskyf was in April op die spyskaart tydens die Ultimate Beef Club se maandelikse bief-proe-sessie by The Local Grill in Johannesburg. Die klub is deur mnr. Steve Maresch gestig. Dié beesras het 76% vir sagtheid, 77% vir tekstuur en 79% vir smaak by die klub ontvang. Die lendeskyf het spreekwoordelik stof geskop in die oë van die kruisskyf wat sagtheid, tekstuur en smaak betref. Vleisliefhebbers het hul punte op die klub se toepassing ingevoer, wat die eindresultate bepaal het. Die lendeskyf het onderskeidelik 83%, 84% en 87% vir bogenoemde kategorieë ontvang, terwyl die kruisskyf vir dieselfde kategorieë onderskeidelik 80%, 82% en 86% ontvang het. Doel Die langtermyndoel is om die meer as 24 vleisbeesrasse in die land te bemark en te bevorder. Die klub wil beesvleis interessanter maak vir verbruikers, sjefs en

53 2014 Journal Afrikaner 53 restauranteienaars, verduidelik Maresch. Hy meen hulle slaag in hul poging, met die geleentheid wat vol bespreek was. En dit op n vleisvrye Maandag. Ons noem ons geleentheid Beef it up Mondays. Die klub is gestig na aanleiding van die Ultimate Beef Challenge wat verlede jaar met die samewerking van Landbouweekblad vir die eerste keer aangebied is om die ras met die beste lendeskyf in die land te kroon. Altesame 14 rasse se vleis is deur 16 beoordelaars geproe en Wagyu het met die louere weggestap. Die ander rasse wat deelgeneem het, was Senepol, rooi Angus, Tuli, Afrikaner, Pinzgauer, Jersey, Limousin, Sussex, Nguni, Boran, Chalmar, Greenfields en Drakensberger. Maresch, stigter van die kompetisie en mede-eienaar van die restaurant, sê met behulp van die kompetisie en die klub wil hulle die voedingswaarde van beesvleis bemark en vertroue en sekerheid oor die veiligheid van beesvleis aan verbruikers oordra. n Tweede kompetisie word vir September vanjaar beoog. Afrikaner-vleis Die lendeskyf en kruisskyf wat deur die klub geproe is, kom van Cloete-Afrikaners, n boerdery naby Vryburg Mnr. Adrian Cloete, een van die familieboere beskryf die Afrikaner as n intelligente, saggeaarde maar ook geharde bees. Daar is nie n ander ras waarvan die koeie vir jou 16 kalwers in haar leeftyd gaan lewer nie, vertel Cloete. Hulle word vinnig mak, is een van die sterkste rasse en hulle is intelligent. Cloete sê diegene wat met Afrikaners boer, is trots op die ras en die produk wat hulle lewer. As boere doen ons altyd ons uiterste bes om die heel beste produk te voorsien. Die Afrikaner is die oudste beesras in die land. Die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap het verlede jaar sy eeufeesviering herdenk. n Jare lange dispuut bestaan oor die presiese oorsprong van die ras. Volgens sommige teorieë het dit in midde-afrika ontstaan en mettertyd na die suidpunt beweeg. Maresch beskryf die beeste as bekoorlik. As daardie bees so na jou toe aangestap kom, is hy majestueus, dit gee my sommer hoendervleis om daaraan te dink. Van die proeërs wou weet hoekom die bief van n ras, soos die Afrikaner, nie in supermarkte en in slaghuise aangedui of bemark word nie. Volgens Cloete beweeg die mark in daardie rigting. Sommige slaghuise doen dit reeds. Die Ultimate Beef Club kom weer op 6 Mei vanjaar bymekaar waartydens Angus op die spyskaart sal wees. Mnre. Steven Maresch (links), restauranteienaar, en Adrian Cloete (regs), Afrikanerbeesboer, was die gashere van die dag. Die smaaklike kruisskyf is in netjiese snitte voorgesit. Die doel is om die meer as 24 vleisbeesrasse in SA te bevorder. Die klub wil beesvleis interessanter maak vir verbruikers, sjefs en restauranteienaars.

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56 56 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Infusion Infusie Herman Duvenage Infusion, the Apartheid word which receives the blame for everything, which is not right or did the Society or the breeders use the word to bring the apartheid between breeders? Does it create apartheid between breeders or not? This is just a question which should be asked to each person, breeders can certainly answer for themselves. To remain diplomatic in the time and circumstances in which we find ourselves, in my opinion, is not appropriate. We need to move forward with positivity and use the obtainable science available to us. What exactly is the meaning of infusion: To infuse: to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it. Infusion implies pouring on/in something, in our case: that gives new life or significance, again in our case; either to the market or the financial advantages (AND THIS IS TO DELIVER A PRODUCT REQUIRED BY THE MARKET). WE MEET BOTH! Misinterpretation; we have the Afrikaner cow with the special characteristics she possesses, in the sense of hardiness, mothering ability, walking ability, not selective eaters, disease resistant, heat tolerant and best of all, adapted to the South African farming conditions, if we take into account all that is available to us. But do we realize this or is it the image we project to the investor? Some of us do but others no, we rather break our investment down. Let s start by asking each other what the reason was for infusion: To combat inbreeding, bring in new genes, gain better muscling in order to meet a changing market - not to change the Afrikaner! It was scientifically calculated which also happened in many other existing breeds, only without the FIBE. The Angus, Hereford, name the breeds, even the Bonsmara of today do they look like 20 years ago or did something change in these breeds? It was to meet specific economic markets and furthermore to meet your investor, the buyer s, needs and to curb inbreeding, which is certainly the greatest impact on fertility and economic value. Any calf is better than no calf! We must realize that we are dealing with a unique breed worldwide which has certain characteristics that no other existing breed in South Africa has. How do we preserve the most economically characteristic, fertility? The breeders whom will enjoy the greatest benefit from infusion are the breeders Infusie, die Apartheid-woord wat die skuld vir als kry, wat nie reg is nie of het die Genootskap of van die telers die woord infusie gebruik om die apartheid tussen telers te bewerkstellig? Skep dit apartheid tussen telers of nie? Hierdie is net ʼn vraag wat aan elke persoon gevra moet word, telers kan dit seker vir hulleself beantwoord. Om diplomaties te bly in die tyd en omstandighede waarin ons onsself bevind is, in my mening, nie gepas. Ons moet vorentoe kan beweeg met positiwiteit en die beskikbare wetenskap tot ons beskikking gebruik. Wat presies is die mening van INFUSIE: To infuse: to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it. Infuse implies pouring on something, or in, in our case: that gives new live or significance, again in our case; either to the market or the financial advantages (EN DIT IS OM N PRODUK TE LEWER WAT DIE MARK SOEK). ONS VOLDOEN AAN ALBEI! Mispersepsie; ons sit met die Afrikaner koei met die besonderse eienskappe wat sy het in die sin van gehardheid, moedereienskappe, stapvermoë, nie selektiewe vreters, siekteweerstand, hitte tolerant, en die beste van als, aangepas in die Suid-Afrikaanse boerdery omstandighede, indien ons als wat tot ons beskikking is in aanmerking neem. Maar besef ons dit of is dit die beeld wat ons uitdra na die belegger? Van ons doen, maar ander nee, ons breek eerder ons belegging af. Kom ons begin mekaar vra wat was die rede was vir INFUSIE: Inteling te bekamp, nuwe gene in te bring, beter bespiering te verkry en om sodoende aan ʼn veranderde mark te voldoen - nie om die Afrikaner te verander nie! Dit was wetenskaplik bereken wat in baie ander bestaande rasse ook gebeur het, net sonder die FIBE. Die Angus, Hereford, noem maar die rasse, selfs die Bonsmara van vandag - lyk hulle soos 20 jaar gelede of het iets in die rasse verander? Dit was om aan bepaalde ekonomiese markte te voldoen, en verder meer om aan jou belegger, die koper, se behoeftes te kan voldoen en inteling te bekamp, wat seker die grootste impak op vrugbaarheid het en die ekonomiese waarde daarvan. Enige kalf is beter as geen kalf! Ons moet besef dat ons met ʼn unieke ras wêreldwyd hier te doen het wat bepaalde eienskappe besit wat geen ander bestaande ras in Suid-Afrika besit nie. Hoe behou ons dit sonder om die mees ekonomiese faktor, vrugbaarheid, in te boet? Die telers wat die grootste voordeel gaan benut

57 Handelsbankdienste First National Bank n afdeling van FirstRand Bank Beperk. n Gemagtigde Verskaffer van Finansiële Dienste en Krediet (NCRCP20). MetropolitanRepublic/11662/A Laat jou kudde groei met n mediumtermyn lening van n bank wat boerdery verstaan. By FNB weet ons dat n boerdery soms langer vat om n opbrengs te lewer. Dis waarom ons lenings, met aanpasbare terugbetalingsvoorwaardes, aan boere bied. As jou landboubesigheid hoog mik, kan ons jou help om nuwe hoogtes te bereik. Besoek jou naaste tak of skakel jou Kommersiële Bankier. Jy kan ook n e-pos stuur aan agric@fnb.co.za of besoek Bepalings en voorwaardes geld.

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59 2014 Journal Afrikaner 59 whom will use infusion bulls. Have we honestly given up any of the Afrikaner s positive attributes? In my opinion, no. The studies and results actually prove the opposite, the relevant data is available and for how long should we kick against a scientific approach? The industry changes, keep your passion and love but adjust. We are probably in the most privileged situation today of all existing breeds in South Africa. What is stopping us? The breed is as good as its people. We accept commercial animals as Appendix A animals in the Stud Book system, a bull with a B status i.e. born from an Appendix A cow is accepted as a stud bull. How do we know what was in the 2nd or 3rd generations before, is this not infusion unknowingly? Who are the most negative about the Afrikaner cattle, the industry, price, the cattle or us as breeders? Can we always meet the demands and needs for female animals? The question is: Why? Are we holding onto what we have and do not want to share or do we not have the adequate amount of cattle? Please do not let Infusion detriment the breed, there are so many more positive attributes than negative, do not criticize others who infuse and respect each other s views... The positive of infusion: You will only benefit, the use of unrelated bulls in your herd limits inbreeding, increases fertility, is more economical and furthermore you lose none of the many positive attributes of the extraordinary Afrikaner. The negative of Infusion: The word which is misunderstood and further there are no negatives in my opinion. We have these cattle with special characteristics which are becoming more important, let s use it in the damline that we, you, have had for generations. The vision which wants to be achieved? Infusion from my view point limits inbreeding, creates new mother- and father-lines, increases fertility, more economic growth, acceptability from the existing market and promising future markets, veldvleis or for the feedlot, we are not losing any positive qualities. WHAT OTHER BREEDS CAN OFFER US THIS? Do we really lose anything if we INFUSE? Besides personal feelings, no nothing. To the contrary, we achieve much more economic values, progress, inbreeding, meet the market demand and marketrelated prices. The future of commercial beef cattle farming in South Africa is already starting to change towards a red adapted animal with disease resistance, walking ability, low maintenance, utilize leaks optimally, calve regularly, everyone knows what I m talking about, there is no need to spell it out. Time is just not in all our hands, let the younger generation just realize that there is value and re-establish it again. uit INFUSIE is die telers wat infusie bulle gaan gebruik. Het ons in alle eerlikheid enige van die AFRIKANER se positiewe eienskappe prys gegee? In my opinie, nee. Die studies en resultate bewys eintlik die teenoorgestelde, die betrokke data is beskikbaar en vir hoe lank nog moet ons vasskop teen ʼn wetenskaplike benadering? Die bedryf verander, behou jou passie en liefde maar pas aan. Ons is seker in die mees bevoordeelde situasie vandag van alle bestaande rasse in Suid-Afrika. Wat keer ons? Die ras is so goed soos sy mense. Ons aanvaar graad diere as Aanhangsel A diere in die Stamboek stelsel, ʼn bul met ʼn B status m.a.w. gebore uit ʼn Aanhangsel A koei word aanvaar as ʼn stoet bul. Hoe weet ons wat was in die 2de of 3de geslagte vantevore, is dit nie infusie onwetend? Wie is die mees negatiefste oor die Afrikanerbees, die bedryf, prys, die bees self of ons as telers? Kan ons altyd aan die aanvraag en behoefte van vroulike diere voldoen? Die vraag is: Hoekom? Hou ons vas aan wat ons het en wil dit nie deel nie of het ons nie genoeg aanteel nie? Moet asseblief nie dat Infusie tot nadeel van die ras strek nie, daar is soveel meer positiewe eienskappe as negatief, moet nie ander kritiseer wat dit wel doen nie en respekteer mekaar se sienings.. Die positief uit INFUSIE: Jy gaan net voordeel trek, die gebruik van onverwante bulle in jou kudde beperk inteling, verhoog vrugbaarheid, meer ekonomies en verder meer verloor jy geen van die talle positiewe eienskappe van die besonderse Afrikanerbees. Die negatief uit Infusie: Die woord wat verkeerd verstaan word en verder is daar geen negatiewe aspekte in my opinie nie. Ons sit met besonderse eienskappe wat soveel meer van belang raak, kom ons gebruik dit in die moederlyn wat ons, julle, reeds vir generasies het. Die visie wat wil bereik word? Infusie uit my oog punt beperk inteling, skep nuwe moeder- en vaderlyne, verhoog vrugbaarheid, meer ekonomiese groei, aanvaarbaarheid vir die bestaande mark en ook belowende toekomstige markte, veldvleis of vir die voerkraal, ons boet geen positiewe eienskappe in nie. WATTER ANDER RAS BIED DIT VIR ONS? Boet ek werklik iets in as ek INFUSEER? Behalwe vir persoonlike gevoelens, nee niks. In teendeel ons bereik baie meer ekonomiese waardes, vooruitgang, inteling, voldoen aan die mark aanvraag en markverwante pryse. Die toekoms van kommersiële vleisbees boerdery in Suid-Afrika gaan en is reeds besig om te verander na ʼn rooi aangepaste dier met weerstand teen siektes, stap vermoë besit, lae onderhoud, lekke optimaal benut, gereeld kalf, almal weet waarvan ek praat ons hoef dit nie verder uit te spel. Tyd is net nie in almal van ons se hande, laat die jonger generasie net besef daar is waarde en dit weer hervestig.

60 60 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Worcester Worcester s k o u / s h o w Reserwe Groot Kampioen Koei: Eienaar: Ricus Strauss, Worcester. Junior Kampioen Vers: Eienaar: Ricus Strauss, Worcester Reserwe Senior Interras & Senior Groot Kampioen Bul: Eienaar: Viljoen Hugo, Worcester Worcester Skou het baie suksesvol afgeloop met Heinrich Bruwer as beoordelaar. Die vertoners van die Afrikaners was gewees Viljoen Hugo, Rikus Strauss en Piesang (Christiaan) du Toit. Ons wil graag die vertoners bedank vir hulle deelname, betrokkenheid en positiewe houding teenoor die Afrikanerbeesras. Ricus, Piesang en Viljoen, baie dankie vir al julle rëelings! 1) Groot Kampioen Koei: Eienaar: Viljoen Hugo, Worcester. 2) Reserwe Groot Kampioen Koei: Eienaar: Ricus Strauss, Worcester. 3) Junior Kampioen Vers: Eienaar: Ricus Strauss, Worcester 4) Reserwe Senior Interras bul & Senior groot kampioen bul, Viljoen Hugo, Worcester Stoffberg Boeredag 23 Februarie 2013 'n Afrikaner Boeredag was gehou op 23 Februarie 2013 te Stoffberg. Afrikaner telers van die Oos-Transvaal klub het bymekaar gekom om weer hulle klub aan die gang te kry. Die dag het afgeskop by oom Marius Botha. Na 'n baie insiggewende praatjie oor voeding en behoeftes van diere deur 'n voedingskundige, Dr Conraad Coetzer, het hulle amptelik vergader om hulle klub weer op die been te bring. Die positiwiteit was reg deur die vergadering daar. Baie is gesê en beplan. Die bestuur is gekies n.l. Johan Scheepers as voorsitter, Japie du Toit Jnr as onder-voorsitter, Susan Scheepers as sekretaresse en David v d Linde wat hulle ook by die Genootskap sal verteenwoordig. Almal was dit eens dat hulle die Afrikaner sal laat voortleef as 'n suiwer ras en ook hulle moederlyn in kruisteelprogramme gebruik as basiskoei. Na die vergadering het hulle 'n klompie Afrikaners en Afrikaner-Boran kruisings gaan besigtig. By al die telers is daar besonderse diere gesien. Die dag is afgesluit met 'n lekker braai en saam kuier. Dié klub se doelwit is om ons moederlyn te behou om 'n bees te teel met body om sodoende altyd kompeterend te bly met ander rasse. Dankie aan elkeen wat die dag meegemaak het. Dankie aan die Botha s, Du Toit s, Johan en Susan Scheepers vir al julle moeite en rëelings. Dankie aan Oom David vir jou positiewe bydrae. Dankie ook aan ons Hemelse Vader dat ons die voorreg het om met Afrikanerbeeste te kan boer. Sanmaroux Afrikaners. Baie welkom aan die Oos-Transvaal Afrikanerbees klub!

61 AJV 2014 Journal Afrikaner 61 Algemene Jaarvergadering Graag wil ons net aan almal baie dankie se vir julle teenwoordigheid tydens die AJV. Ons het n insiggewende Boeredag gehad waar Dr Michiel Scholtz & Japie van der Westhuizen die sprekers was. Ons wil graag aan David, Belinda, Nicky en Adri van der Linde baie dankie sê vir al julle reëlings en bydrae om die dag ʼn sukses te maak. Afrikaner Kuddeprestasies 2012/ koeie - Mnr N van der Walt koeie - Mnr DC Balt 121 koeie en meer: 1ste Plek: - Mnr JM Cronjé Beste Vordering: - Taaibos Afrikaners Mnr PA Cronjé Afrikaner Kudde van die Jaar - Mnr JM Cronjé & Mnr DC Balt Afrisim Kuddeprestasies 2012/2013: Koeie - Mnr JDH Hattingh Beste Vordering: - Dr HJ Jansen van Rensburg Kudde van die Jaar - Mnr JDH Hattingh Baie geluk aan almal! AGM

62 62 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Bloemfontein Weereens baie dankie aan Nico van der Walt vir die baie goeie statiese uitstalling van Afrikaners. Daar was baie belangstelling en ons hoop om meer Afrikanerbeesboere betrokke te kry by die Skou! s k o u / s h o w Na m po Die Bestuur was hierdie jaar weer verantwoordelik vir Nampo. Van die kantoor se kant wil ek graag almal wat by Nampo betrokke was, vir die entoesiasme en passie waarmee dit aangepak is, bedank. Die uitstalling het goed vertoon en beide die Afrikaners en Afrisims het baie aandag getrek. Die algemene belangstelling was baie goed, baie navrae is vanuit die kantoor na afloop van die week beantwoord. Baie dankie ook aan Jacquies Steenkamp vir jou hulp daarmee. Die stalletjie gaan ook die jaar verander word in ooreenstemming met Oesdag se vereistes. Baie dankie aan oom Martin Ras en Dr Hentie van Rensburg vir die baie mooi uitstalling! Ons sien uit na nog n baie suksesvolle Nampo in 2014!

63 2014 Journal Afrikaner 63 Thabazimbi Thabazimbi Skou is vanjaar 59 jaar oud en die terrein is opgradeer in so ʼn mate dat dit ʼn park atmosfeer skep en ʼn absolute lushof vir uitstallers en besoekers om tyd hier te kom spandeer. Die Afrikaners is die een enkele beesras wat vir 59 jaar nog elke jaar hier vertoon is en hierdie jaar was geen uitsondering nie. Pronk Afrikaners van Dr Pieter en Elbie de Kock het ʼn uitstalling van hoogstaande gehalte daar gestel. Haltermak diere met uitsonderlike prestasietoets syfers en hulle kalwers was in die stalle vertoon en topgehalte manlike diere was staties uitgestal. Twee jong kalwers is vertoon: TK 228 Herser met ʼn 205 dae gewig van 240kg en ʼn 8 maande gewig van 280kg het baie aandag getrek. So ook TK 265 met ʼn 205 dae gewig van 220kg en ʼn 8 maande gewig van 240kg. Albei is kalwers van Pronk TK 504 De Ridder wat die hoof eregas was by verlede jaar se eeufeesvieringe. Twee 20 maande bulle, naamlik: TK 129 & TK 125 wat elkeen 520 kg geweeg het, is deur belangstellendes as uitstaande verteenwoordigers van die ras bestempel. By die Interras kompetisie het die Afrikaners eers die koppe laat draai. TK 12 en TK 550 is as wenners aangewys in die groep van 2 koeie. TK000012R het die tweede plek gewen by die kompetisie van kampioen vroulike dier op die Skou. Die Raskampioen bul Pronk TK 653 De La Rey was algeheel 4de as Interras bul en by die groep van vier beeste (Interras) was die Afrikaners 4de. Daar was ook ʼn span osse vertoon deur Mnr Hans Sturgeon wat ʼn ossewa vertoning gelewer het ter viering van die 175de herdenking van die Groot Trek. Die was ʼn baie gewilde vertoning en die kinders veral het die ossewa rit geniet. Die Afrikanerbees het weereens getoon dat dit topgehalte vleisbeeste produseer, swaar speenkalwers kan gee, boerbeeste van formaat is en steeds die enigste trekdier is wat die tradisie van Suid-Afrika uitbeeld. s k o u / s h o w

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66 66 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Potch Produksie Groepveiling Die jaar se veiling kan verseker as suksesvol gesien word! Die gemiddeldes was soos volg: Afrikaner Bulle: R20 500, Koeie: R8 300, Verse: R6 200 en kommersiële vroulike diere: R Alle diere is verkoop met die volgende pryse wat behaal is: Lot 7 & 16 van die Cronjé s is aan Mnr Neville Schefermann van Vryheid verkoop vir R & R onderskeidelik. Lot 2 van Julian Balt is verkoop aan Johan & Susan Scheepers vir R & Lot 3 van Twee Oewers Boerdery (Herbert Bruinette) is verkoop aan Mnr O Klingenberg van Paulpietersburg. Die vraag na goeie bulle was goed, en as daar na die areas gekyk word waarnatoe die bulle verkoop is, sal ons sien dat daar verseker weer nuwe markte oopgaan of markte wat in die verlede bedien was en nou weer belangstelling toon. Daar is baie bespiegel en gepraat oor wat om te doen om in die toekoms ʼn wyer mark te behaal. Daar het baie besprekings tydens die Afrikanerbees Produksiegroep se AJV plaasgevind het en die nuwe bestuur het besluit om bymekaar te kom om sodoende die verskillende opsies te oorweeg. Baie geluk aan Herbert Bruinette wat verkies is as die Voorsitter van die Produksie groep en so ook aan Jacquies Steenkamp as onder-voorsitter! Van die Genootskap se kant wil ons die Produksiegroep bedank vir julle getroue bydrae om ons Afrikanerbeeste aan die vleismark bloot te stel op dae soos hierdie. Dankie aan Hendrik Nel van Clive Gardner Afslaers vir julle harde werk en baie geluk met die sukses van die veiling!

67 2014 Journal Afrikaner 67 African Farmer s Expo Vir die eerste keer het die Genootskap besluit om die geleentheid by te woon. Daar was baie belangstelling en die Afrikaner ras het baie blootstelling gekry. Namens die Genootskap wil ek vir Herbert en Konstant Bruinette (Twee Oewers Boerdery) baie dankie sê vir julle moeite om die dae by te woon en te help met die uitstalling. Julle beeste het ongelooflik goed vertoon en het ook baie aandag getrek. Hoopstad VEILING Die jaarlikse Hoopstad Afrikaner Veiling het vanjaar op 10 Oktober 2013 by die Hoopstad veilingskrale plaasgevind. Daar is lekker saamgekuier om die krale terwyl die veilingsdiere deeglik deurgekyk is. De Wet Mouton het die veiling, aangebied deur Vleissentraal, op gepaste wyse geopen. Die bulle wat op die veiling aangebied is, het getuig van ʼn deeglike keuringsproses en was in puik kondisie. Die gemiddelde prys vir die bulle was R Die Cronje s het die hoogste prys van R behaal, Lot 23. Die koper was David van der Linde van Standerton. Martin Ras het die tweede hoogste prys behaal met ʼn bul wat vir R , Lot 7 aan Dirk Steenkamp van Vredefort verkoop is. En die derde hoogste prys bul, Lot 13 van Martin Ras was verkoop aan GAP Steenkamp vir R Die kommersiële dragtige verse is vir ʼn gemiddelde prys van R verkoop en die kommersiële oop verse vir ʼn gemiddelde prys van R Hoopstad Bultelersvereniging is bekend vir hulle plattelandse gasvryheid en die kopers en belangstellendes is oudergewoonte bederf met ʼn heerlike ete na afloop van die veiling. Baie dankie aan almal wat die veiling bygewoon het, veral aan die kopers en ook aan Martin & Alet Ras, Greta, Christine en Marlet wat almal altyd bederf! Volgende jaar maak ons weer so!

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69 2014 Journal Afrikaner 69 A new, fresh, positive initiative regarding the beef industry is that of Mr. Steve Maresch, owner of the restaurant THE LOCAL GRILL with a branch in Johannesburg, Parktown and Boksburg. The inspiration came after he read the book Steak by Mark Schatzker of Canada. Mark has traveled in many parts of the world looking for the number one best steak and then wrote a book about it. Steve, whom is a chef by profession and has always been passionate about beef, realized that it was time to fulfill his longtime dream. Steve s dream was to arrange the largest consumer driven event with beef as the center point because he said, beef is one of our most important commodities which we all like to neglect and cheapen. Yet it has always been recognized in so many different cultures, for example; the indigenous culture use beef for their future purchases in the form of lobôla, the Western culture not only use it as daily nutrition but also as a primary food when there are celebrations. We built Steakhouses instead of Chickenhouses or muttonhouses or baconhouses. It is Steakhouses which are sought after especially for very special occasions. Furthermore Steve said that he wants to offer the consumer greater beef exposure, inform them once again and train them in a good beef culture, because as Mark said: I have come across a lot of good steaks in my search for the best steak, but I have had far more mediocre steaks en that is something I would like to change - and that is exactly what Steve tried to accomplish. This year Steve and his team started working yet again on the meat tasting competition which took place at Hyde Park Shopping Centre, Johannesburg. There were eight breeds present and the public just kept pouring in to try identify the best beef! After the panel of judges tasted the eighth steak it was judging time.. ʼn Nuwe, vars, positiewe inisiatief insake die beesvleisbedryf, is die van Mnr. Steve Maresch, eienaar van die restaurant THE LOCAL GRILL met ʼn tak in Johannesburg, Parktown en Boksburg. Die inspirasie het gevolg nadat hy die boek Steak gelees het van Mark Schatzker van Kanada. Mark het in baie dele van die wêreld gereis, opsoek na die Nommer 1 beste steak en toe ʼn boek daaroor geskryf. Steve wat ʼn sjef van beroep is en nog altyd passievol oor beesvleis is, het besef dat die tyd ryp is om sy jarelange droom te verwesenlik. Steve se droom is om die grootste verbruiker gedrewe byeenkoms te hou met beesvleis as die middelpunt, want hy sê, beesvleis is een van ons belangrikste kommoditeite wat ons al te graag afskeep en goedkoop maak. Tog word dit nog altyd erken in soveel verskillende kulture, b.v. die inheemse kultuur gebruik dit om hul toekoms mee te koop in die vorm van lobôla, die Westerse kultuur gebruik dit nie net as daaglikse voeding nie, maar ook as primêre voedsel wanneer daar groot feesgevier word. Ons het Steakhouses gebou i.p.v. chickenhouses of muttonhouses of baconhouses. Dit is steakhouses wat gesog is, veral vir baie spesiale geleenthede. Verder sê Steve, wil hy die verbruiker groter beesvleis blootstelling bied, hul weer meer inlig en hul oplei in ʼn goeie beesvleiskultuur, want soos Mark gesê het: I have come across a lot of good steaks in my search for the best steak, but I have had far more mediocre steaks, and that is something I would like to change - en dit is presies wat Steve probeer bewerkstellig het. Steve en sy span het die jaar weereens aan die werk gespring met die vleisproe kompetisie wat die jaar by Hyde Park Shopping Centre, Johannesburg plaasgevind het. Daar was 8 rasse teenwoordig en die publiek het net aanhou instroom om die beste vleis te probeer

70 70 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 And our own Afrikaner cattle with the double gene for tenderness achieved overall second place! Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and involvement in the competition and of course congratulations to our own Afrikaner Cattle! Of the indigenous breeds and also the different breeds present, the Afrikaner meat was softest and juiciest and therefore performed the best of all the breeds that are farmed with in South Africa. Only the meat of cattle from China were softer and tastier. Thank you to Cronje s of Theunissen for donating the meat. You can take pride in the quality of your animals! identifiseer! Nadat die paneel van beoordelaars die agste steak geproe het was die judging time.. En ons eie Afrikanerbees met die dubbel geen vir sagtheid behaal die algehele tweede plek! Baie dankie aan almal vir julle harde werk en betrokkenheid by die kompetisie en n natuurlike gelukwensing aan ons eie Afrikanerbees! Van die inheemse rasse asook die onderskeie rasse was die Afrikaner vleis die sagste en sappigste en het dus die beste presteer van al die rasse waarmee geboer word in Suid-Afrika. Slegs die vleis van n bees van Sjina was sagter en smaakliker. Baie dankie aan die Cronjé s van Theunissen vir die skenking van die vleis. Julle kan trots wees op die gehalte van julle diere!

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72 72 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Veldvleis Veldvleis Free Range Beef Die uitdaging om veldvleis (Free Range beef) n realiteit in Suid-Afrika te laat word, is steeds lewend en aan die gang. The challenge to make free range beef (Veldvleis) a reality in South Africa is still alive and progressing.

73 2014 Journal Afrikaner 73 Hierdie aksie het ʼn groot hupstoot gekry toe die Departement Natuurbewaring ʼn wyd verteenwoordigde Simposium gereël het, wat by die Botaniese Tuine in Silverton, Pretoria plaasgevind het. Die sinvolheid van hierdie Simposium is beklemtoon deur die feit dat alle rolspelers daar was naamlik: 1. Departement Natuurbewaring 2. LNR 3. Telers van oor die land 4. Die voerkraalbedryf 5. Vleisbemarkers: Klein- en groothandel 6. Akademiese van verskeie universiteite 7. Tuisteskeppers Verskeie lesings is gegee waarna die vergadering in groepe opgedeel is en in ʼn werkswinkel opset funksioneer het. Die simposium is ʼn 3 maande tydperk gegun om terug te rapporteer nadat die volgende aspekte ondersoek is: a) Die definisie van veldvleis: Hierdie omstrede punt moet finaal gefinaliseer word en die volgende voorlopige voorstel is gemaak: Veldvleis beeste moet met plantaardige materiaal gevoer word aangesien hulle herkouers is en daar geen graan in die rantsoen mag wees nie. Antibiotika mag gebruik word in geval van siekte, maar mag glad nie op ʼn roetine chroniese basis in voerkonsentraat aan die diere gevoer word nie. Geen hormone of groeistimulante mag gebruik word nie. Spoorelement aanvulling mag gebruik word in die vorm van ʼn standaard goedgekeurde lek. Bosluis beheer deur middel van dip en parasietbeheermiddels mag gegee word op voorwaarde dat die spesifieke onttrekkings periode voor slagting, respekteer word. Naspeurbaarheid (traceability) is absoluut essensieel. Rekordhouding ten opsigte van boerdery praktyke is nodig en die produsent moet inwillig dat kontrole inspeksies gedoen word. Nat modderrige voerkraal toestande en die voer van hoendermis is nie toelaatbaar nie. b) Vleiskwaliteit moet spesiale aandag kry. Sagte, sappige vleis met minimale marmering moet geproduseer word. Die inheemse rasse in Suid-Afrika is die ideale groep wat vir veldvleis ge-oormerk is. Dr Schutte van die RPO het 'n insiggewende lesing gegee oor vleiskwaliteit. Ons wys graag 'n tabel uit sy lesing waar die vleissagtheid gelys is van sekere rasse in Suid- Afrika wat deur die RPO getoets is. This action was given a major boost when the Department of Nature Conservation arranged a widely represented Symposium, which took place at the Botanical Gardens in Silverton Pretoria. The significance of this Symposium was highlighted by the fact that all the role players attended, namely: 1. Department of Nature Conservation 2. ARC 3. Breeders from all over the country 4. The feedlot industry 5. Meat marketers: Retail and wholesale trade 6. Academics from various universities 7. Homemakers Several lectures were given after which the meeting was divided into groups and then functioned as a workshop setup. The symposium was given a three month period to report back after the following have been investigated : a) The definition of free range beef: This controversial point must finally be finalized and the following provisional proposal was made: Free Range Beef cattle should be fed with plant material as they are ruminants and the rations may not contain any grain. Antibiotics may be used in the case of illness, but may not be used on a routine chronic basis in feed concentrate for the animals. No hormones or growth stimulants may be used. Trace element supplementation may be used in the form of a standard approved leak. Tick control through dip and parasite-control products may be given on condition that the specific withdrawal period before slaughter is adhered to and respected. Traceability is an absolutely essential. Record keeping with regards to farming practices is required and the producer must agree to control inspections. Wet, muddy feedlot conditions and the use of chicken manure are not allowed. b) Meat quality needs special attention. Tender, juicy meat with minimal marbling must be produced. The indigenous breeds in South Africa are the ideal group for free range beef. Dr. Schutte of the RPO gave an informative lecture on meat quality. We would like to depict a table from his lecture where the tenderness of some breeds in South Africa is listed as tested by the RPO.

74 74 Afrikaner Joernaal maande speenkalwers besig om hawer te vreet Hulle gemiddelde gewig op hierdie stadium is 260kg months weaner calves eating oats - Their average weight at this stage was 260kg. Tabel: Sustainable natural resource utilisation Ons sien duidelik dat die Afrikaner bo aan die lys is en dus die ideale inheemse ras is om veldvleis te produseer. Ons het onmiddellik ons samewerking vanaf die ABTG se kant af bevestig om 'n leidende rol te speel in die produksie van veldvleis. c) Gradering Veldvleis het geel vet. Veldbeeste is ouer tydens bemarking. Daarom moet die graderingstelsel in Suid-Afrika dringend hersien word naamlik dat geel vet AB en B graad anders gradeer word. Dus moet AB en B graad veldvleis gradeer word in dieselfde prysklas as supers. d) Die registrasie van 'n logo kenmerkend vir veldvleis in Suid-Afrika (of Free Range beef), wat op rakke kan verskyn en vertroue by die koper inboesem. We can clearly see that the Afrikaner tops the list and is the ideal indigenous breed to produce free range beef. We immediately confirmed our cooperation from the ACBS 's part to play a leading role in the production of free range beef. c) Grading Free range beef has yellow fat. Veld cattle are older during marketing. Therefore, the grading system in South Africa should urgently be reviewed, namely that yellow fat AB and B grade should be graded differently. Thus; AB and B grade free range beef must be graded in the same price range as supers. d) The registration of a logo distinctive for free range beef in South Africa to appear on shelves and to inspire the confidence of the buyer. e) Agreements with chain groups that will offer this particular free range beef on their shelves. The process must be followed up with some restaurant groups. f ) The way must now be paved for the export of prestigious free range beef, firstly to Africa - possibly China and then the European Union. This requires changing the legislation to enable exportation of free range beef. Truly a great challenge! g) The association arising from this symposium must have members with absolute integrity and pride, whom can offer free range beef to the public with trust, on a long term basis and without suspicion. The ACBS was represented at management level at this symposium and has already been incorporated into this whole concept. We believe that this is another branch of the beef industry which will fit the Afrikaner cattle like a glove and may result in a larger market for us as breeders, obtaining higher prices for our animals and a better life for us farming with the Afrikaner cattle. It is imperative that the Afrikaner breeder must realize that he farms with a product which is increasing in demand and that we, as breeders, must insist on higher and more competitive prices for our cows as damlines, our bulls and our tender, juicy meat. The prolonged drought in the Central and Northern Provinces of South Africa in 2013 caused almost no pasture other than oats during August, September and October: However, it does not mean that Veldvleis/Free Range beef could not be produced. Afrikaner cattle in the dry bosveld were placed on oats which is a pure vegetal plant, cut, baled and fed: Cattle of 12 and 24 months were fed with oats with excellent results, as can be

75 2014 Journal Afrikaner maande oud Bulle wat ʼn Fase D toets laas jaar voltooi het, het op hawer oorwinter. Hierdie diere sal A2 of AB2 uitslag. Gewig van 129: 584kg; Gewig van 125: 605kg 24 month old Bulls which completed Fase D tests last year only on oats during the winter. These animals will slaughter out A2 or AB2. Weight of 129: 584kg; Weight of 125: 605kg e) Ooreenkomste met ketting groepe wat hierdie besondere veldvleis op hulle rakke sal aanbied. Die proses moet met sekere restaurantgroepe gevolg word. f) Die weg moet nou gebaan word vir die uitvoer van gesogde veldvleis eers na Afrika - dan moontlik China en dan die Europese Unie. Daarvoor is verandering van die wetgewing nodig om veldvleis uitvoerbaar te maak. Voorwaar 'n groot uitdaging. g) Die vereniging wat uit hierdie simposium ontstaan moet lede hê met absolute integriteit en trots wat die produk, veldvleis, kan aanbied aan die publiek wat met vertroue sonder agterdog die produk op 'n langtermyn basis kan gebruik. Die ABTG was op bestuursvlak verteenwoordig by hierdie simposium en het reeds ingeskakel by hierdie hele konsep. Ons glo dat hierdie nog 'n vertakking van die beesvleis bedryf is wat die Afrikanerbees soos 'n handskoen sal pas en kan veroorsaak dat ons as telers 'n groter mark tot ons beskikking het, hoër pryse vir ons diere kan kry en 'n beter bestaan uit ons boerdery met die Afrikanerbees kan maak. Dit is absoluut noodsaaklik dat die Afrikaner teler moet besef dat hy met 'n produk boer wat al hoe meer in aanvraag is en dat ons as telers moet aandring op hoër en meer kompeterende pryse vir ons koeie as moederlyn, bulle en sagte, sappige vleis. Die langdurige en velle droogte in die Sentrale en Noordelike Provinsies van Suid-Afrika gedurende 2013 het veroorsaak dat daar byna geen weiding as staande hooi meer beskikbaar was tydens Augustus, September en Oktober nie: Dit beteken nie dat veldvleis nie geproduseer kon word nie. Afrikanerbeeste in die droë bosveld is op hawer geplaas wat ʼn suiwer plantaardige gewas is wat afgesny, gebaal en gevoer is: Beeste van 12 maande en 24 maande is met hawer gevoed met puik resultate, soos net van Afrikanerbeeste verwag kan word. Die beeste in die foto s is slegs op plantaardige voedsel hawer, wat ʼn gras-tipe is, gevoed. Hulle is steeds ʼn bron van veldvleis wat aan alle kriteria van veldvleis voldoen al was daar geen veld beskikbaar nie. Hoeveel ander rasse sal net op hawer, wat maar ʼn gras is, hierdie kondisie kan handhaaf? expected of Afrikaner cattle. The cattle in the pictures are only fed with vegetal plant - oats, which is a grasstype. They are still a source of veldvleis/free Range Beef which meets all criteria of veldvleis/free Range Beef even though there was no veld available. How many other breeds will maintain such a condition on oats only, which is a grass-type? Krip vol hawer voor voeding Crip full of oats before feeding

76 76 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Die produksie van n vleisbeeskudde op gemengde veld wat drie verskillende lekbyvoedingsprogramme volg Liesel Foster Inleiding 'n Goed bestuurde, winsgewende onderneming word gewoonlik meer doeltreffend bestuur as sy mededingers. 'n Definisie vir doeltreffendheid is 'n verhouding van insette tot uitsette. Ondernemings gebruik maatstawwe van doeltreffendheid om doelwitte vir produksie en finansiering te bepaal. Deur doeltreffendheid te meet kan besluite geneem word om produktiwiteit te verhoog sonder om insetkostes te verhoog wat tot groter wins marges lei. Boere het beheer oor faktore soos vee-belading, byvoeding en rotasie van vee tussen kampe. Die boer moet 'n kombinasie van keuses maak wat 'n optimale produksie sal verseker oor die hele produksieperiode onder verskeie klimaatstoestande. Verskeie bevredigende kombinasies mag bestaan. Die bepaling van die beste kombinasies sal afhang van beskikbare hulpbronne asook arbeids-beperkings en ekonomiese doelwitte. Voorsiening van voer vir diere is 'n vername insetkoste in meeste diere produksie stelsels. Hierdie werklikheid word veral in die vark en pluimvee bedrywe besef waar dit maklik is om voerkoste te bereken. Daar word deur Arthur et al. (2001a) en Basarab et al. (2002) beraam dat voerkoste tussen 55% en 75% van die totale koste uitmaak wat geassosieer word met vleisbees produksie. Alhoewel dit baie meer kompleks is om die koste vir die verskaffing van voer in 'n ekstensiewe vleisbees produksiestelsel te bepaal, bly die voorsiening van voer 'n belangrike koste. The production Introduction of a beef herd on mixed veld, following three different programs of licksupplements Liesel Foster A well managed, profitable business is usually more effectively managed than its competitors. The definition of efficiency is the ratio of inputs to outputs. Businesses use measures of effectiveness to determine goals for production and finance. By measuring efficiency, decisions can be made to increase productivity without increasing the input costs, which leads to higher profit margins. Farmers have control over factors such as livestockload, supplements and rotation of livestock between camps. The farmer must make a combination of choices which will ensure an optimal production throughout the production period under various climatic conditions. Many satisfactory combinations may exist. Determining the best combinations will depend on available resources as well as labour restrictions and economic goals. Supplying feed for animals is a major input cost in most animal production systems. This cost is especially realized in the pig and poultry industries where it is easy to calculate feed costs. Arthur et al. (2001a) and Basarab et al. (2002) estimated that feed costs make out between 55 % and 75 % of the total costs associated with beef production. Although it is much more complex to determine the cost of providing feed in an extensive beef production system, the provision of food remains an important cost. Profitability can be improved by increasing the turnover or lowering input costs. In a weaner-calf-

77 2014 Journal Afrikaner 77 Winsgewendheid kan verbeter word deur omset te verhoog en of insetkostes te verlaag. In 'n speenkalf produksiestelsel is winsgewendheid grootliks afhangklik van kalfpersentasie; (Meaker, 1986.) Van Niekerk (1982) en Lishman et al. het gevind dat 'n verhoging in kalfpersentasie onder veldbeesboerdery, toestande deur beter byvoeding 'n beter omset tot gevolg gehad het maar dat dit nie weerspieël is in 'n hoër winsmarge nie. Meaker (1986) het baie navorsing gedoen oor die effek van voeding op die reproduksiekoers van 'n dragtige en lakterende koeie in 'n poging om die reproduksie koers te optimaliseer deur strategiese voeding. In die huidige finansiële klimaat ontstaan die volgende vrae: Wat is die mees winsgewende lekbyvoedingsprogram op gemengde veld? Wat is die invloed van lekbyvoeding op die produksie en winsgewendheid van 'n ekstensiewe speenkalf produksiestelsel? Navorsing Geen bevredigende antwoorde kon op die bogenoemde vrae gekry word nie en daar is besluit om navorsing oor 'n drie jaar periode te doen oor die invloed van verskillende lekke op die produksie en winsgewendheid van 'n ekstensiewe speenkalf produksiestelsel. Die navorsing word in die in die Zastron distrik gedoen en die Drakensberger kudde wat op die plaas geloop het word in die navorsing gebruik. Die beeste is ewekansig in drie groepe opgedeel (Groep A, B en C). Met aanvang van die navorsing op 31 Julie 2011 was daar speenverse, 18 maande oue verse, dragtige verse en koeie in elke groep. Verse word op 2 jaar ouderdom gedek van 15 November tot 15 Februarie en die koeie van 1 Desember tot 31 Maart. Kalwers word op 6 maande ouderdom gespeen. Die volgende data word geneem: geboorte massa; 100 dae massa; 205 dae massa van kalwers; 12 maande en 18 maande gewigte van vervangingsverse; die gewig, liggaamskondisie en haarbedekking van die koeie op 31 Julie, 15 Maart en met speen; interkalfperiode; lek inname en prys word ook bereken. Om die effek van verskillende veld-tipes in verskillende kampe uit te skakel word die drie groepe elke twee weke tussen kampe geroteer en om bul effek uit te skakel word bulle ook in die dekseisoen elke twee weke tussen die koei troppe geroteer. Lekke Diere word lek gegee volgens die volgende kriteria: production system profitability is largely dependent on calf percentage; (Meaker, 1986) Van Niekerk (1982) and Lishman et al. all found that an increase in calving percentage under veld-cattle farming conditions through better supplementation, resulted in a better turnover but is not reflected in a higher profit margin. Meaker (1986) did a lot of research on the effect of feeding on the reproduction rate of a pregnant and lactating cow in an attempt to optimize the reproduction rate by strategic feeding. In the current financial climate the following questions arise: What is the most profitable lick-supplementprogram on mixed veld? What is the influence of licksupplements on the production and profitability of an extensive weaner-calf-production system? Research No satisfactory answers to the above questions could be found and it was decided to conduct a research over a three year period on the influence of different licks on the production and profitability of an extensive weaner-calf-production system. The research was done in the Zastron district and the Drakensberger herd on the farm was used in the research. The cattle were randomly divided into three groups (Group A, B and C). At the commencement of the research on 31 July 2011 there were weaned heifers, 18 month old heifers, pregnant heifers and cows in each group. Heifers are served at the age of 2 year and mating starts from 15 November to 15 February and the cows from 1 December to 31 March. Calves are weaned at 6 months of age. The following data is recorded: birth weight; 100 day weight; 205 day weight of the calves; 12 and 18 months weight of replacement heifers; weight, body condition and hair coat of the cows on 31 July, 15 March and at weaning; inter-calving-period; Lick intake and prices were also calculated. To eliminate the effect of different veld types in different camps, the three groups were rotated every two weeks between camps and to eliminate bull effects, the bulls were also rotated every two weeks during mating season between the cow herds. Licks Animals were given leak, according to the following criteria: the group in which they were divided (A, B or C); the production stages in which they were (e.g. non-pregnant heifer, first-calf-heifer, cow, etc. ); as well as the season (rainy season, early dry season and late dry season).

78 78 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 groep waarin hulle ingedeel is (A, B of C); die produksie stadia waarin hulle is (bv. oop vers, eerstekalfkoei, dragtige koei ens.); asook die seisoen (nat seisoen, vroeë droë seisoen en laat droë seisoen). Resultate Die voorlopige resultate vir die tydperk 1 Augustus 2011 tot en met 31 Julie 2012 word gegee. Met die interpretasie van die data moet in ag geneem word dat relatiewe normale reenval verspreiding tydens die tydperk ondervind is. Tabel 1: Koste van die lek vir koeie gegee vanaf 1 Augustus Julie Koste (R) Koeie A R Koeie B R Koeie C R Tabel 2: Her-besetting vir dekseisoen. Koeie A 90% Koeie B 91% Koeie C 92% Her-besetting Tabel 3: Gewigte van koeie vir Datum Koeie A (kg) Koeie B (kg) Koeie C (kg) 01/08/ a 544 a 543 a 31/03/ a 562 a 569 a 31/07/ a 546 b 512 a Speen 535 a 562 b 529 a Gemiddeldes met verskillende letters in dieselfde ry verskil betekenisvol: P<o.o5 Tabel 4: Gewigte van die kalwers van die verskillende koei troppe vir Koeie A Koeie B Koeie C Geboorte massa (kg) 39.5 a 39.2 a 37.9 a 100 dae massa (kg) a a a Speen massa (kg) a a a Results The preliminary results for the period 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012 is given below. With regards to the interpretation of the data, it must be taken into account that relatively normal rainfall distribution was experienced during this period. Table 1: Cost of licks for cows given from 1 August July 2012 Cost (R) Cows A R Cows B R Cows C R Table 2: Re-conception for breeding season Cows A 90% Cows B 91% Cows C 92% Re-conception Table 3: Weights of cows for Date Cows A (kg) Cows B (kg) Cows C (kg) 01/08/ a 544 a 543 a 31/03/ a 562 a 569 a 31/07/ a 546 b 512 a Weaning 535 a 562 b 529 a Averages with different letters in the same row differ significantly: P < o.o5 Table 4: Weights of the calves of the various cow herds for Cows A Cows B Cows C Birth weight (kg) 39.5 a 39.2 a 37.9 a 100-day weight (kg) a a a Weaning weight (kg) a a a Averages with different letters in the same row differ significantly: P < o.o5 Gemiddeldes met verskillende letters in dieselfde ry verskil betekenisvol: P<o.o5

79 2014 Journal Afrikaner 79

80 80 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Tabel 5: Koste van die lek vir eerstekalfkoeie gegee vanaf 1 Augustus Julie Tabel 6: Her-besetting vir dekseisoen Tabel 7: Gewigte van die kalwers van die verskillende eerstekalfkoei troppe vir Gemiddeldes met verskillende letters in dieselfde ry verskil betekenisvol: P<o.o5 Tabel 8: Koste van die lek vir verse gegee vanaf 1 Augustus Julie Tabel 9: Gewigte van verse vanaf speen tot en met 18 maande ouderdom. Gemiddeldes met verskillende letters in dieselfde ry verskil betekenisvol: P<o.o5 Gevolgtrekkings Koste (R) 1 ste Kalf koeie A R ste Kalf koeie B R ste Kalf koeie C R ste Kalf koeie A 100% 1 ste Kalf koeie B 100% 1 ste Kalf koeie C 100% Her-besetting 1ste kalf 1ste kalf 1ste kalf A B C Geboorte massa (kg) 37.6 a 36.3 a 39.0 a 100 dae massa (kg) a a a Speen massa (kg) a a a Koste (R) Verse A R Verse B R Verse C R Datum Verse A Verse B Verse C 06/09/ a b ab 12/10/ a a b 31/07/ a a a 1. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in geboorte massa, 100 dae massa of speen massa van die kalwers is gemeet tussen die verskillende koei troppe (A, B en C) nie. 2. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in geboorte massa, Table 5: Cost of lick for first-calf-cows given from 1 August July Table 6: Re-conception for breeding season Table 7: Weights of the calves of the various first-calfcow herds for Averages with different letters in the same row differ significantly: P < o.o5 Table 8: Cost of the lick given to heifers from 1 August July Table 9: Weights of heifers from weaning to 18 months of age. Averages with different letters in the same row differ significantly: P < o.o5 Conclusion: Cost (R) 1 st Calf-cows A R st Calf-cows B R st Calf-cows C R ste Kalf koeie A 100% 1 ste Kalf koeie B 100% 1 ste Kalf koeie C 100% Re-conception 1st calf 1st calf 1st calf A B C Birth weight (kg) 37.6 a 36.3 a 39.0 a 100-day weight (kg) a a a Weaning weight (kg) a a a Cost (R) Heifers A R Heifers B R Heifers C R Date Heifers A Heifers B Heifers C 06/09/ a b ab 12/10/ a a b 31/07/ a a a 1. No significant differences in birth weight, 100-day or weaning weight of the calves were measured between the various cow herds (A, B and C). 2. No significant differences in birth weight, 100-day or weaning weight of the calves was measured

81 2014 Journal Afrikaner dae massa of speen massa van die kalwers is gemeet tussen die verskillende eerstekalfkoei troppe (A, B en C) nie. 3. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in her-besetting is gevind tussen die verskillende koei troppe asook die eerstekalfkoeie nie. 4. Met die aanvang van die navorsing was daar betekenisvolle verskille in massa van die vervangingsverse maar teen die einde van die eerste jaar was die verskille nie meer betekenisvol nie (kompensatoriese groei?). 5. Aansienlike verskille in kostes is tussen die verskillende lekbyvoedingsprogramme gevind. Dit is belangrik dat die resultate nie in isolasie beskou word nie en dat die volgende twee jaar se data nodig is om ʼn finale gevolgtrekking te maak. Die volgende vrae is nie beantwoord: Wat is die invloed van reënval verspreiding (seisoen)? Is daar ʼn oordrag effek van een jaar na die volgende en hoe beïnvloed dit prestasie? between the various first-calf- cow herds (A, B and C). 3. No significant differences were found in reconception between the various cow herds as well as the first-calf cows. 4. At the commencement of the study, there were significant differences in the weights of the replacement heifers, but by the end of the first year the differences were no longer significant (compensatory growth?). 5. Significant differences in costs were found between the different lick-supplement-programs. It is important that the results are not viewed in isolation and that the next two years data is needed to make a final conclusion. The following questions are not answered: What is the influence of rainfall distribution (season)? Is there a transfer effect from one year to the next and how does this affect performance? Seisoen Dragtige koeie/ Dragtige verse/1ste kalf 6 maande tot koeie met kalwers koeie met kalwers 18 maande oue verse A Nat seisoen Fosfaat- Somerproduksielek Somerproduksielek Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): 26.8 Ruproteïen (%): 26.8 Ruproteïen (%): 15 Vanaf NPN (%): 63.7 Vanaf NPN (%): 63.7 Inname: g/dag ME (MJ/kg): 8.6 ME (MJ/kg): 8.6 Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag * Laat droë Proteïen- Winter-produksielek Winter-produksielek seisoen Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): 30.6 Ruproteïen (%): 30.6 Ruproteïen (%): 36.7 Vanaf NPN (%): 47.4 Vanaf NPN (%): 47.4 Vanaf NPN (%): 77.5 ME (MJ/kg): 7.4 ME (MJ/kg): 7.4 ME (MJ/kg): 5.25 Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag * Inname: g/dag B Nat seisoen Fosfaat- Fosfaat- Fosfaat-Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): 15 Ruproteïen (%): Ruproteïen (%): 15 Inname: g/dag * Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag Laat droë Proteïen- Proteïen- Proteïen-Spoormineraallek seisoen Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): Ruproteïen (%): 46.6 Ruproteïen (%): Vanaf NPN (%): Vanaf NPN (%): 88.7 Vanaf NPN (%): ME (MJ/kg): 6.89 ME (MJ/kg): 4.4 ME (MJ/kg): 6.89 Inname: g/dag * Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag C Nat seisoen Fosfaat- Fosfaat- Fosfaat- Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): 0 Ruproteïen (%): 0 Ruproteïen (%): 0 Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag * Laat droë Proteïen- Proteïen- Proteïenseisoen Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Spoormineraallek Ruproteïen (%): 47.5 Ruproteïen (%): 47.5 Ruproteïen (%): 47.5 Vanaf NPN (%): 96.7 Vanaf NPN (%): 96.7 Vanaf NPN (%): 96.7 ME (MJ/kg): 2.4 ME (MJ/kg): 2.4 ME (MJ/kg): 2.4 Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag Inname: g/dag *

82 82 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Dieregesondheid word Pfizer Dieregesondheid het wêreldwyd op 1 Februarie vanjaar, die alleenstaande openbare maatskappy, Zoetis TM geword, na n aanvanklike openbare aanbod van aandele wat op die New Yorkse aandelebeurs gelys is. Zoetis bou voort op 60 jaar se ondervinding en die voormalige Pfizer Dieregesondheidseenheid sal steeds die diens lewer waaraan kliënte gewoond geraak het, naamlik om in hul dieregesondheidsbehoeftes te voldoen en hulle besighede selfs beter te bedien. Pfizer het n nuwe naam, maar u kan verseker wees dat dieselfde personeel en dieselfde produkte tot u beskikking sal wees. U Zoetis-verteenwoordiger en tegniese ondersteuningspersoneel, asook dieselfde voorraad hoogstaande dieregesondheidsprodukte waarop u vir jare vertrou het, is steeds daar om u besigheid te ondersteun en in u dieregesondheidsbehoeftes te voorsien. Die personeel by Zoetis werk elke dag daaraan om die werklike uitdagings van die wêreld te verstaan en aan te spreek en om tersaaklike oplossings te bied wat u sal bystaan in die bestuur van u diere. Die naam, Zoetis (zō-eh-tis), het sy wortels in zo, gevind in bekende woorde soos zoo en soölogie en is afgelei van zoetic wat beteken met betrekking tot lewe. Net soos die nuwe slagspreuk lui, is ons: Vir diere, Vir gesondheid. Vir jou.. Besoek hulle by Zoetis (Edms) Bpk. (Reg. Nr.: No 2012/001825/07), Posbus , Sandton, 2146, Suid Afrika.

83 2014 Journal Afrikaner 83 What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis Survey - Bovine as maintenance host for Leptospirosis Dr Jacoba Vaessler Leptospira are Gram negative saprophytic spirochetes. This bacterium contains an outer envelope, outer membrane protein, cell wall as well as flagella (giving it motility). Leptospira are characterized by it high lipid content, serovar specific lipopolysaccharide and the toxin they produce (phospholipase, glycolipoprotein, sphingomyelinase). This is an aerobic organism, which prefers wet environments with a ph between 6 8 and a temperature between 10 o C 33 o C for survival. Of greatest importance of serovar hardjo is that the infection appears to be largely independent of rainfall 4 Etiology: Formerly pathogenic Leptospires were classified under the specie L interrogans, but the genus has been reorganized into 7 species 2 of Leptospira and 19 serogroups. The two most important species in bovine is L interrogans and L borgpetersenii, and can only be differentiated by DNA probing. In total there is approximately 200 pathogenic serovars 2. Serovars are identified by the antigens on the surface of the organism. Taxonomy: (example) Genus: Species: Serogroup: Serovar: Type: Epidemiology: Leptospira interrogans/borgpetersenii sejroe hardjo prajitno/bovis Leptospira can be divided into two categories, depending on the serovar and the target host into a maintenance host and incidental host. Incidental host is seen where an animal became infected with a non host adapted serovar, and the animal experience severe disease. For example: Leptospira pomona, L. bratislava, L. grippotyphosa, L. icterohemorrhagiae. When a certain serovar becomes adapted to the host, it results in a maintenance host that experience lifetime infection and intermittent urinary shedding. For example the two species L interrogans and L borgpetersenii. A maintenance host is characterized by: 4 An incidental host is characterized by: 6 Chronic infection with high economic losses Prolonged shedding of the bacteria Low antibody response to the infection Low pathogenicity for the host Endemic transmission in the host specie High susceptibility to infection The two most important host adapted Leptospira species are: Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo bovis Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo prajitno Transmission and pathogenesis: An acute infection No chronic disease with long shedding High antibody response Highly pathogenic causing abortion storms, hepatitis, kidney disease Spread by other species Not as susceptible to infection In the maintenance host, the Leptospires hide in areas that are immunologically removed from the systemic antibody circulation. (Renal tubules, vitreous humour of eye, genital tract, cerebrospinal fluid) These bacteria can also be harboured by the bull and transmitted by venereal means. High Leptospira numbers are also to be found in aborted fetuses and uterine discharges of the maintenance host. Neonates can become infected trans-placentally. Leptospires will shed intermittently for years or even for a lifetime, and will be a constant source of infection for others in the herd. Due to these factors the antibody titre remains low in the maintenance host and is in most cases not detectable. This causes difficulty in diagnosis. Leptospira can also shed their outer cell wall that has been targeted by a

84 84 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 humeral response, and then grows a new cell wall. By this method the bacteria eludes the antibody response in the body. When these Leptospires are shed in the urine, it can contaminate the feed as well as the water. These Leptospires enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eye, mouth, reproductive tract and through breaks in the skin. These organisms will then spread from the site of entry to the bloodstream and then to the tissues. This will cause a Leptospiraemia, with an increase in temperature, causing anorexia, followed by icterus. Haemoglobinuria with anaemia will be prominent in the early phase of the disease. This will be followed by a chronic Leptospiruria, increased agglutinins, lower milk production and abortion. Signs of Hardjo-bovis: - Delayed returns of heat - Low conception rate - Early embryonic deaths With in-utero infection the following can also be seen 3 : - Still births - Late term abortions - Retained placentas - Persistent infected calves - Premature weak calves Management factors introducing L hardjo: - Purchase of infected cattle - Co-grazing with infected animals - Purchase/loan of infected bull - Infected frozen semen - Contaminated water/food supplies Economic impact: - Morbidity 10 30% - Mortality up to 5% - Abortions up to 30% - Infertility - Agalactia - Weak or even deaths in calves - Mastitis Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Leptospirosis is not an easy task; and for this you need to know for what serovar you are testing for. A few laboratory tests are available but sensitivity and specificity do differ a lot To name a few 3 : MAT, Culture, PCR, Darkfield microscopy, Fluorescent antibody test, Histopathology and ELISA A test that is standing out with great sensitivity and specificity is ELISA Zoonotic implications: Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard to butchers, farmers, milkers and vets. Infection occurs after contact with infected urine, uterine discharges, milk and tissues. Pasteurisation will destroy the bacteria within the milk. Leptospiroses survey: A survey was conducted between Jan 2012 and Jul 2012 in South Africa. Samples were received from participating vets and farmers. The samples were taken in plastic bottles with Bronopol as preservative and kept cool until tested. An ELISA test from Linnodee 7 was imported for this survey. This test has a specificity of 96% and a sensitivity of 86% All samples were tested at the University of Pretoria Onderstepoort Veterinary Tropical Disease Department. Province: Herd Samples Herd Samples Percentage received: Positive: Positive: Gauteng % Mpumalanga % Kwazulu Natal % Freestate % Northern Cape 1 1 (100%) Northwest Province Western Cape % Eastern Cape % Unknown % Total: % For prevention: The standard L5 bacterin vaccine (Bovishield FP+L5) helps to protect against L pomona, L hardjo-prajitno, L grippotyphosa, L icterohaemmorrhagiae and L canicola, of which most of them are incidental hosts with a high antibody response.

85 2014 Journal Afrikaner 85 Another vaccine, Spirovac is now available: This is the only vaccine that helps to protect cattle against L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo bovis. This is due to the fact that it contains an inactivated whole cell culture, and stimulates a cell mediated response. Spirovac has the following benefits: - It prevents bacteria from localizing in the kidneys and reproductive tract - Prevents shedding of bacteria from the urinary tract - It aids in the prevention of placental and fetal infections when a cow is vaccinated pre breeding - It establishes a full year immunity - It stimulates a cell mediated immune response - Animals can be vaccinated, even from four weeks of age - It is safe to use in pregnant as well as lactating animals Refrences: 1. Alt DP, Zuerner RL, Bolin CA; J AM, Evaluation of antibiotics for treatment of cattle infected with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo; Vet Med Assoc Sep 1;219(5): Bolin, Carole A. Diagnosis and Control of Bovine Leptospirosis, Reno : s.n., March 12-14, Proceedings of the 6th Western Dairy Management Conference. pp Bolin, Carole A.; Alt D,P,. Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Bovine Leptospirosis, The Bovine Practitioner, Vol. 33 No1 pp Ellis William A.; Leptospirosis as a cause of reproductive failure; Veterinary clinics of north America: food animal practice; Volume 10; number 3; Nov Cortese VS, Behan S, Galvin JE, Penka DR, Ramsey D, Bryson WL, Lucas MJ; Evaluation of two antimicrobial therapies in the treatment of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo infection in experimentally infected cattle; ; Veterinary therapeutics 2007 Fall; 8(3): Otto M. Radostits, Clive C. Gay, Douglas C. Blood, Kenneth W. Hinchcliff Veterinary Medicine; A Textbook of the Diseases fo Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats and Horses; 9 th Edition; P Unknown Author, Linnodee, Unpublished Rooiwater in jong kalwers LEPTOSPIROSE? Dr Jacoba Vaessler Tegniese bestuurder Zoetis Sodra 'n bees urineer en die urine het 'n rooi skynsel, is die eerste ding wat in jou gedagte opkom Afrika rooiwater of in ander woorde, babesiose, oorgedra deur die Bloubosluis (Rhipicephalus decoloratus). Dadelik word daar gekyk na die slymvlies, en die dier is bleek. Maar bo en behalwe dit als het die melkproduksie geval, en reageer die dier nie op die algemene rooiwater behandeling nie. Selfs met n bloedsmeer kan die Babesia parasiete nie geïdentifiseer word nie! Daar is 'n paar siektetoestande wat dieselfde kliniese simptome kan toon: rooiwater, galsiekte, 'n sekere klostridium, maar min van ons dink aan Leptospirose as 'n moontlike oorsaak? Wat is Leptospirose? Dit word veroorsaak deur 'n aërobiese bakterium (spirokeet) wat in 'n nat omgewing en temperatuur van tussen 10 oc 33 oc voorkom. Voorheen is die patogeniese Leptospira geklassifiseer onder die spesie Leptospira interrogans, maar die genus is nou verdeel in 7 Leptospira spesies en 19 serogroeperinge. In beeste is die twee mees belangrikste spesies; L interrogans en L borgpetersenii, maar om die twee spesies uitmekaar te ken word DNA tipering of kweking benodig. Daar is in totaal ongeveer 200 patogeniese of siekteveroorsakende serovars. Leptospira kan in twee kategorieë geplaas word met inagneming van hul serovars en spesifieke gasheer voorkeure. Die twee mees belangrikste Leptospira spesies in beeste (waar beeste die draers is) is: Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo bovis Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo prajitno Leptospira bakterieë skuil in organe van die gasheer waar dit moeilik bereikbaar is vir die gasheer se teenliggame soos byvoorbeeld die nier, oog, geslagsorgane en brein. Koeie wat draers is van Hardjobovis toon lae konsepsie persentasies, verhoogde vroeë embrionale dood asook vertraagde terugkeer na hitte. Wanneer dragtige koeie besmet word kan ons meer vroeggebore, swak of doodgebore kalwers sien. Laaste trimester aborsies asook nageboortes wat vassit kom algemeen voor. Die bul dien as draer, en besmet die koei gedurende paring. Groot getalle Leptospira bakterieë word ook gevind in geaborteerde fetusse en baarmoederafskeidings van die onderhoud gasheer. Die kalf kan ook binne die baarmoeder besmet word. 'n Draerdier kan organismes onderbroke uitskei vir 'n paar jaar of

86 86 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 selfs lewenslank, en is die bron van infeksie vir ander diere in die kudde. Wanneer die organismes uitgeskei word deur die urine, word die voerbakke, weiding en watersisteme 'n bron van besmetting. Die uitgeskeide bakterieë dring dan die liggaam binne deur die slymvliese van die neus, oog, mond, geslagstelsel of deur areas waar die vel beskadig is. Hoe lyk 'n siek dier? Binne 'n paar dae word 'n koors waargeneem, die dier hou op vreet en dit word dan gevolg deur slymvliese wat bleek en later liggeel verkleur. Een van die mees sigbare simptome, in veral jong kalwers, is seker die rooi verkleuring van urine asook die bloedarmoede (anemie). In lakterende koeie is dit gewoonlik die wisselende koors, die dramatiese val in melkproduksie en aborsies. Siekte in 'n toevallige gasheer word gekenmerk deur akute kliniese simptome. Die organisme word net vir 'n kort periode uitgeskei en die bees se immuunstelsel raak van die infeksie ontslae. Beeste word erg siek en aborsies, hepatitis en nierversaking is moontlike gevolge van die siekte. Beeste is toevallige gashere vir serovars soos: L. pomona, L. bratislava, L. grippotyphosa, L. icterohemorrhagiae. Indien die twee Hardjo serovars beeste besmet sien ons kroniese infeksies met hoë ekonomiese verliese. Die bakterieë word oor 'n lang tydperk uitgeskei en daar is 'n lae teenliggaam reaksie teen die infeksie. Hulle maak dus nie die beeste dood nie, ons kry draers in die kudde, verspreiding van bees tot bees vind plaas en erge produksieverliese word ervaar. Gevare vir die mens? Leptospirose kan ook van dier na mens oorgedra word en hou dus implikasies in vir slagters, boere, melkers asook vir veeartse. Infeksie vind plaas wanneer daar kontak is met besmette urine, baarmoeder afskeidings, melk asook besmette organe (slagters). Pasteurisasie van melk vernietig wel die bakterieë. Hoe raak ek van die siekte ontslae? Draers van Leptospirose kan behandel word met sekere antibiotika, en herstel van hulle gasheer status. Praat gerus met 'n veearts in u area. Dit is egter beter om te voorkom dat die siekte 'n probleem veroorsaak. Basiese biosekuriteit, rotbeheer en higiënebestuur moet op elke plaas geïmplementeer word. Maak seker dat diere wat ingekoop word nie draers of siek is nie (kwarantynkamp), behandel dalk voorkomend net om seker te maak, gebruik net semen van erkende KI stasies, vermy skoue (moenie diere net terugsit in kudde as hulle terugkom nie (dieselfde geld vir veilings) en ent al jou diere. Daar is 'n paar goeie entstowwe op die mark, maar ongelukkig is daar egter geen tot baie min kruisweerstand tussen die verskillende serotipes. Die standaard L5 bakterien enting (Bovishield FP+L5 Reg. no.: G3359 Wet 36/1947) help met die beskerming teen L. pomona, L. hardjo-prajitno, L. grippotyphosa, L. icterohaemmorrhagiae en L. canicola. Daar is egter net een entstof Spirovac (Reg. No.: G 3610 Wet 36/1947) wat voorkom dat beeste hardjo serovar draers word en daarom is dit belangrik om, tesame met die lokale veearts, 'n pasgemaakte gesondheidsprogram vir elke plaas te ontwerp Voordele van Spirovac: Hierdie entstof is uniek, dit is die enigste entstof op die mark geregistreer vir die voorkoming van Lepto Hardjo. Die entstof voorkom dat die dier 'n draer word van Lepto Hardjo en voorkom dus dat die bakterieë uitgeskei word in die urine asook beskerming van die fetus gedurende dragtigheid. Vir meer inligting skakel gerus u kuddeveearts of Zoetis verteenwoordiger.

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88 88 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Selection & Management of Heifers and First-calf-cows Seleksie & Bestuur van Verse en Eerstekalfkoeie Leslie Bergh ARC - Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062 South Africa Tel. +27 (0) , Mobile +27 (0) , leslie@arc.agric.za The selection and management of replacement heifers is very important, as it is the future cow herd and wrong selection decisions and/or poor management of heifers can hold major financial implications over the shortand long term. The objective of selection and management of heifers can be summarized as follows: To make the unproductive period of heifers as short as possible by trying to get them pregnant at a relatively young age. To try and get a high percentage of heifers (90% +) pregnant within a short (maximum 90 -days, but preferably shorter) breeding season. Die seleksie en bestuur van vervanginsverse is baie belangrik, aangesien dit die toekomstige koeikudde is en verkeerde seleksiebesluite en/of swak bestuur van verse groot finansiële implikasies kan inhou oor die kort- sowel as die langtermyn. Die doelwit met seleksie en bestuur van verse kan as volg opgesom word: Om verse se onproduktiewe periode so kort as moontlik te maak deur hulle op n relatief jong ouderdom dragtig te kry. Om n hoë persentasie verse (90%+) dragtig te kry binne n kort (maksimum 90 dae, maar verkieslik korter) teelseisoen. Om kalfprobleme by verse tot n minimum (laer as

89 2014 Journal Afrikaner 89 To limit calving problems to a minimum (less than 3%). To attempt pregnancy for first-calf-cows as soon as possible after calving. To wean relatively heavy calves for the first-calfcows. SELECTION As with bull selection, the foundation of the selection of replacement heifers are clear breeding goals and a thought-through breeding strategy. Of course, this does not only apply to the stud breeder, but also to the ordinary beef farmer. Without clear breeding goals and a thought-through breeding strategy it is almost impossible to make any meaningful selection and one can easily forget to focus on those characteristics that are really economically important. Because a heifer has no proven record with regard to characteristics such as reproduction, ease of calving and maternal ability, all available information, particularly of her mother and, where applicable, her father and other relatives should be used to make an informed decision when selecting. Where available, breeding values (rather than indexes) should be used in selection, because breeding values are a more reliable indicator of an animal s genetic merit. The secret is to always use these breeding values in balance with other important characteristics, especially functional efficiency. The following selection procedure is recommended in the selection of heifers: The first selection of heifers usually occurs when they are weaned. The characteristics that should be noted at this stage are as follows: o o Pre-wean growth and milk production: The heifer s weaning index is an evaluation of both her mother's milk production and her own growth rate up to weaning. Cull heifers with low (under 90) weaning indexes, especially if her mother has a record of weaning calves with poor weaning indexes and/or poor breeding values for weaning direct (pre-wean growth) and/or wean maternal (milk production). Ease of calving: Cull heifers whose mothers have a record of difficult calving. o Reproduction: Cull heifers whose mothers calved for the first time at an older age and/or her average inter-calving-period (ICP) is too long and/or her reproduction index is low (under 90). o o Hereditary defects: Cull all heifers with any hereditary defects, such a skew face, short lower jaw, etc. Functional errors: Cull all heifers with serious functional flaws, with regards to legs (e.g. straight hocks, weak pasterns), hooves (e.g. outgrown or 3%) te beperk. Om die eerstekalfkoeie so gou moontlik na kalwing weer dragtig te kry. Om relatief swaar kalwers te speen van die eerstekalfkoeie. SELEKSIE Soos met bulseleksie, is die grondslag van die seleksie van vervaningsverse duidelike teeldoelwitte en ʼn weldeurdagte teel-strategie. Dit geld natuurlik nie net vir die stoetteler nie, maar ook vir gewone vleisbees boer. Sonder duidelike teeldoelwitte en ʼn weldeurdagte teel-strategie is dit bykans onmoontlik om enige sinvolle seleksie te doen en kan mens maklik vergeet om te fokus op daardie eienskappe wat werklik ekonomies belangrik is. Omdat ʼn vers geen bewese rekord het ten opsigte van eienskappe soos reproduksie, gemak van kalwing en moederlike vermoë nie, moet alle beskikbare inligting van veral haar moeder en, waar toepaslik, ook haar vader en ander verwantes gebruik word om n ingeligte besluit te neem by seleksie. Waar beskikbaar, behoort teelwaardes (liewer as indekse) gebruik te word in seleksie, omdat teelwaardes ʼn meer betroubare aanduiding is van ʼn dier se genetiese meriete. Die geheim is egter om hierdie teelwaardes altyd in balans te gebruik met ander belangrike eienskappe, veral funksionele doeltreffendheid. Die volgende seleksieprosedure word aanbeveel by die seleksie van verse: Die eerste seleksie van verse vind gewoonlik plaas wanneer hulle gespeen word. Die eienskappe waarna daar op hierdie stadium opgelet behoort te word is die volgende: o Voorspeense groei en melkproduksie: Die vers se speenindeks is 'n evaluering van beide haar moeder se melkproduksie en haar eie groeitempo tot op speen. Skot verse met 'n lae (onder 90) speenindeks uit, veral as haar moeder ʼn rekord het dat sy kalwers speen met swak speenindekse en/of swak teelwaardes vir speen direk (voorspeense groei) en/of speen maternaal (melkproduksie). o o o o Gemak van kalwing: Skot verse uit wie se moeder n rekord het van moeilike kalwing. Reproduksie: Skot verse uit wie se moeders eers op n hoë ouderdom vir die eerste keer gekalf het en/of se gemiddelde tussenkalfperiode (TKP) lank is en/of reproduksie-indeks laag (onder 90) is. Erflike gebreke: Skot alle verse uit met enige erflike gebrek, byvoorbeeld ʼn skewe gesig, kort onderkaak, ensovoorts. Funksionele foute: Skot alle verse uit met ernstige

90 90 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 o o o deformed hooves), skin and hair coat (e.g. long hair, unpigmented skin), etc. Frame Size: Cull all heifers that are too large and/ or lanky. Hormonal imbalance: Cull all heifers which look unfeminine or ox-like and/or with underdeveloped reproductive organs (small vulva). These are all are signs that there might be a problem with her female hormones or that there is a hormonal imbalance. Temperament: Cull all heifers with a poor (wild) temperament. The second selection of heifers is usually right before they are served (15-24 months of age). The characteristics that should be evaluated at this stage are the following: o o o o Pre- and post wean growth: Cull heifers with a low (below 90) 12 months and/or 18 months index. Because the 12- and 18 month indexes are calculated on the growth from birth, these indexes are functions of both the mother's milk production, the calf s growth ability up to weaning and then post weaning growth ability up to 12- or 18 months. Go through the heifers again for hereditary defects, functional errors, frame size, poor temperament and signs of an hormonal imbalance. Measure heifers' pelvis openings: In order to prematurely identify heifers which might calve with difficulty, their pelvic openings can be measured by a veterinarian and these heifers with small pelvic openings should be culled before the breeding season begins. A heifer which calves with ease, easily recovers faster in terms of her uterus and birth canal and will conceive sooner than a heifer with calving difficulties. Inspection by a breed Society: Where inspection is done by a breed association, it usually takes place at this point. The third selection of heifers is when pregnancy tests are done. At this stage all heifers which are not pregnant must be culled. If there are more pregnant heifers left than needed for replacement and/or herd-buildup, one can consider culling the heifers which fell pregnant late in the breeding season and thus will calve late in the calving season, as it is usually those cows which will not fall pregnant in the forthcoming year. The fourth selection of heifers (actually now firstcalf-cows) occurs when they have calved. Cull all cows that calved with difficulty, considering o o o funksionele foute, wat betref bene (byvoorbeeld regop hakke, kootgewrigte wat deurtrap), hoewe (byvoorbeeld uitgroei of misvormde hoewe), vel en haarkleed (byvoorbeeld lang hare, ongepigmenteerde vel), ensovoorts. Raamgrootte: Skot alle verse uit wat te groot en/ of rankerig is. Hormonale wanbalans: Skot alle verse uit wat onvroulik of os-agtig lyk en/of met onderontwikkelde geslagsorgane (klein vulva). Dit alles is tekens dat daar moontlik n probleem is met haar vroulike hormone of dat daar n hormonale wanbalans is. Temperament: Skot alle verse uit met n swak (wilde) temperament. Die tweede seleksie van verse vind gewoonlik plaas net voordat hulle gedek word (15 24 maande ouderdom). Die eienskappe wat op hierdie stadium geëvalueer behoort te word, is die volgende: o Voor- en naspeense groei: Skot verse met 'n lae (onder 90) 12-maande en/of 18 maande Indeks uit. Omdat die 12- en 18 maande indekse bereken word op die groei vanaf geboorte, is hierdie indekse 'n funksie van beide die moeder se melkproduksie, die kalf se groeivermoë tot op speen en die naspeense groeivermoë tot 12- of 18 maande. o o o Gaan weer die verse deur vir erflike gebreke, funksionele foute, raamgrootte, swak temperament en tekens van ʼn hormonale wanbalans. Meet verse se pelvis-openinge: Ten einde verse wat waarskynlik moeilik sal kalf vroegtydig te identifiseer, kan hul pelviese openinge deur ʼn veearts gemeet en die met klein pelvis-openinge uitgeskot word voordat die teelseisoen begin. ʼn Vers wat maklik kalf se baarmoeder en geboortekanaal herstel vinniger en sy kom gouer weer op hitte as ʼn vers wat moeilik kalf. Keuring deur n telersgenootskap: Waar keuring deur n telersgenootskap gedoen word, vind dit gewoonlik ook op hierdie stadium plaas. Die derde seleksie van verse vind plaas wanneer dragtigheidsondersoeke gedoen word. Op hierdie stadium moet alle verse wat nie dragtig is nie, uitgeskot word. Indien daar meer dragtige verse oorbly as wat benodig word vir vervanging en/ of kuddebou, kan dit oorweeg word om die verse wat laat in die teelseisoen dragtig geword het en dus laat in die kalfseisoen gaan kalf, ook uit te skot, aangesien dit gewoonlik daardie koeie is wat die volgende jaar nie dragtig gaan word nie. Die vierde seleksie van verse (eintlik dan

91 2014 Journal Afrikaner 91 of course that there were no other factors (such as overfeeding shortly before calving or using a bull which gives particularly large calves at birth) resulting in the calving difficulty. The final selection (of first-calf-cows) occurs when their calves are weaned. Cull all first-calf-cows whose calves have a low (under 90) weaning index. Also cull first-calf-cows with a low (under 90) cow efficiency index. The cow efficiency evaluates the weaning weight (adjusted for age up to 205 days) of a cow's calf compared with her own metabolic or weight maintenance (weight to the power of 0.75) at calving (or weaning if not recorded at calving). E.g. a cow of 500kg weaning a calf of 250kg weaning is more efficient than a cow of 600kg weaning a calf of the same weaning weight. The ARC 's Intergis, SA Studbook s Logix as well as the farm software management program, BeefPro, has a report called Breeding herd selection report available which contains all the important data needed to select cows and heifers. This includes all the reproduction criteria, indexes, breeding values, approvalrelationships and awards. Poor performers, in respect of each characteristic are marked with a red circle to make it easy to identify. This report is a valuable and extremely user-friendly tool to evaluate the breeding herd and to identify problem animals. MANAGEMENT Because of the high cost to raise a heifer until after first calving, no farmer can afford to lose young cows at this critical stage of their reproductive life. As already mentioned the management practices with heifers and first-calf-cows should be aimed at making heifers calve early and easy and get first-calf-cows quickly into calving again, as these aspects are the most common problems which cattle farmers experience with regard to the reproduction management of their herds. The primary objective of heifer management is to maximize the number of pregnant heifers as early and cost effectively as possible in a relatively short period for calving during a period which is most favourable for re-conception, calf survival and pre-wean growth of calves. Heifers should, generally speaking, be pregnant before they are 27 months of age, in order for them to calve before they are 36 months old. The weight, condition and growth rate of heifers are more important indicators than age to determine when heifers can be served for the first time. This must of course also be linked to your herd's breeding season(s) so that optimal use is made of the cheapest source of high quality feed, namely good summer grazing (in a summer rainfall area). The following management practices are recommended to ensure that heifers calve early and easy and first-calfcows fall pregnant again soon and wean a relatively eerstekalfkoeie) vind plaas wanneer hul gekalf het. Skot alle koeie uit wat moeilik gekalf het, in ag genome natuurlik dat daar nie ander faktore was (soos byvoorbeeld oorvoeding kort voor kalwing of die gebruik van n bul wat besonder groot kalwers gee by geboorte) wat daartoe gelei het nie. Die finale seleksie (van eerstekalfkoeie) vind plaas wanneer hulle hul kalwers gespeen word. Skot alle eerstekalfkoeie uit wie se kalf 'n lae (onder 90) speenindeks het. Skot ook eerstekalfkoeie uit met ʼn lae (onder 90) koeidoeltreffendheidindeks. Die koeidoeltreffendheid evalueer die speengewig (aangepas vir ouderdom tot 205 dae) van 'n koei se kalf in vergelyking met haar eie metaboliese of onderhoudsgewig (gewig tot die mag 0.75) by kalwing (of speen indien nie aangeteken tydens kalwing). Bv. 'n koei van 500kg wat ʼn kalf van 250 kg speen is meer doeltreffend as 'n koei van 600kg wat ʼn kalf van dieselfde gewig speen. Die LNR se Intergis, SA Stamboek se Logix asook die plaassagteware bestuursprogram, BeefPro, het ʼn verslag, die sogenaamde Teelkuddeseleksieverslag, beskikbaar wat al die belangrike data bevat wat nodig is om koeie en verse te selekteer. Dit sluit in al die reproduksie maatstawwe, indekse, teelwaardes, goedkeurings-verhoudings en toekennings. Swak presteerders ten opsigte van elke eienskap word gemerk met ʼn rooi kring om dit maklik te maak om hulle te identifiseer. Hierdie verslag is ʼn waardevolle en uiters gebruikersvriendelike hulpmiddel om die teelkudde mee te evalueer en probleemdiere te identifiseer. BESTUUR As gevolg van die hoë koste verbonde daaraan om ʼn vers groot te maak tot na eerste kalwing, kan geen boer dit bekostig om jong koeie op hierdie kritiese stadium van hul reproduktiewe lewe te verloor nie. Soos reeds genoem, behoort bestuurspraktyke by verse en eerstekalfkoeie daarop gemik te wees om verse vroeg en maklik te laat kalf en eerstekalfkoeie weer vinnig in kalf te kry, aangesien hierdie aspekte die mees algemene probleme is wat beesboere ondervind ten opsigte van die reproduksiebestuur van hulle kuddes. Die primêre doelwit met versbestuur is om die maksimum aantal verse so vroeg en koste-effektief as moontlik dragtig te kry in 'n relatief kort tydperk, vir kalwing gedurende 'n tydperk wat die gunstigste is vir herkonsepsie, kalf oorlewing en voorspeense groei van die kalwers. Verse behoort, in die algemeen gesproke, dragtig te wees voordat hulle 27 maande oud is, sodat hulle sal kalf voordat hulle 36 maande oud is. Die gewig, kondisie en groeitempo van verse is belangriker aanduiders as ouderdom om te bepaal wanneer verse die eerste keer gedek kan word. Dit moet natuurlik inskakel by jou kudde se teelseisoen(e), sodat optimale gebruik gemaak word van die goedkoopste bron van

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94 94 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 heavy calf: General: Ensure that the heifers fit into the production environment. Especially guard against large frame heifers (which will become large frame cows) where the availability of food is limited. Because firstcalf-cows themselves are still growing and have a suckling calf, their nutritional needs are very high and their reproduction will inevitably suffer if their condition deteriorates. Manage heifers and first-calf-cows separately. It is very important that heifers are managed as a separate group or groups from weaning until they calve for the second time. This includes giving them more attention, giving them the best camps, strategic supplement when necessary and for them to follow a special health program. Mating: Get the heifers on 65% of expected adult weight at serving. If the average adult cow weighs 500kg, the heifers should weigh about 325kg at the beginning of the breeding season. Before calving the heifers should weigh 80-85% of their expected adult weight. Use a short breeding season. The breeding season of heifers should, ideally speaking, only be days. The primary advantage of a short serving- and calving season is to put pressure on selection for fertility. It also has the advantage of being better supervised during calving time. Have heifers served 4 to 6 weeks prior to the cows' breeding season. By having the heifers served earlier than the cows, a longer postpartum recovery period is provided which should lead to higher reconception. This practice should only be considered if the heifers are given adequate nutrition before calving and also after calving until sufficient grass is available, otherwise they will lose too much of their condition which will lead to lower re-conception. However, it is important that their calves are weaned 4-6 weeks earlier than the rest of the cows' calves, if not they may still lose too much of their condition. Have heifers served at months of age if they become too heavy and/or too fat to be served at months of age. This practice should only be considered if sufficient good quality pasture and/or crop residues, hay or silage is available after calving to ensure that their condition remains optimal for re-conception. If such first-calf-cows rest six months before they are served (to calve in the main calving season), it will guarantee higher re-conception. The maximum shortening of heifers unproductive life can be obtained by having the heifers served at months of age, but this practice should only be hoë gehalte voer, naamlik goeie somer weiding (in n somer reënval gebied). Die volgende bestuurspraktyke word aanbeveel om te verseker dat verse vroeg en maklik kalf en eerstekalfkoeie gou weer dragtig word en n relatief swaar kalf speen: Algemeen: Maak seker dat die verse inpas by die produksieomgewing. Waak veral teen grootraam verse (wat grootraam koeie gaan word) waar die beskikbaarheid van voedsel beperkend is. Omdat eerstekalfkoeie self nog groei en ʼn kalf soog, is hul voedingsbehoeftes baie hoog en sal hul reproduksie noodwendig daaronder lei indien hul baie kondisie verloor. Bestuur verse en eerstekalfkoeie apart. Dit is baie belangrik dat verse as ʼn aparte groep of groepe bestuur word vandat hulle gespeen is totdat hulle die tweede keer kalf. Dit behels onder andere dat meer aandag aan hulle gegee word, dat hulle die beste kampe kry, dat hulle strategiese byvoeding kry wanneer nodig en dat ʼn spesiale gesondheidsprogram gevolg word. Paring: Kry verse op 65% van verwagte volwasse gewig by dekking. Indien die volwasse koeie gemiddeld 500kg weeg, moet die verse dus ongeveer 325kg weeg aan die begin van die teelseisoen. Voor kalwing moet die verse 80 85% van hul verwagte volwasse gewig weeg. Gebruik n kort teelseisoen. Die teelseisoen van verse behoort ideaal gesproke slegs dae te wees. Die primêre voordeel van n kort dek- en kalfseisoen is om druk te plaas op seleksie vir vrugbaarheid. Dit het ook die voordeel dat beter toesig gehou kan word tydens kalftyd. Dek verse 4 tot 6 weke voor die koeie se teelseisoen begin. Deur verse vroeër as die koeie te dek, gee dit hulle ʼn langer postpartum herstelperiode wat tot hoër herkonsepsies behoort te lei. Hierdie praktyk moet egter slegs oorweeg word indien die verse voldoende voeding kry vóór kalwing en ook ná kalwing totdat voldoende groen gras beskikbaar is, anders gaan hulle te veel kondisie verloor wat tot laer herkonsepsies kan lei. Dit is egter belangrik dat hul kalwers 4 6 weke vroeër gespeen word as die res van die koeie se kalwers, anders kan hulle steeds te veel kondisie verloor. Dek verse op maande ouderdom indien hulle te swaar en/of te vet word om op maande ouderdom te dek. Hierdie praktyk moet egter slegs oorweeg word indien voldoende goeie kwaliteit weiding en/of oesreste, hooi of kuilvoer beskikbaar is na kalwing om te verseker dat hul

95 2014 Journal Afrikaner 95 considered if the feeding and general management in a herd is at a very high level. Have more heifers served than needed for replacement. Up to 50% more heifers than needed for replacement should be served so that there are sufficient pregnant heifers available for replacement for all non-pregnant cows and cows that might be culled for other reasons. Consider synchronization of heifers. The purpose of synchronization is to get heifers pregnant as early as possible during a short breeding season. Synchronization is a fairly common practice in AI, but also has its benefits with natural serving. Use proven ease-of-calving bulls on heifers. Difficult calving extends the postpartum recovery period which leads to weaker re-conception. Therefore use only bulls with a relatively low breeding value for birth weight on the heifers to ensure easy calving. Use a higher ratio of bulls to heifers. The use of a higher ratio of bulls (15-20 heifers per bull) to heifers - especially during the first 21 days of the breeding season, will ensure that heifers come on heat and that more heifers will fall pregnant early in the breeding season. Expose heifers and first-calf-cows to teaser-bulls. The exposure of heifers and first-calf-cows to teaser- or sterile bulls or cystic cows for at least nine days before the start of the breeding season, will stimulate them to start ovulating and help more heifers to get pregnant early in the breeding season. Nutrition: The condition of heifers at mating and calving is critical. On a 1-5 point scale (1 = very thin; 5 = too fat), heifers should be at mating and at calving. If necessary, the feeding level of first-calfcows should be increased after calving to maintain their body condition. Give first-calf-cows the best nutrition available. Providing the best available nutrition (whether grazing, hay or maize) to first-calf-cows after calving is critical to meet their high nutritional needs and prevent them from losing their condition. Supplementation (in the form of licks) should be balanced in terms of protein, energy, minerals and trace elements. The lick must be adjusted according to the season, quantity and quality of pasture and the condition of the heifers. Provide a stimulant-lick 21 days before the breeding season begins. Providing a stimulant-lick 21 days before the breeding season to 42 days into the breeding season will help achieve a higher conception rate. kondisie optimaal bly vir herkonsepsie. Indien sulke eerstekalfkoeie dan ses maande gerus word voordat hulle weer gedek word (om dan in die hoof kalfseisoen te kalf), sal dit hoër herkonsepsie verseker. Die maksimum verkorting van verse se onproduktiewe lewe kan verkry word deur verse op maande te dek, maar hierdie praktyk moet slegs oorweeg word indien die voeding- en algemene bestuur in n kudde op n baie hoë vlak is. Dek meer verse as wat nodig is vir vervanging. Tot 50% meer verse as wat benodig word vir vervanging behoort gedek te word, sodat daar voldoende dragtige verse beskikbaar is om alle nie-dragtige koeie en koeie wat vir ander redes uitgeskot moet word, te vervang. Oorweeg sinchronisasie van verse. Die doel met sinchronisasie is om verse so vroeg moontlik dragtig te kry gedurende ʼn kort teelseisoen. Sinchronisasie is ʼn redelik algemene praktyk by KI, maar hou ook voordele in by natuurlike dekking. Gebruik beproefde gemak-van-kalwing bulle op verse. Moeilike kalwing verleng die postpartum herstelperiode wat lei tot swakker herkonsepsie. Gebruik dus slegs bulle met ʼn relatief lae teelwaarde vir geboortegewig op verse om maklike kalwing te verseker. Gebruik ʼn hoër verhouding bulle by verse. Die gebruik van ʼn hoër verhouding bulle (15 20 verse per bul) by verse veral gedurende die eerste 21 dae van die teelseisoen sal verseker dat verse op hitte kom en dat meer verse dragtig word vroeg in die teelseisoen. Stel verse en eerstekalfkoeie bloot aan koggel bulle. Die blootstelling van verse en eerstekalfkoeie aan koggel- of steriele bulle of sistiese koeie vir minstens 9 dae voor die begin van die teelseisoen, sal hulle stimuleer om te begin ovuleer en meehelp dat meer verse dragtig word vroeg in die teelseisoen. Voeding: Die kondisie van verse by paring en by kalwing is krities belangrik. Op ʼn 1 5 punteskaal (1 = brandmaer; 5 = oorvet), moet verse wees by paring en by kalwing. Indien nodig, moet die voedingspeil van eerstekalfkoeie verhoog word ná kalwing om hul liggaamskondisie in stand te hou. Gee aan eerstekalfkoeie die beste beskikbare voeding. Die voorsiening van die beste beskikbare voeding (hetsy weiding, hooi of mieliereste) aan eerstekalfkoeie nadat hulle gekalf het is krities om te voldoen aan hul hoë voedingsbehoeftes en te verhoed dat hulle kondisie verloor. Byvoeding (in die vorm van lekke) moet gebalanseerd wees ten opsigte van proteïen,

96 96 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Avoid excessive energy supplementation in the last three months of pregnancy. If necessary, additional energy can be given during the last 50 days of pregnancy to ensure that the heifers conditionscore is 3-3½ at calving. However, care must be taken, as excessive energy supplementation in the last three months of pregnancy can lead to large calves, difficult calving, a longer recovery period for the birth canal and consequently longer period of time for re-conception. Be especially careful not to let heifers over-winter on cornfields where the heads have not been picked up, as it can increase birth weights and cause heifers too become overly fat, resulting in difficult calving. Provide ionophores to cows after calving to improve the utilization of feed. Several studies have shown that the use of ionophores after calving increases feed costs by only about 12c/day, but that it shortens the postpartum interval by an average of 18 days, provided that sufficient energy is available. Other management practices: Ensure early assistance with difficult calvings, if help is needed. After a heifer has been in stage 2 (visible hooves) of calving for 1½ hours, each additional 30 minute delay in assistance will lead to an additional six days in the interval until she falls pregnant again. Consider supplement feeding for first-calf-cows' calves, especially if the grazing is poor. This will increase the calves' weaning weights and help the cows to maintain their condition which will improve re-conception. Wean calves early during drought or food deficiency. Early weaning of calves (up to 40 days earlier), according to research is one of the best methods to improve the reproduction rate of first-calf-cows, as it will prevent that these cows from losing too much condition. CONCLUSION: The selection and management of heifers and firstcalf-cows is critical for a high reproduction rate, high weaning weights and low calf mortality in a beef herd. energie, minerale en spoorelemente. Die lek moet aangepas word volgens die seisoen, hoeveelheid en kwaliteit van die weiding en die kondisie van die verse. Voorsien ʼn prikkellek 21 dae voor die teelseisoen begin. Die voorsiening van ʼn prikkellek 21 dae voor die teelseisoen begin tot 42 dae in die teelseisoen, sal meehelp om ʼn hoë konsepsiesyfer te behaal. Vermy oormatige energie byvoeding in die laaste drie maande van dragtigheid. Indien nodig, kan addisionele energie gedurende die laaste 50 dae van dragtigheid gegee word om te verseker dat verse se kondisietelling 3 3½ is by kalwing. Wees egter versigtig, aangesien oormatige energie byvoeding in die laaste drie maande van dragtigheid kan lei tot groot kalwers, moeilike kalwing, ʼn langer herstelperiode vir die geboortekanaal en gevolglik langer tydperk tot herkonsepsie. Wees veral versigtig om nie verse op mielielande waar die koppe nie opgetel is nie, te laat oorwinter, want dit kan geboortegewigte verhoog en verse oorvet laat word, met gevolglike moeilike kalwings. Voorsien ionofore aan koeie na kalwing om die benutting van voer te verbeter. Verskeie studies het getoon dat die voer van ionofore na kalwing voerkostes met slegs ongeveer 12c/dag verhoog, maar dat dit die postpartum interval verkort met gemiddeld 18 dae, mits voldoende energie beskikbaar is. Ander bestuurspraktyke: Verleen vroegtydig hulp by moeilike kalwings indien hulp benodig word. Nadat ʼn vers 1½ uur in stadium 2 (hoewe sigbaar) van kalwing was, sal elke addisionele 30-minute vertraging in hulpverlening lei tot ʼn addisionele ses dae in die interval tot sy weer dragtig word. Oorweeg kruipvoeding vir eerstekalf koeie se kalwers, veral as die weiding swak is. Dit sal die kalwers se speengewigte verhoog en die koeie help om kondisie te behou wat herkonsepsie sal verbeter. Speen kalwers vroeg gedurende droogtes of voedingstekorte. Vroeë speen van kalwers (tot 40 dae vroeër) is volgens navorsing een van die beste metodes om die reproduksietempo van eerstekalfkoeie te verbeter, aangesien dit voorkom dat hierdie koeie te veel kondisie verloor. SLOT Die seleksie en bestuur van verse en eerstekalfkoeie is krities belangrik vir ʼn hoë reproduksietempo, hoë speengewigte en lae kalf-mortaliteit in ʼn vleisbeeskudde.

97 2014 Journal Afrikaner 97

98 98 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Suiwer of Kruisteling - Wat is die beste? Leslie Bergh ARC - Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062 South Africa Tel. +27 (0) , Mobile +27 (0) , leslie@arc.agric.za Pure or Crossbreeding What is the Best? Wat is die beste - suiwer of kruisteling? Soos met die meeste vrae oor teling, is daar nie 'n eenvoudige antwoord op hierdie vraag nie, want dit hang af van baie faktore wat in ag geneem moet word. Ons kan egter 'n aantal beginsels en riglyne voorsien wat gebruik kan word om 'n ingeligte besluit te neem vir 'n spesifieke situasie. Hoekom kruisteling? Kruisteling in beeste het twee primêre voordele in vergelyking met suiwer teling (ook verwys na as reguitteling), naamlik: Kruisgeteelde diere vertoon heterose (basterkrag), wat die oorheersing is in die prestasie van die kruisgeteelde dier in vergelyking met die gemiddeld van die suiwer geteelde ouers, en Kruisgeteelde diere vertoon ras-aanvulling wat die kombinasie is van die sterk punte van die twee of meer rasse wat gebruik is om die kruis te vorm en nageslag te produseer wat optimale vlakke van prestasie in verskeie eienskappe produseer. In 'n gesonde kruistelingprogram kan heterose produktiwiteit in die kudde verhoog met soveel as 20% -25%, afhangend van die spesifieke eienskap, teenoor 'n vergelykbare suiwer teelprogram. Die doel van 'n goed ontwerpte, sistematiese kruistelingsprogram is om hierdie voordele van heterose en ras-aanvulling gelyktydig te optimaliseer. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat die grootste voordeel van kruisteling in die gebruik van F1 (eerste kruis) koeie lê. Met versigtige seleksie van die ouerrasse, sal sulke F1 koeie oorheersing geniet bo die ander ouers, veral met betrekking tot beter vrugbaarheid (reproduksie) en moedereienskappe (melkproduksie). What is the best pure or crossbreeding? As with most questions about breeding, there are no simple answers to this question, because it depends on many factors which should be taken into account. We can, however, provide a number of principles and guidelines that can be used to make an informed decision for a specific situation. Why crossbreeding? Crossbreeding in beef cattle has two primary advantages relative to pure breeding (also referred to as straight breeding), namely: Crossbred animals exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor), which is the superiority in performance of the crossbred animal compared to the average of the straight-bred parents, and Crossbred animals exhibit breed complementarity, which is the combination of the strengths of two or more breeds used to form the cross to produce offspring that has optimum levels of performance in several traits. In a sound crossbreeding program, heterosis can increase productivity in the herd by as much as 20% 25%, depending on the specific trait, over a comparable pure breeding program. The goal of a well-designed, systematic crossbreeding program is to simultaneously optimise these advantages of heterosis and breed complementarity. It is important to note that the greatest benefit of crossbreeding lies in the use of F1 (first cross) cows. With careful selection of the parent breeds, such F1 cows will be superior to the parent breeds, especially regarding better fertility (reproduction) and mothering ability (milk production). Crossbred cows can wean

99 2014 Journal Afrikaner 99 Kruisgeteelde koeie speen ongeveer 15% meer kg kalf/ koei as suiwer koeie. Suiwer of kruisteling? Eerstens is dit belangrik om te besef dat kruisteling nie die antwoord is vir lae biologiese en ekonomiese doeltreffendheid van produksie as gevolg van swak bestuur, swak voeding en/of die gebrek aan streng, doelgerigte seleksie. As gevolg van die gebruik van swak genetika, is kruisteling in baie gevalle nie gebruik om ekonomiese doeltreffendheid te verhoog nie, maar bloot om prestasie te handhaaf. As die bestuur van jou kudde op 'n lae vlak is en jy in die spel is van die aankoop van die goedkoopste moontlike bulle, dan is kruisteling nie die antwoord vir jou - dit sal jou probleme vererger in plaas van om dit op te los. Tweedens is dit belangrik om die verskille tussen suiwer- en kruisteling te verstaan. Kom ons oorweeg kortliks wat die verskille is. Suiwer teling Min of geen benutting van heterose vir verhoogde doeltreffendheid Hoë seleksie intensiteit en teling vordering is moontlik Seleksie en bemarking makliker as gevolg van 'n hoë mate van eenvormigheid Stelsel is maklik en eenvoudige Minder bestuur-insette vereis Lae oorerflike eienskappe soos reproduksie, oorlewing, moedereienskappe en langslewendheid kan moeilik wees om te verbeter Nie in staat om vinnig aan te pas by die verandering van die produksiestelsels en die vereistes van die mark Minder risiko m.b.t. kalwingsprobleme Verhoogde risiko van inteling approximately 15% more kg of calf/cow than purebred cows. Pure or Crossbreeding? Firstly it is important to realize that crossbreeding is not the answer for low biological and economic efficiency of production due to poor management, poor nutrition and/or the lack of rigorous, purposeful selection. Due to the use of poor genetics, crossbreeding is in many cases not used to increase economic efficiencies, but merely to maintain performance. If the management of your herd is on a low level and you re in the game of buying the cheapest possible bulls, then crossbreeding is not the answer for you it will worsen your problems rather than solve it. Kruisteling Maksimum benutting van heterose moontlik om doeltreffendheid te verhoog Laer seleksie intensiteit en teling-vordering Moeilike seleksie en bemarking as gevolg van verskillende ras tipes / kombinasies Stelsel is moeilik en ingewikkeld Meer bestuur-insette vereis Lae oorerflike eienskappe soos reproduksie, oorlewing, moedereienskappe en langslewendheid kan relatief maklik verbeter word deur kruisteling Kan vinnig aanpas by die verandering van die produksiestelsels en die vereistes van die mark Verhoogde risiko m.b.t. kalwingsprobleme Kleiner risiko van inteling Wat is die vereistes vir 'n goeie kruistelingstelsel? Die vereistes vir 'n goeie kruistelingstelsel is: Die belangrikste vereiste (maar ongelukkig die grootste probleem in meeste gevalle) is dat die stelsel goed ontwerp is en stelselmatig gevolg word jaar na jaar. Indien die beplande stelsel nie streng nagekom word nie, sal dit in 'n paar jaar ontaard in 'n doellose kruising met baie probleme, groot frustrasies en min of geen voordele. Die keuse van ʼn korrekte kruistelingstelsel, rasse en raam tipes binne die rasse vir die maksimum benutting van heterose en ras-aanvulling vir jou spesifieke situasie. What are the requirements for a good crossbreeding system? The requirements for a good crossbreeding system are: The main requirement (but unfortunately the biggest problem in most cases) is that the system is well designed and systematically followed year after year. If the planned system is not strictly adhered to, it will degenerate within a few years into an aimless crossing with many problems, big frustrations and little or no benefits. Choosing the correct crossbreeding system, breeds and frame types within breeds for the maximum utilisation of heterosis and breed complementarity

100 100 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Die aankoop van hoë gehalte, prestasiegeselekteerde, suiwer-geteelde bulle. Onthou, 'n goeie bul is selde te duur, maar 'n swak bul is altyd te duur. Deurlopende streng, doelgerigte seleksie van jou telingsdiere, insluitend jou teelbulle, -koeie en -verse. Die handhawing van 'n hoë bestuursvlak. 'n Relatiewe groot kudde of kuddes, afhangend van die spesifieke kruistelingstelsel. In klein kuddes is kruisteling nie die moeite werd nie. 'n Voldoende aantal kampe per teelgroep. Afhangend van die spesifieke kruistelingstelsel, sal jy 'n aantal telingsgroepe hê wat afsonderlik bestuur moet word. Teel van eie vervangingsverse. As jy nodig het om jaarliks vervangingsverse in te koop (bv. in 'n terminale kruistelingstelsel), sal jy afhanklik wees van 'n ander produsent vir gehalte en beskikbaarheid, sal dit jou herhalende uitgawes verhoog, die risiko van die bekendstelling van siektes verhoog en jy sal die gewone probleme hê om die verse te skuif en die aanpassing van dié verse in 'n nuwe omgewing. Die bottom line Kruisteling kan lei tot 'n merkwaardige toename in die doeltreffendheid en winsgewendheid van vleisproduksie, indien daar aan die basiese vereistes van 'n goed ontwerpte en noukeurig gevolgde kruistelingstelsel voldoen word. Indien nie, kan dieselfde of beter winste behaal word deur suiwer teling en doelgerigte seleksie gebaseer op prestasietoetsdata en teelwaardes. for your particular situation. The purchase of high-quality, performanceselected, pure bred bulls. Remember, a good bull is seldom too expensive, but a poor bull is always too expensive. Continuous rigorous, purposeful selection of your breeding animals, including your breeding bulls, cows and heifers. Maintaining a high level of management. A relatively large herd or herds, depending on the specific crossbreeding system. In small herds crossbreeding is not worth the effort. An adequate number of camps per breeding group. Depending on the specific crossbreeding system, you will have a number of breeding groups which need to be run separately. Breeding of own replacement heifers. If you need to annually buy in replacement heifers (e.g. in a terminal crossbreeding system), you will be dependent on another producer for quality and availability, it will increase your recurrent expenses, increase the risk of introducing diseases and you will have the usual problems of moving and adapting the heifers to a new environment. The bottom line Crossbreeding can result in a remarkable increase in the efficiency and profitability of beef production, if the basic requirements of a well-designed and meticulously followed crossbreeding system are met. If not, the same or better profits can be achieved by pure breeding and purposeful selection based on performance test data and breeding values.

101 2014 Journal Afrikaner 101 Genetic evaluation for the Afrikaner Breed: New Enhancements Japie van der Westhuizen, Bobbie van der Westhuizen & Helena Theron SA Stud Book and Animal Improvement Association Genetiese evaluasie vir die Afrikaner Ras: Nuwe Verbeteringe Sedert SA Stamboek die verantwoordelikheid geneem het vir die genetiese evaluering van die Afrikaner ras, is 'n nuwe rigting ingeneem om te voldoen aan die nuutste metodologie- en navorsing-verbeteringe wat tans gebruik word deur die leidende lande in die wêreld. In kort is die grootste verandering die resultate van die model veranderinge en verbeteringe as gevolg van die volgende redes: Verandering van sagteware en rekenaarvermoë. Op hoogte bly met wetenskaplike ontwikkelinge. Opgraderingsversoeke deur telers en ras dinamika. Die konsolidasie van al die spreekwoorde gedurende die tyd wat lei tot die nuutste verwikkelinge. Veranderinge van Sagteware As gevolg van die rekenaarvermoëns van Stamboek is dit nou moontlik om teeltwaarde voorspellings te bereken, wat meer gesofistikeerde en komplekse modelle pas. Die oop bron bedryfstelsel laat ook toe vir opgradering en 'n verbeterde spoed van berekening en toegang tot meer ewetoeganklike memory, sowel as die gebruik van die nuutste in die oop bron relasionele databasisse. Die werklike impak is egter te danke aan die veranderinge van sagteware. Vorige modelle het die Animal Breeders Toolkit (ABTK) gebruik, 'n VSA ontwikkelde pakket wat gebaseer is op die gesamentlike medewerking tussen sommige Universiteite. Ontwikkeling is egter die afgelope tyd baie beperk, hoofsaaklik te wyte aan die huidige praktyke in daardie land. Stamboek het 'n staande verhouding met dr Eildert Groeneveld van Duitsland op die ontwikkeling en instandhouding van die genetiese evaluasie stelsels. Maatgemaakte weergawes van die oorspronklike Prediction and Since SA Stud Book has taken the responsibility for the genetic evaluations of the Afrikaner breed, a new direction was taken to meet the latest methodology and research enhancements currently used by the leading countries in the world. In a nutshell the biggest changes are the results of model changes and enhancements due to the following reasons: Software and computing ability changes. Keeping up with scientific developments. Updates requested by breeders and breed dynamics. Consolidation of all the adages during the time leading up to the latest developments. Software changes Due to the computing abilities of Stud Book, it is now possible to compute breeding value predictions fitting more sophisticated and complex models. The open source operating system also allows for updates and an enhanced speed of calculation and accessing more random access memory as well as using the latest in open source relational databases. The real impact has, however, been due to software changes. Previous models used the Animal Breeders Toolkit (ABTK), a USA developed package based on joint collaboration between some Universities. Development has, however, been very limited lately, mainly due to the current practices in that country. Stud Book has a standing relationship with Dr Eildert Groeneveld of Germany on the development and maintenance of genetic evaluation systems. Custom made versions of the original Prediction and ESTimation (PEST) package is in use by Stud Book for the different breeds and species. This package uses the latest in algorithms and solvers, securing speed and accuracy of predicting

102 102 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 ESTimation (PEST) pakket is gebruik deur Stamboek vir die verskillende rasse en spesies. Hierdie pakket maak gebruik van die nuutste in algoritmes en oplossers, wat spoed en akkuraatheid verseker van die voorspelling van elke dier se genetiese meriete gebaseer op die beskikbare inligting. Dit het Stamboek ook in staat gestel om die gereelde roetine genetiese evaluasies te outomatiseer en dus die risiko van foute te verminder en tydige resultate te verseker. Dis alles oor die nuwe modelle Modelle beskryf (en is dus verantwoordelik vir) alle moontlike bronne wat genetiese verskille tussen diere in 'n ras, vir die eienskappe van belang, kan beïnvloed (toevoeging). Navorsing is dus gefokus om te kyk na al hierdie moontlike bronne, hulle onderskeie invloede te kwantifiseer en dit in te sluit op 'n nuttige manier om die akkuraatheid van teeltwaarde voorspellings te verhoog. Die groot veranderinge geïmplementeer vir die Afrikaner ras sluit die volgende in: Insluiting van sogenoemde "Phantom" groepe in gevalle waar die ouerskap inligting van diere onbekend is. Deur die toeken van 'denkbeeldige' algemene ouer groepe (ook bekend as Phantom groepe) vir diere waar ouerskap (een of albei ouers) onbekend is, is moontlik genetiese verandering met verloop each animal s genetic merit based on the available information. This has furthermore enabled Stud Book s team to automate the regular routine genetic evaluations and therefore reducing the risk of mistakes and ensuring timely results. It is all about the new models Models describe (and therefore account for) all possible sources that might influence (additive) genetic differences among animals in a breed for the traits of interest. Research is therefore focussed to look into all these possible sources, quantify their respective influences and include them in a useful manner to increase the accuracy of breeding value predictions. The major changes implemented for the Afrikaner breed include the following: Inclusion of, so called, phantom groups in cases where the parentage information of animals are unknown. By assigning imaginary common parent groups (also known as phantom groups) to animals where parentage (one or both parents) is unknown, possible genetic change over time is being accounted for. This practice has been successfully implemented globally and also assists in the long term stability of breeding value predictions. Accounting for possible heterosis (hybrid vigour) by including the percentage Bonsmara of infused animals. It is known that the infusion project in the Afrikaner has a pronounced affect on the differences in

103 2014 Journal Afrikaner 103 van tyd tot gevolg. Hierdie praktyk is wêreldwyd suksesvol geïmplementeer en help ook in die lang termyn die stabiliteit van teeltwaarde voorspellings. Verantwoording vir moontlike heterose (basterkrag) deur die insluiting van die persentasie Bonsmara van geïnfuseerde diere. Dit is bekend dat die infusie projek in die Afrikaner 'n merkbare invloed op die verskille in prestasie vlakke van individuele diere het. Enige verbetering as gevolg van moontlike heterose kan die prestasie van individue beïnvloed, maar die heterose effek kan nie oorgedra word na die nageslag (slegs die "toegevoegde-' of aanvulling-effekte dra by tot 'n dier se teeltwaarde). Die nuutste modelle maak voorsiening vir hierdie moontlike gevolge omrede die persentasie Bonsmara ingesluit is as 'n ekstra effek. Vier verskillende vlakke word ingesluit, naamlik 50 %, 25 %, 12,5 % en geen (die laaste kategorie verteenwoordig die "suiwer" Afrikaners). Veranderinge in die genetiese meriete voorspellings sal veral in ag geneem word in diere waar die metings in kontemporêre groepe, wat bestaan uit diere met verskillende persentasies van die Bonsmara gene, geneem is. Insluiting van vaste effekte in die model, eerder as om regstellings te maak. Voorheen is regstellings gemaak voordat die genetiese evaluasies vir die Afrikanerbeeste gedoen is. Dit sluit in die regstellings van geslagte van die diere, ouderdom van die moeder en die ouderdom van metings. Hoewel dit bekend is dat die regstellings ʼn minder akkurate genetiese meriete voorspellings tot gevolg het, was hierdie praktyk nodig as gevolg van die rekenaar- en sagteware beperkings. Die nuutste modelle maak egter voorsiening vir die korrekte insluiting van hierdie nie-genetiese (ook bekend as vaste') effekte in die voorspelling-vergelykings. Die nuutste gemengde modelle (BLUP) maak dus meer akkuraat voorsiening, omdat oplossings gelyktydig bereken word vir die omgewings-en genetiese (teeltwaarde) effekte. Omvattende veelvuldige-eienskap analise. Weens die rekenaarmatige beperkings reeds genoem is die vorige voorspellings onderworpe aan sekere beperkings. Onder dié was daar beperkings op die aantal eienskappe wat ingesluit en gebruik kon word in verskeie eienskap-genetiese evaluasies. Meervoudige eienskap-evaluerings is genetiese evaluasies waar 'n aantal eienskappe ingesluit is in die evaluerings-voorsiening vir alle moontlike genetiese korrelasies tussen hulle. So is die akkuraatheid van voorspellings ook verhoog performance levels of individual animals. Any enhancement due to possible heterosis might influence the performance of individuals but the heterosis effect cannot be carried over to progeny (only the additive or complementarity effects contribute to an animal s breeding value). The latest models account for these possible effects as the percentage Bonsmara is included as an additional effect. Four different levels are included, namely 50%, 25%, 12.5% and none (the last category represents the pure Afrikaners). Changes in the genetic merit predictions will especially be noted in animals where the measurements were taken in contemporary groups consisting of animals with differing percentages of Bonsmara genes. Inclusion of fixed effects in the model, rather than making pre-corrections. Previously, pre-corrections were made prior to the genetic evaluations for Afrikaner cattle. These included corrections for the sex of the animal, age of the dam and age of measurement. Although it is known that pre-corrections result in less accurate genetic merit predictions, this practice was necessary due to computing and software limitations. The latest models, however, allow for the correct inclusion of these non-genetic (also called fixed ) effects in the prediction equations. The latest mixed models (BLUP) therefore account more accurately because solutions are simultaneously calculated for the environmental and genetic (breeding value) effects. Comprehensive multiple-trait analyses. Due to the computational limitations already mentioned, previous predictions were subjected to certain limitations. Among those were limits on the number of traits that could be included in multiple trait genetic evaluations. Multiple trait evaluations are genetic evaluations were a number of traits are included in evaluations accounting for all possible genetic correlations among them. This in turn also enhances the accuracy of prediction and is particularly useful in cases where animals do not (or can not) have measurements or recordings for certain traits. These include sex limited traits (eg. age at first calving, calving interval, scrotum circumference, growth test, average daily gain. etc.), subjected to sequential culling (post wean weights, mature weight, etc.) and traits measured on a very few animals (feed intake, RTU scanned traits, etc.). The latest Afrikaner genetic evaluation provides for four comprehensive multiple trait calculations, namely: o Pre and Post Wean traits

104 104 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 en is veral van waarde in gevalle waar diere nie (of nie kan) metings of opnames besit vir sekere eienskappe. Dit sluit in geslagsbeperkte eienskappe (bv. ouderdom tydens eerste kalwing, kalf interval, skrotum-omvang, groei toets, gemiddelde daaglikse toename ens.), onderhewig aan opeenvolgende uitskotting (naspeense gewigte, volwasse gewig, ens.) en eienskappe gemeet op baie min diere (voerinname, RTU geskandeerde eienskappe, ens.) Die nuutste Afrikaner genetiese evaluasie maak voorsiening vir vier omvattende veelvuldigeeienskap berekeninge, naamlik: o o o o Voor-en naspeense eienskappe Groei toets eienskappe (bulle) Volwasse gewig Vroulike reproduksie eienskappe. Insluiting van die effek van gelykheid, bo en behalwe koei ouderdom vir maternale beïnvloede eienskappe. Navorsing wat deur die Stamboek span onderneem is het getoon dat die insluiting van die moeder se ouderdom wat tot gevolg mag hê dat moontlike variasie tussen nageslag, vir eienskappe wat maternaal beïnvloedbaar is, soos geboorte- en speengewig, nie ten volle verantwoordelik is vir verskille as gevolg van pariteite nie. Dit het gelei tot die kwantifisering van gelykheid-effekte en die insluiting hiervan in die modelle. Alle vroulike diere is eenvoudig toegewys aan een van twee groepe: die eerste-kalf teenoor ouer (later gelykheid) koeie. Die insluiting van die beraamde korrelasie tussen direkte en maternale effekte vir maternale beïnvloede eienskappe. Voorheen is die genetiese korrelasie tussen die maternale en direkte genetiese effek vir speengewig aangeneem as nul. Dit was gedoen, ongeag estimasies, in teendeel. Wêreldwyd is navorsers in basies twee kampe, naamlik; dié wat ten gunste is t.o.v. die afdwing van die korrelasie na nul en dié wat glo in die bereikte estimasie. Na omvattende ondersoeke het die Stamboek span tot die gevolgtrekking gekom om eerder te glo wat die data toon as om eie aannames te maak. Hierdie klein negatiewe korrelasie pas ook in die fisiologiese argumente dat seleksie vir groei (tempo) gewoonlik meer manlike tipes begunstig, weg van suiwel vorme en eienskappe. Die fisiologiese prosesse is baie goed nagevors en kan ook gesien word in die uiterste verskille in die storing van energie, die gebruik van liggaamsweefsel en metabolisme verskille tussen vleis- en melkbeeste. Om die korrelasie na nul toe te forseer is die resultaat ook dat ʼn minder stabiele teeltwaarde voorgespel word o o o Growth test traits (bulls) Mature weight Female Reproduction traits. Inclusion of the effect of parity, over and above cow age for maternally influenced traits. Research conducted by the Stud Book team has shown that the inclusion of dam age to account for possible variation among offspring for maternally influenced traits, such as birth and weaning weight, does not account fully for differences due to parities. This has lead to the quantification of parity effects and its inclusion in the models. All females are simply assigned to one of two groups: first calvings versus older (later parity) cows. Including the estimated correlation between direct and maternal effects for maternally influenced traits. Previously the genetic correlation between the maternal and direct genetic effect for weaning weight was assumed to be zero. This was done, irrespective of estimations, to the contrary. Globally, researchers are basically in two camps, namely those in favour of forcing the correlation to zero and those believing the obtained estimation. After comprehensive investigations, the Stud Book team has concluded to rather believe what the data shows than to make own assumptions. This small negative correlation also fits into the physiological arguments that selection for growth (rate) usually favours more masculine types away from dairy forms and characteristics. The physiological processes are very well researched and can also be seen in the extreme differences in energy storage, utilisation from body tissue and metabolism differences between dairy and beef cattle. Forcing the correlation to zero also results in less stable breeding value predictions for younger animals as the negative tendency usually expresses itself later in life as more progeny are being recorded. Effect on individual and groups of animals Due to these major changes, the predictions for genetic merit of individual and even groups of animals will change. The inclusion of the phantom effects also had some effects on the maternally influenced traits. One other fairly major change has been the way the genetic merit for mature weight is now calculated. The new models take the first three cow weights into consideration as well as the correlations among them and their individual genetic correlations with that of weaning weight. This results in a more accurate prediction, even for younger animals. Breeding value predictions for the ratio traits (eg. cow efficiency, feed conversion ratio and Kleiber ratio) are

105 2014 Journal Afrikaner 105 vir die jonger diere omdat die negatiewe tendens gewoonlik later van tyd uitgedruk word, wanneer meer nageslag aangeteken word. Die effek op die individuele en groepe diere As gevolg van hierdie groot veranderinge sal die voorspellings vir genetiese meriete van individuele en selfs groepe diere verander. Die insluiting van die phantom effekte het ook ʼn paar gevolge op die maternale beïnvloede eienskappe. Een van die ander redelik groot verandering is die manier waarop die genetiese meriete vir volwasse gewig nou bereken word. Die nuwe modelle neem die eerste drie koeie se gewigte in ag, sowel as die korrelasie tussen hulle en hul individuele genetiese korrelasies met dié van die speengewig. Dit lei tot 'n meer akkurate voorspelling, selfs vir die jonger diere. Teeltwaarde voorspellings vir die verhouding eienskappe (bv. koei doeltreffendheid, voeromsetverhouding en Kleiber-verhouding) word nou bereken nadat die genetiese meriete vir die komponent-eienskappe bekend is (bv. speengewig en koei/volwasse gewig om koei doeltreffendheid te bereken; voer inname en wins om voeromset te bereken; gemiddelde daaglikse toename en begin- en eind-gewig vir die berekening van Kleiber-verhouding). Hierdie manier van berekening het ook ʼn algemene praktyk wêreldwyd begin word vir eienskappe uitgedruk as verhoudings. Die impak van infusie. Figuur 1 toon en Tabel 1 illustreer die persentasie en aantal Afrikanerbeeste van Bonsmara oorsprong te danke aan die infusie projek. Van Figuur 1 en Tabel 1 kan dit afgelei word dat ongeveer 17 % van die huidige Afrikaner populasie enkele persentasie Bonsmara 'bloed' bevat. Figure 2 en 3 illustreer die veranderinge in genetiese tendense vir Afrikanerbeeste. Die grafieke toon die resultate van die 2011 genetiese evaluasies, voor enige model veranderinge, die evaluerings wat gebaseer is op die 2012 data met model veranderinge soos beskryf, maar sonder die insluiting van die persentasie Bonsmara-effek en die evaluering gebaseer op die 2012 data wat gebaseer is op die nuwe modelle en die inagneming van die persentasie Bonsmara. Dit is duidelik uit Figuur 2 dat die nuwer modelle 'n baie steiler genetiese tendens vir direkte groei vir speengewig tot gevolg het. Verskille in genetiese meriete, as gevolg van die insluiting van die persentasie Bonsmara, is meer uitgespreek vir die laaste paar geboorte-jare en is natuurlik die invloed van die infusie projek. Die uitsluiting van die persentasie Bonsmara lei ook tot 'n oorskatting van die genetiese meriete, omdat basterkrag dan verstrengel is met toevoeglike now being calculated after the genetic merit for the component traits are known (eg. weaning weight and cow/mature weight to calculate cow efficiency; feed intake and gain to calculate feed conversion; average daily gain and start weight and end weight for the calculation of Kleiber ratio). This way of calculation has also become common practice for traits expressed as ratios globally. The impact of infusion. Figure 1 shows and Table 1 depicts the percentage and number of Afrikaner cattle of Bonsmara origin due to the infusion project. Figuur 1. Afrikanerbeeste met verskillende persentasies Bonsmara oorsprong. Figure 1. Afrikaner cattle with differing percentages Bonsmara origin. % Afrikaner Number of Number of animals in active animals the dataset in the dataset 100% % % % Tabel 1. Aantal Afrikanerbeeste en die persentasie Bonsmara oorsprong. Table 1. Number of Afrikaner cattle and the percentage Bonsmara origin. From Figure 1 and Table 1 it can be concluded that approximately 17% of the current Afrikaner population has some percentage Bonsmara blood. Figures 2 and 3 depict the changes in genetic trends for Afrikaner cattle. The graphs show the results from the 2011 genetic evaluations, prior to any model changes, the evaluations based on the 2012 data with model changes as described, but without the inclusion of the percentage Bonsmara effect and the evaluation based on the 2012 data based on the new models and taking the percentage Bonsmara into consideration.

106 106 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 (oordraagbare deel) genetiese meriete. Hierdie "oorskatting van die direkte invloed op speen het 'n neerdrukkende uitwerking op die maternale waardes gehad, soos gesien kan word in figuur 3. Deur die persentasie Bonsmara in te sluit, toon die gemiddelde maternale genetiese meriete van die jonger diere 'n steiler tendens. Dit kan ook die gevolg wees van beter verantwoording vir die aanvulling van die kombinasie van die rasse. Slot Opmerkings Die Afrikaner telers en hul kliënte kan uitsien na meer betroubare teeltwaardes voorspellings in die toekoms. Hierdie voorspellings is nou op gelyke voet met die globale teeltwaarde voorspelling metode en die nuutste wetenskaplike ontwikkelinge. Die insluiting van die persentasie Bonsmara van oorsprong van infusie diere help ook om die voorspelling van die 'ware' genetiese meriete meer akkuraat te voorspel, omdat die moontlikheid van heterose nou in ag geneem word. Die uitdaging bly steeds vir die Afrikaner telers om die voorspelde teeltwaardes verstandig en as deel van 'n omvattende teeldoelwit te gebruik. Figuur 2. Genetiese tendens vir Afrikaner speengewig (direkte effek) gebaseer op drie verskillende modelle. Figure 2. Genetic trend for Afrikaner Weaning Weight (direct effect) based on three different models. Figuur 3. Genetiese tendens vir Afrikaner speengewig maternaal gebaseer op drie verskillende modelle. Figure 3. Genetic trend for Afrikaner Weaning Weight Maternal based on three different models. It is clear from Figure 2 that the newer models result in a much steeper genetic trend for direct growth vales for weaning weight. Differences in genetic merit, due to the inclusion of the percentage Bonsmara, are more pronounced for the last few birth years and is obviously the result from the infusion project. The exclusion of the percentage Bonsmara also leads to an overestimation of the genetic merit as hybrid vigour is then entangled with additive (transferrable part) genetic merit. This overestimation of the direct effect at weaning had a depressing effect on the maternal values, as can be seen from Figure 3. By including the percentage Bonsmara, the average maternal genetic merit of the younger animals shows a steeper trend. This could also be the result of accounting better for the complementarity from the combination of the breeds. Concluding remarks. The Afrikaner breeders and their clients can look forward to more reliable breeding value predictions in future. These predictions are now on par with global breeding value prediction methodology and the latest scientific developments. The inclusion of the percentage Bonsmara of origin of infused animals also assist in predicting the true genetic merit more accurately as the possibility of heterosis is now taken into consideration. The challenge still remains for the Afrikaner breeders to use the predicted breeding values wisely and as part of a comprehensive breeding objective.

107 2014 Journal Afrikaner 107

108 108 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 PROJECT ON effective crossbreeding PROJECT WITH BEEF CATTLE WITH INDIGENOUS DAMLINES AND SPECIALIZED FATHER LINES value for the Afrikaner PROJEK OOR effektiewe kruisteling BY VLEISBEESTE MET INHEEMSE MOEDERLYNE EN GESPESIALISEERDE VADERLYNE waarde vir die Afrikaner M ichiel Scholtz 1,2, Anette Theunissen 3 & Frikk ie Neser 2 1 LNR-Diereproduksie-Instituut, 2 Universiteit van die Vrystaat, Noordkaap Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling It is predicted that the world demand for meat could double by 2050 and the largest increase in meat consumption will be in developing countries. At the same time it is predicted that by 2100 temperatures will rise by between 1.8 and 4 C, deserts will enlarge and vegetation will undergo drastic changes. All these factors are going to demand alternative production systems for meat production and the use of different genotypes. The use of the unique characteristics of our indigenous cattle breeds in effective crossbreeding and the development of alternative production systems will need much more attention if current production levels are maintained or even expanded, despite the threat of climate change. A crossbreeding project was therefore initiated by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the University of the Free State for this research. Under commercial farming conditions and average Daar word voorspel dat die wêreldvraag na vleis teen 2050 kan verdubbel en dat die grootste toename in vleisverbruik in ontwikkelende lande sal wees. Terselfdertyd word daar word voorspel dat temperature teen 2100 met tussen 1.8 en 4 C sal styg, woestyne gaan vergroot en die plantegroei gaan drastiese veranderings ondergaan. Al hierdie faktore gaan alternatiewe produksiestelsels vir vleisproduksie en die gebruik van ander genotipes vereis. Die gebruik van die unieke eienskappe van ons inheemse beesrasse in effektiewe kruisteling en die ontwikkeling van alternatiewe produksiestelsels sal baie meer aandag moet geniet, indien die huidige produksie vlakke gehandhaaf of selfs uitgebrei moet word ten spyte van die dreigende klimaatsveranderings. n Kruisteeltprojek word derhalwe deur die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR), die Noordkaap Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling en die Universiteit van die Vrystaat geïnisieer om hierdie navorsing te doen.

109 2014 Journal Afrikaner 109 levels of management, but with unfavourable conditions and relatively low levels of nutrition, terminal crossbreeding with smaller indigenous cows may succeed in increasing the output of beef farming. This is attributed by the increase in efficiency of production due to the lower intake and maintenance needs of smaller cows. For the emerging farmers this is even more important. Unlike rotational crossing, terminal crossbreeding places no additional burden on management practices. It only involves that the bulls of the father and damline breeds be mated in the desired proportion with the cows. The cows which are mated with different bull breeds can even be managed as one herd during the breeding season. All cross-progeny must however be slaughtered. Important characteristics of damlines are the qualities of the cow which are associated with reproduction and cow maintenance. These female animals should be adapted and hardy, low maintenance requirements (small in size), early maturity, highly fertile, easy calving, average milk production and longevity. It is important to note that the benefits of terminal crossbreeding do not lie in the higher growth rates per se. The advantage of terminal crossbreeding depends on the extent to which the weight of slaughter animals or feedlot animals increases, relative to the weight of the mother or breeding animal. Any system where large feedlot animals are produced from smaller breeding animals will necessarily result in more efficiency than one where the feedlot animals and breeding animals are of the same frame size, simply because smaller cows eat less than large cows. Furthermore, terminal crossbreeding has the advantage of which it can easily and quickly adapt to the prevailing price margins or market needs through changing the type of father breed used as the needs change, while the cow herd is kept the same. In the case of purebreeding or rotational crossing the breed type of the cow herd must also change each time when there is a change in the price margin or market needs. Meat quality is becoming more important as consumers worldwide insist on consistent high quality meat. It is true that certain breeds have more tender meat than others. Fortunately the Sanga cattle (Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, Tuli) of Southern Africa all have very tender meat. The Project The project will be conducted at Vaalharts Research Station of the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council Onder kommersiële boerdery toestande en gemiddelde bestuursvlakke, maar met ongunstige toestande en relatiewe lae vlakke van voeding, mag terminale kruisteling met kleiner inheemse koeie daarin slaag om die uitset van vleisbees boerdery te verhoog. Dit word toegeskryf aan die toename in doeltreffendheid van produksie weens die laer inname en onderhoudsbehoeftes van kleiner koeie. Vir die opkomende boere is hierdie nog meer belangrik. In teenstelling met rotasie-kruising plaas terminale kruisteling geen addisionele las op bestuurspraktyke nie. Dit behels slegs dat die bulle van die vader- en moederlyn rasse in die verlangde proporsie met die koeie gepaar moet word. Die koeie wat met die verskillende bulrasse gepaar word kan selfs as een kudde bestuur word gedurende die teelseisoen. Alle kruis nageslag moet egter geslag word. Belangrike eienskappe vir moederlyne is daardie eienskappe wat met reproduksie en koei onderhoud geassosieer is. Sulke vroulike diere moet aangepas en gehard wees, lae onderhoud vereis (klein in grootte), vroeg geslagsryp en hoog vrugbaar wees, maklik kalf, gemiddelde melkproduksie en n lang reproduktiewe lewe hê. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat die voordele van terminale kruisteling nie in die hoër groeitempos per se lê nie. Die voordeel van terminale kruisteling hang af van die mate waartoe die gewig van die slagdiere of voerkraaldier toeneem, relatief tot die gewig van die moeder of teeldier. Enige stelsel waar groot voerkraal diere van kleiner teeldiere geproduseer word sal noodwendig meer doeltreffend wees as een waar die voerkraaldiere en teeldiere van dieselfde raamgrootte is, bloot omdat kleiner koeie minder vreet as groot koeie. Terminale kruisteling het die verdere voordeel dat dit maklik en vinnig kan aanpas by die heersende prysmarges of markbehoeftes, deurdat slegs die tipe vaderras wat gebruik word verander word soos wat die behoeftes verander, terwyl die koeikudde dieselfde gehou word. In die geval van suiwer-teling of rotasiekruising moet die rastipe van die koeikudde ook elke keer verander word wanneer daar n verandering in die prysmarge of markbehoeftes is. Vleiskwaliteit word al hoe belangriker soos wat verbruikers wêreldwyd aandring op konstante hoë kwaliteit vleis. Dit is waar dat sekere rasse sagter vleis as ander het. Gelukkig neig die Sanga beeste (Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, Tuli) van Suider-Afrika almal om baie sagte vleis te hê. Die Projek Die projek sal by die Vaalharts Navorsingstasie

110 110 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 and the University of Free State. Cows of these three land breeds (Afrikaner, Nguni and Bonsmara) and bulls of one British breed (Angus) and one European breed (Simmentaler) will be used in the crossbreeding experiment. Each breed's cows will be divided into five groups with cows as homogeneous as possible. Four of these cow groups will be mated with bulls of another breed, namely Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, Angus and Simmentaler. One cow group from each breed will be mated with bulls of the same breed. The crossbreeding plan is shown in the table below. van die Noordkaap Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling in samewerking met die Landbounavorsingsraad en die Universiteit van die Vrystaat uitgevoer word. Koeie van drie landrasse (Afrikaner, Bonsmara en Nguni) en bulle van een Britse ras (Angus) en een Europese ras (Simmentaler) gaan gebruik word in die kruisteelt eksperiment. Elk ras se koeie sal in vyf groepe wat so homogeen moontlik is opgedeel word. Vier van die koeigroepe sal met bulle van n ander ras gepaar word, naamlik Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, Angus en Simmentaler. Een koeigroep van elke ras sal met bulle van dieselfde ras gepaar word. Die kruisteelt plan word in die tabel hieronder aangetoon. Koeie Bulle Afrikaner Bonsmara Nguni Angus Simmentaler Afrikaner 16*# Bonsmara 16 16# Nguni # * Indicates the desired number of cows per group. This may not be feasible at the start of the project. # Indicates pure breeding *Dui die gewenste aantal koeie per groep aan. Dit mag nie met die aanvang van die projek haalbaar wees nie. #Dui suiwer teling aan Data which will be collected 1. On the farm information The following on-farm data is considered important and will be collected: cow weight, milk production, cow fertility (calving interval and calving percentage), calf survival, prevention of diseases, weaning weight and cow efficiency (kilogram of calf weaned per Large Stock Unit ). 2. Feedlot information All the bull calves will be tested at the ARC's central test center at Armoedsvlakte and Irene, where individual feed intake and growth rate will be measured. This information will be used to calculate the Residual Feed Intake and the Residual Daily Gain. The animals will be fed a commercial feedlot ration until they are marketready (fat code 2/3). 3. Carcass information The following carcass data will be collected: carcass weight, slaughtering percentage, eye muscle surface, subcutaneous fat thickness and marbling. 4. Genetic material Genetic material (blood) will be collected from the whole herd in order to preserve the DNA for future genomic studies on beef cattle. Data wat ingesamel sal word 1. Op die plaas inligting Die volgende op-die-plaas data word as belangrik beskou en sal ingesamel word: koei gewig, melkproduksie, koei vrugbaarheid (kalfinterval en kalf persentasie), kalf oorlewing, voorkom van siektes, speen gewig en koeidoeltreffendheid (kilogram kalf gespeen per Grootvee Eenheid). 2. Voerkraal inligting Al die bulkalwers sal by die LNR se sentrale toetssentrums te Armoedsvlakte en Irene getoets word, waar individuele voerinname en groeitempo gemeet sal word. Hierdie inligting sal gebruik word om netto voerinname (Residual Feed Intake) en netto groeitempo (Residual Daily Gain) te beraam. Die diere sal n kommersiele voerkraal rantsoen gevoer word totdat hulle markgereed is (vetkode 2/3). 3. Karkas inligting Die volgende karkas data sal ingesamel word: karkas gewig, uitslag persentasie, oogspier oppervlakte, onderhuidse vetdikte en marmering. 4. Genetiese materiaal Genetiese materiaal (bloed) sal van die hele kudde versamel word met die oog om die DNA te bewaar vir toekomstige genomiese studies op vleisbeeste.

111 2014 Journal Afrikaner 111 Value for the African breed The project will quantify additives and non-additives (hybrid) genetic effects for production traits in the progeny of terminal bulls and Afrikaner cows, so as to demonstrate the contribution of the Afrikaner cow in the increasing production efficiency. Where the Afrikaner was the dominant beef breed in the 1960s, the number has decreased tremendously over the past few years. Also the number of stud cows have declined from 12,000 in 2002 to less than 4,000 in As the Afrikaner is an indigenous breed which is adapted to the extensive conditions, it is important that they are preserved while research is being conducted on the breed's beneficial characteristics, genetic potential and diversity. Such research should include the value of the Afrikaner in crossbreeding systems in the era of global warming. Waarde vir die Afrikaner ras Die projek sal die additiewe en nie-additiewe (basterkrag) genetiese effekte kwantifiseer vir produksie-eienskappe in die nageslag van terminale bulle en Afrikaner koeie, om sodoende die bydrae van die Afrikaner koei in die verhoging van produksie doeltreffendheid te demonstreer. Waar die Afrikaner in die 1960 s die dominante vleisbees ras was het die getalle die laaste aantal jare geweldig afgeneem. So het die aantal stoetkoeie van meer as in 2002 afgeneem tot minder as in Aangesien die Afrikaner n inheemse ras is wat aangepas is by die ekstensiewe toestande is dit belangrik dat dit bewaar word, terwyl navorsing oor die ras se voordelige eienskappe, genetiese potensiaal en diversiteit uitgevoer word. Sulke navorsing moet die waarde van die Afrikaner in kruisteelt stelsels in die era van aardverwarming insluit.

112 112 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 What factors are considered when ARE PURCHASED? WATTER FAKTORE BEPAAL SPEENKALF WEANER CALVES Dave Ford Uitvoerende Direkteur, SA Voerkraalvereniging P R Y S E? The feedlot industry purchases, feeds and slaughters 1,6 million calves annually to produce a 260 kg A2/A3 carcase that meets the demand of the broader marke, while there are exceptions for specific niche markets. The question then arises how is the calf price determined and why does it change periodically. The average purchase live mass is 235kg which comprises kg of the final delivered carcase with the other kg carcase produced in the feedlot. Economic market factors as well as inherent characteristics of each calf which can influence feedlot efficiency, make the calf more or less desirable to feed profitably. There is not one price for weaner calves, the price is determined mainly by the following factors: 1. Economic factors Present and expected grain prices (domestic and international) Predicted beef prices and poultry prices Factors which will affect demand for beef (interest and inflation) World meat trade trends and stocks Import prices and exchange rates 2. Characteristics of the calf that can influence the economic addition of 145kgs carcase during the feeding period and/or its final market desirability. Purchase mass Age Breed type (early, intermediate or late maturity) Die Voerkraalbedryf koop, voer en slag omtrent 1.6 miljoen kalwers jaarliks en lewer graag ʼn 260 kg A2/ A3 karkas wat voldoen aan die breë markbehoefte, alhoewel daar afwykings sal wees vir spesifieke markte. Die vraag onstaan altyd hoe bepaal die voerkrale n sekere prys vir kalwers en hoekom verander dit van tyd tot tyd. Die gemiddelde kalf aankoop massa is 235 kg wat tussen kg van die finale karkas uitmaak, terwyl kg in die voerkraal aangesit word. Die voerkraal operateur weet naastenby wat sy produksiekoste gaan wees om 145 kg aan te sit asook hoe die spesifieke kalf in die voerkraal behoort te presteer. Ekonomiese markfaktore, asook inherente eienskappe van elke dier wat sy produksie doeltreffendheid kan beïnvloed, maak die kalf meer of minder geskik om winsgewend gevoer te kan word. Daar is nie een prys vir speenkalwers nie, die prys word bepaal hoofsaaklik deur die volgende faktore : 1. Ekonomiese faktore - Huidige en verwagte graanpryse (plaaslik en internasionaal) - Vooruitgeskatte vleispryse (asook pluimvee pryse) - Ekonomiese faktore wat vraag na vleis kan beïnvloed (rente en inflasie ) - Wêreldvleishandel tendense, invoer pryse en voorraad - Invoerpryse en wisselkoerse 2. Eienskappe van die dier wat die ekonomiese toevoeging van 145kg karkas gaan beïnvloed en/of sy geskiktheid vir die beoogde mark

113 2014 Journal Afrikaner 113 Gender mix of the offered group (100% males most ideal) Fat score Any historical performance data Previous on-farm management regime Health status / physical defects / parasite infestation/ expected mortalities 3. Purchase area considerations Supply and demand in the area (grazing availability is a major factor) Auction sale vs. direct purchase Distance from feedlot (transport costs and massloss are costly) Size of the group of calves on offer Previous health history in the area (measles, lung conditions, ticks, parafilaria) 4. Technologies Applied at the Feedlot Feed formulations Processing of feedstuffs Additives and growth promoting programmes Health management programme (+ vaccination programme) 5. Individual Feedlot requirements Specific own market requirements Pasture available to background calves before entering the feedlot Stock levels Carcase Production cost The overriding principle is; can the 145 kg carcase be produced economically to be able to reach the ideal required final carcase mass and grade. The old adage: You cannot feed the wrong calf right remains as relevant now as in the past. - Kalf aankoopmassa - Ouderdom - Ras- / rypheidstipe ( vroeg- intermediêr-, laat-) - Geslagmengsel van groep (100% tollies is ideaal) - Vetheid-kondisie (droog v.s. vet) - Historiese voerkraal prestasie, indien enige - Vooraf plaasbestuursregime - Gesondheidstatus / fisiese gebreke / parasiete / verwagte mortaliteite 3. Aankoop gebied oorweging - Vraag en aanbod in die gebied (weiding beskikbaarheid) - Veiling v.s. uit die hand - Afstand van die voerkraal - Grootte van die groep kalwers aangebied - Vorige gesondheidsgeskiedenis in gebied masels, long-toestande, bosluis en parafilaria) 4. Tegnologieë toegepas deur die voerkraal - Voer formulering - Prosessering van voer bestanddele - Bymiddels en groei bevorderaars - Gesondheid bestuurs programme (+ entings program) 5. Spesifieke voerkraal vereistes - Spesifieke markvereistes - Weiding beskikbaar vir backgrounding - Voorraadvlakke - Karkas produksiekoste Die oorkoepelende bepalende begrip is; kan 145kg karkas ekonomies bygevoeg word om die ideale karkasmassa te bereik? Die ou beginsel dat: Die verkeerde kalf kan nie reg gevoer word nie is nou net so van toepassing soos in die verlede

114 114 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 LNR Beste Produserende Koeie toekennings - vereistes Die vereistes vir hierdie toekenning van die Beste produserende koei elite toekennings is as volg: 1. Koei moet lewendig wees op lopie datum (normaalweg op 15 Februarie jaarliks) van die Beste Produserende Koeie verslag. 2. Koei moet in besit wees van ʼn aktiewe deelnemer aan Logix Vleis op lopie datum van die verslag. 3. Koei moet minstens vyf natuurlike kalf datums op rekord hê op lopie datum van die verslag. 4. Koei se ouderdom by eerste kalwing mag nie hoër wees as dae (39 maande). 5. Koei se gemiddelde TKP (vir alle natuurlike kalwings) mag nie hoër wees as 415 dae. 6. Koei moes ʼn normale kalwing gehad het binne 470 dae voor lopie datum van die verslag. 7. Na die eerste kalf met ʼn geldige speengewig, mag die koei maksimum twee kalwers hê sonder ʼn speengewig of met ʼn ongeldige speengewig, uitgesluit n kalf aan voet. 8. Die minimum aantal kalwers met geldige speengewigte om te kwalifiseer vir die toekennings is (uitgesluit kalf jonger as 9 maande): Elite-Platinum : Slegs een koei per ras uit Elite Goud koeie Elite-Goud : 7 kalwers Elite-Silwer : 6 kalwers Elite-Brons : 5 kalwers Teelwaarde vereistes: 1. Die nuutste teelwaardes beskikbaar op Logix op lopiedatum van die Beste Produserende Koeie verslag sal altyd gebruik word. 2. Speen direkte teelwaarde in die beste 50% van die aktiewe vroulike diere in ras. 3. Speen maternale teelwaarde in die beste 50% van die aktiewe vroulike diere in ras. 4. Geboorte direkte teelwaarde in die laagste 99% van die aktiewe vroulike diere in die ras. 5. Geboorte maternale teelwaarde in die laagste 99% van die aktiewe vroulike diere in die ras. COMP NO ID NO BIRTH_DTM EAWARD #CALVES OEK FST_TKP LST_TKP TKP DLK RI J.M. CRONJE MC /03/2002 Elite- Platinum MC /03/2002 Elite - Gold MC /09/2000 Elite - Gold MC /12/2000 Elite - Gold TA /12/2000 Elite - Gold MC /09/2000 Elite - Gold C.J. VAN ROOYEN PG /10/1999 Elite - Gold J.M. CRONJE MC /10/1998 Elite - Gold MC /12/1997 Elite - Gold J.J. STEENKAMP SS /10/1995 Elite - Gold DR. P.M. DE KOCK TK 03341R 21/12/2003 Elite- Silver TK 03310R 19/11/2003 Elite- Silver

115 2014 Journal Afrikaner 115 J.M. CRONJE MC /11/2002 Elite- Silver MC /03/2002 Elite- Silver MC /11/2001 Elite- Silver MC /10/2001 Elite- Silver MC /11/2001 Elite- Silver MC /03/2002 Elite- Silver DR. P.M. DE KOCK TK 02214R 31/10/2002 Elite- Silver TK 02185R 04/10/2002 Elite- Silver D.C. BALT PG /12/2000 Elite- Silver J.M. CRONJE MC /03/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /04/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /04/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /04/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /04/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /04/2004 Elite- Bronze MC /11/2003 Elite- Bronze MC /09/2002 Elite- Bronze MC /10/2003 Elite- Bronze MC /12/2003 Elite- Bronze DR. P.M. DE KOCK TK 03275R 06/10/2003 Elite- Bronze TK 03282R 10/10/2003 Elite- Bronze TK 03316R 22/11/2003 Elite- Bronze J.S. VAN DEN HEEVER JS /03/2002 Elite- Bronze JS /01/2002 Elite- Bronze P.A. GRADWELL BJG /03/2004 Elite- Bronze J.J. STEENKAMP SS /01/2000 Elite- Bronze

116 116 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 A lifetime passion for Merinos This year, Hilson Shuman produced his 60th wool clip. He is as passionate about his Merinos as he was in 1952 when the death of his father, Ken, put him in charge of the farm Grey Craig near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess reports. In early 1952, Ken Shuman (48) was battling to get an engine started along the Black Kei River when he suffered a severe heart attack and died. His wife, Edna, and then 16-year-old son, Hilson, were suddenly faced with the responsibility of farming Grey Craig. AN ANGLOPHILE Ken had famously met British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during the royal visit to South Africa in It was a foregone conclusion that Ken and his horse, Alfred, Queenstown s Five- Gaited Champion would lead the cavalry procession to Queenstown during the royal visit. At the station, Ken broke protocol, dismounted and introduced himself to the royal family, including the Queen who took a great interest in Alfred. He said the King had little to say, but the Queen was no fool and very knowledgeable about horses, Hilson recalls. The questions she asked him about Alfred were amazing. Hilson Shuman (78) produced his 60th wool clip in The clip consisted of just over 50 bales. Hilson says Ken s brush with the British crown had a profound effect on him. He was very taken by the Queen and always said she was a gracious lady. Ken loved most things British and, for example, felt it was his duty to join the South African army to assist Britain in World War II, only to be sent back because he was too old. Ironically though, Ken had deep German roots. His great-grandfather, Wilhelm Shumann, left Germany for Africa in the 1850s under bizarre circumstances. When he was 15 years old, he [Wilhelm] threw a brick through a shop window in Hamburg, explains Hilson. He was so afraid of his father that he went down to the harbour and got a job on a ship destined for South Africa.

117 2014 Journal Afrikaner 117 When the ship docked near present day East London in 1854, he made his way into the interior and eventually took a job offered by the Dicks family, a British settler family in the Waqu Valley between Cathcart and Queenstown. He then married their daughter, Maria Dicks, and had a son who was not only given the English name of William (Hilson s grandfather), but also sported a manipulated version of the family name Shumann became Shuman, ostensibly to make it sound more English. AN INHERITED LOVE OF MERINOS When Ken bought Grey Craig from the Fletcher family in 1928, he believed that Merino sheep had the potential to bring untold wealth to ordinary farmers. In fact, he would often tell friends and family that a Merino s hooves were lined with gold. The role of Afrikaner oxen on Grey Craig On the back veranda of the grey Craig home, an enormous span of afrikaner horns bear testimony to hilson s respect for one of the great oxen of the farm Jan Bruyn. Long before Jan would get to the dip, he d put his head to the side, recalls hilson. His father never bought a tractor, and his span of 12 oxen was an essential component of the farming enterprise, recalls hilson. He questions whether the nerve-racking and strenuous affair of training replacement oxen was worth the time it took. You d start training them from 18 months to two years old, and they were wild and beneuk, he says. The training wasted time. Merino sheep have always been central to the Shuman s agricultural initiative on Grey Craig. Hilson recently purchased these rams from the Droogfontein Merino Stud owned by the Sauer family in the Jamestown district of the Eastern Cape. Passionate about breeding top quality Merinos, he often went looking for rams at respected Karoo studs, including those owned by the Jordaan and Rubidge families near Cradock and Graaff-Reinet respectively. These trips would leave a lasting impression on Hilson. When I was a kid, my father didn t have a bakkie. We used to take the back seats out of the old motor car and go to the Karoo to load two rams. I enjoyed that annual trip very much, he recalls. Then in 1950, Ken s prediction about Merinos became a reality when a major wool boom brought unthinkable wealth to sheep farmers. Hilson vividly remembers the day the prices were phoned through from East London. He tells of how his mother sent him to read them out to his father, who was working on a nearby windmill. I went to the windmill and read out the prices and Hilson s father Ken Shuman, who died a few weeks after his 48th birthday along the banks of the Black Kei River. COURTESY OF THE SHUMAN FAMILY he told me to go back home and tell my mother we were wealthy, Hilson recalls. Sadly, by 1952, his father s life had been cut short and Hilson was faced with the tough reality of selling large numbers of livestock to cove death duties. In that year, he only managed to market 18 bales of wool, a number he had increased a great deal by the 1970s when he produced his biggest wool clip of 96 bales. Today, he still produces just over 50 bales. After objective measurement became part of the wool industry in the early 1970s, Hilson was shocked to discover that Grey Craig wool was not nearly as fine as he had once thought, and promptly introduced Letelle rams to the flock. I thought we had fine wool and was surprised when it measured 22 microns to 23 microns, he recalls.

118 118 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Thanks to Letelle rams, in one generation the microns decreased to 18 to 19." Hilson as a young boy on the legendary horse, Alfred, who died a few months before Ken died. It was the only time I ever saw my father cry, recalls Hilson. CourTESY of THE SHuMAN FAMiLY Since then, he has continued to purchase Merino rams from various studs, including the fine wool studs owned by the Austen (Grahamstown) and Van Aardt families (Cookhouse). My sheep are like the League of Nations. They come from different breeders, he quips. UniQUe afrikaners Ken farmed with Africander (Afrikaner) cattle mainly because of the rough stony veld. He used to say when God made South Africa, he had some stones left over and poured them out here, recalls Hilson with a chuckle. He said they (Afrikaner cattle) had hard feet and could climb mountains. The first of many bulls (Rio Grande) to set foot on Grey Craig was bought from the Pringle family in the Bedford district. But it was Hilson who decided to register a herd of Afrikaner cows. He purchased 16 registered cows from Dodds Pringle in Bedford soon after his father s death. Interestingly, though it would be genetics produced by one 18-year old cow purchased from Morris Bradwell, also from Bedford, for 25 pounds (R50) in 1952 that would eventually define the Shuman s KS Africander Stud. From just two calves, this cow s bloodline produced 33 of the 53 registered cows Hilson owned by the 1980s. Today, her horns adorn a small store room and are decorated by a number of agricultural show ribbons. Below them, a painting of the influential bull, Plan (the calf of her heifer calf) can be seen. It was, however, a bull bought from a certain Nash Webber near Graaff-Reinet in 1948 that would have an unexpected impact on the Shumans herd of Afrikaners. To Ken s horror, the bull produced calves with white markings and he told Webber his bull was a baster (Nash did supply another bull). The throwing of colour by the bull uncovered the fact that the ancestors of modern red Afrikaner cattle were the multicoloured red, white and yellow cattle of the Khoikhoi pastoralists from whom early European farmers acquired cattle. In time, these white farmers selected only red calves and so the genetic base for the future was laid. But Hilson secretly loved these Afrikaners and thought they looked as if they had walked through milk. He was often heartbroken when Ken culled them, so it is maybe not surprising that almost 20% of his now deregistered herd of about 90 Afrikaner cows are multicoloured animals. I already liked them as a kid. I think they are pretty and I favour them. As we drive back to the farm home incidentally built by Ken it is clear that Hilson is defined by Grey Craig and the unique agricultural way of life it has offered him and his wife, Isabel. When asked about his retirement plans, his answer is not surprising. I love farming and animals. I am quite happy to farm and will only rest in the box, he says with a broad smile. Contact Hilson Shuman on The horns of Grey Craig s most influential Afrikaner cow that was bought in 1952 for 25 pounds.

119 2014 Journal Afrikaner 119 Afrikaner

120 120 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014

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122 122 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014 Afrisim DIE MAKLIKE BOERBEES THE EASY FARMING CATTLE

123 2014 Journal Afrikaner 123 Seker een van die bekendste en ook oudste kommersiële kruisings in die land, is dié van die Afrikaner en Simmentaler. Weens die jarelange beproefde en bewese ekonomiese voordele van hierdie kruising, was n logiese uitvloeisel daarvan, dat n aantal Afrikaner- en Simmentaler telers op 11 Augustus 2005 byeengekom het om n amptelike ras daar te stel wat voorlopig uit 50% Afrikaner en 50% Simmentaler saamgestel is. Hierdeur het n ras ontstaan wat in eie reg kan bestaan en telers kan nou in al die voordele deel wat n geregistreerde ras aan sy telers bied. Die Afrisim het in 2009 amptelike erkenning as ras ontvang en funksioneer onder beskerming van die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap. Telers moet hulle diere by Stamboek laat aanteken, en prestasietoetsing is verpligtend. Die meeste telers is nog in n kudde-bou fase en geregistreerde vroulike diere is baie skaars, terwyl goeie bulle makliker is om te bekom. Die hoofdoelwit met die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van hierdie ras, is om n medium raamtipe, maklike boerbees te teel, wat goed kan presteer onder Suid Afrikaanse klimaatstoestande en produksiestelsels. Met die ontwikkeling van die ras word gepoog om die beste eienskappe van beide rasse te kombineer in een ras. Die Afrikaner bied onder andere goeie aanpasbaarheid, weerstand teen parasiete, goeie loopvermoë, afronding vanaf veldweiding, maklike kalwing en sy unieke ekstra geen wat vleissagtheid verseker. Die Simmentaler se bydrae is sy vroeë geslagsrypheid, goeie melk en groeivermoë. Al hierdie eienskappe, gekombineer in een ras, maak van die Afrisim die ideale Boerbees en geregistreerde telers kom reeds in alle dele van die land voor en die aantal diere vermeerder jaarliks. Probably one of the most famous and oldest commercial crossings in the country is that of the Afrikaner and Simmentaler. Due to the longstanding tried-andtested economic benefits of this crossing, a logical consequence thereof was that a number of Afrikaner and Simmentaler breeders gathered on August 11, 2005 to establish an official breed provisionally compiled from 50% Afrikaner and 50 % Simmentaler. Through this a breed originated which can exist in its own right and breeders can now share in all the benefits that a registered breed offers to its members. The Afrisim received official recognition as a breed in 2009 and functions under the auspices of the Afrikaner Cattle Breeders Society. Breeders must register their animals at Stud Book and performance testing is compulsory. Most breeders are still in a herd-building phase and registered females are very rare whilst good bulls are easier to obtain. The main objective for the origin and development of this breed is to breed a medium frame type, easy farming animal, which can perform well under South African climatic conditions and production systems. With the development of the breed the attempt was to combine the best characteristics of both breeds into one breed. The Afrikaner offers, among other things, good adaptability, resistance to parasites, good walking ability, rounding-off from the veld, easy calving and its unique extra gene which ensures meat tenderness. The Simmentaler 's contribution is its early maturity, good milk and growth potential. All these characteristics combined into one breed makes the Afrisim the ideal farming cattle and already registered breeders are found in all parts of the country and the number of animals are increasing annually. Tabel 1: Prestasie van Afrisim teenoor nasionale gemiddelde 2009/2010 (LNR) Table 1: Performance of Afrisim compared to national average 2009/2010 (ARC) NASIONAAL AFRISIM 205 dae gekorrigeerde speengewig + 216Kg 219Kg 540 dae gekorrigeerde gewig 330Kg 344Kg Gemiddelde daaglikse groei in Fase C 1736g 1771g Voeromset per Kg gewigstoename 5.91Kg 5.71Kg Kalf tot koei verhouding by speen 43.9% 45.6% Produksiegewys, maak die Afrisim reeds sy stem dik in die bedryf en volgens die LNR se 2009/2010 jaarverslag, presteer die ras goed teenoor die nasionale gemiddelde: Production-wise, the Afrisim already excels in the industry and according to the ARC's 2009/2010 annual report, the breed performs well compared to the national average:

124 124 Afrikaner Joernaal 2014

125 Tabel 2: Prestasie van Afrisim teenoor nasionale gemiddelde (Logix Des 2012) Table 2: Performance of Afrisim compared to the national average (Logix Dec 2012) NASIONAAL 2014 Journal Afrikaner 125 AFRISIM 205 dae gekorrigeerde speengewig + 219Kg 246Kg 540 dae gekorrigeerde gewig 338Kg 315Kg Gemiddelde daaglikse groei in Fase C 1669g 1783g Voeromset per Kg gewigstoename 6.25Kg 6.19Kg Kalf tot koei verhouding by speen 45.5% 47.4% Hierdie syfers toon dat die ras goed presteer in n speenkalfstelsel ten opsigte van speengewig asook kalfgewig in verhouding tot koeigewig. Prestasie in die voerkraal is ook bo die nasionale gemiddeld en afronding van die veld lyk belowend. Uiterlik is die Afrisim n bees wat hoofsaaklik ligrooi van kleur is, met n wit bles en n gladde haarkleed. Die vroulike diere word geken vir hulle gemak van kalwing en goeie moederlike eienskappe. By die bulle val die klem veral op lengte van lyf, gespierdheid, gehardheid en dekvermoë. Tydens keuring op grond van visuele eienskappe is dit vir die telers belangrik dat gehalte en kwaliteit deurgaans gekontroleer word. Met verpligte prestasietoetsing en minimum vereistes waaraan voldoen moet word, kan die Afrisim telers met trots verklaar dat geen aansprake gemaak word oor die vermoëns en prestasies van die ras, wat nie gestaaf kan word deur amptelike statistieke nie. Elke teler streef daarna om die hoof doelwitte van die ras hoog te hou nl. Vrugbaarheid, aanpasbaarheid, voer omset vermoë, goeie temperament en gemak van kalwing. Navrae kan gerig word aan die ABTG kantoor of die Voorsitter van die Afrisims, Lynton Vermaak by These figures show that the breed is performing well in a weaner-calf-system with regards to weaning weight as well as calf weight in relation to cow weight. Performance in the feedlot is also above the national average and rounding-off from the veld looks promising. The Afrisim s visual appearance is mainly a light red in colour, with a white patch on its head and a smooth hair coat. The females are known for their ease of calving and good maternal traits. With the bulls, the emphasis falls mainly on the body length, muscling, hardiness and serving-abilities. During inspection, based on visual characteristics, it is very important for the breeders that the quality is constantly checked. With compulsory performance testing and minimum requirements that must be met, the Afrisim breeders can proudly declare that no claims are made about the abilities and achievements of the breeds which cannot be substantiated by official statistics. Every breeder strives to keep the main objectives of the breed high namely; Fertility, adaptability, feed conversion ability, good temperament and ease of calving. Enquiries can be directed to the ACBS office on or Chairman of the Afrisims, Lynton Vermaak on

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