Characteristics of a Good Bonsmara Bull

Bonsmara cattle are a scientifically developed breed that thrive in subtropical climates. First bred in the late 1930s by Professor Jan Bonsma on a farm called Mara, they are the dominant beef cattle breed in South Africa as of 2011. Consisting of 5/8 Afrikaner, 3/16 Hereford and 3/16 Shorthorn, breeds, they are hardy cattle that can adapt to any climate and are tolerant of ticks. They have been exported from South Africa to the United States and Australia.

  1. Conformation

    • Bonsmaras are medium-framed, smooth-coated cattle; a bull should weigh around 500 kg at maturity. Bulls should appear healthy and well muscled with straight shoulders and legs and heavily muscled well-developed hindquarters. The rump should be neither too flat nor excessively sloping. The reproductive organs of Bonsmara bulls are extremely important, and they should have a large scrotal circumference and a sheath that is not excessively long or fleshy.

    Head

    • Bonsmara cattle have medium-length heads with broad, straight faces. They are a horned breed but are dehorned as calves, and the bull should be neatly dehorned. Bulls have wider heads than cows and should have a masculine appearance. The face should be symmetrical with a fairly heavy jaw that is not undershot or overshot. The nose should be straight and not dished when viewed in profile.

    Color and Brand

    • Coat color can range from deep red to light brown. Some white on the underline is allowable but not desirable. All Bonsmara bulls should be branded with the Bonsmara symbol on the right shoulder, which indicates that they meet breed standards and have undergone a performance test and visual inspection given by a qualified breed inspector. Each animal has to pass inspection and be registered on its own merits --- even if both parents are purebred Bonsmaras.

    Temperament

    • A good Bonsmara bull will have a calm temperament and be easy to handle. An even temperament will make these bulls easy to transport and manage. Any Bonsmara cattle with a bad or wild temperament should be culled. They should not shake their head or paw the ground if you approach them and should not shy away or become startled and attempt to run if you clap your hands or make other sudden noises around them.