Evaluation of Bonsmara and Belmont Red cattle breeds in South Africa. 1. Productive performance

The productive performance of progeny by Bonsmara and Belmont Red sires was compared in contemporarily reared groups in South Africa. Measurements on 4279 pedigreed progeny of 96 Bonsmara sires and 18 Belmont Red sires were recorded over 15 years in 4 diverse climatic regions of South Africa. Growth traits were measured on growing stock from birth to 18 months at pasture. Weight gain, feed conversion rate, frame size, scrotal circumference and visually assessed ‘functional efficiency’ scores were recorded on male progeny fed high protein rations. Carcass traits were measured on a subset of the male progeny. Age at first calving, and repeated measurements of calving date and calving interval were recorded on breeding females as indicators of reproductive performance. Tick counts were made on males and females across a range of ages during times of heavy field infestation. There were differences in progeny performance for some traits. Bonsmara sired animals generally scored higher than Belmont Red progeny for functional efficiency. Belmont Red sired calves were lighter at birth (35.9 v. 37.3; P0.05) and cows by Belmont Red sires had a shorter average calving interval (440 v. 455; P<0.05). Sire breed by region interaction was not important. The differences in scored and measured traits generally reflected differences in selection policies adopted by the breed societies. Variation in growth and fertility traits due to sire was greater than variation due to breed and demonstrated the potential for identifying superior individuals. The performance of the sire breeds for the range of traits and environments studied advocated that selected Bonsmara and Belmont Red animals from South African herds would be suitable for inclusion in breeding programs in Australian Belmont Red herds.