Bonsmara is a breed of cattle known for its high quality beef and resistance to local diseases and one of the best in beef products.
The Bonsmara is a medium framed red coloured animal that is born with horns, but has to be dehorned to conform with breed standards. Mature cows on average weigh between 500 to 550 kg, producing calves with an average weaning weight of about 230 kg each. The bulls weigh around 800 kg. There is nevertheless a lot of variation in weight, depending on the quality of the veld on which the cattle are raised, with farmers in the sour veld preferring smaller animals than those farming on soet (sweet) veld.
The cows make excellent mothers and with its Afrikaner heritage, is generally resistant to many of the tick born diseases that plague the more European breeds. A good anti-parasite programmed should nevertheless still be followed to prevent problems.
The breed is also relatively docile, making them easy to handle on the farm and in feedlots.
