A comparative study of beef brands and dual purpose breeds with regard to their beef production potentialities under ranching conditions in South West Africa

Abstract

Abstract taken from Opsommings, Bloemfontein, 1972, pp. 130-132:

The significant effect of rainfall on growth rate became evident. Breeds like the Red Poll, Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn lack adaptability as indicated by the large fluctuations in weight gain, between years with varying rainfall. It is true, however, that under optimal managerial conditions a larger variety of breeds are capable of rendering economic production, than is the case in more extensive farming systems

The nutritional level obtained from grazing seemed to be a limiting factor in the growth of young beef animals. An intensive breeding program aimed at improving the genetic potential of beef production would in itself be valueless if it is not bolstered by positive measures to improve grazing conditions

European Highland breeds and the Afrikaner were found to be late maturing as shown by continued growth up to the age of 5½ years, while in the case of British breeds growth rate declined markedly after 3½ years of age. No evidence could be found in favour of marketing steers at a later age than 3½ years. Even the later maturing breeds did not succeed in attaining a higher grade or finish at ages of 4½ and 5½ years

It has been ascertained that under the existing price level of beef, and provided the prices of stock feeds do not greatly exceed the present level it will be economical to round steers off in feedlot at the age of 2½ years. Apart from marketing a much demanded product in terms of carcass value and age, this practice results in a quicker turnover. It enables the producer to introduce better systems of veld management or if optimal grazing conditions already prevail, the number of breeding cows can be increased. It is estimated, that this will in turn raise his monetary returns by 17 per cent

Larger framed dual purpose breeds showed a decided advantage over the beef breeds in terms of carcass weight. Beef breeds, however, attained significantly better carcass grades

Present results support the findings of other research workers that only minor differences in yield of retail cuts exist between breeds. With regard to carcass composition it became evident that dual purpose breeds had significantly more muscle (2, 6 percent;; P 0, 05) and significantly less fat (3 percent; P 0, 05), than beef breeds. It appears that for these breeds at the age of 4½ years, the percentage of bone does not deviate much from the mean of 15 per cent, and that muscle and fat show a negative association - with an improvement in the condition of the animal there is a decrease in the relative amount of muscle

One of the most important facts brought to light by this study is the determining role played by reproductivity in the economy of a beef ranching concern. The calving rate was raised from an estimated average of between 50 and 60 per cent in the cattle ranching areas, to 86 per cent for certain breeds in the present study. Calving rate is also one of the best aids in determining adaptability of breeds as is revealed by the tremendous fluctuations in calving percentages exhibited by certain breeds during favourable and dry spells

Mortality rates varied from 1, 3 per cent (Bonsmara) to 6, 0 per cent (Aberdeen Angus). Generally the British breeds suffered more severe losses. The mortality rate of the Bonsmara and Afrikaner was significantly lower than that of all the British breeds and the Pinzgauer

Eruption of permanent incisor teeth in steers has shown that dentition is indeed a very unreliable method of determining the age of cattle. The eruption of each of the four pairs of incisors varied over a period ranging from 17 to 23 months. Eruption of incisors occurred up to one month later in the case of heifers. Presumably the eruption of permanent incisors of heifers was retarded by increased mineral requirements during gestation and lactation. The relation between eruption of permanent incisors and rainfall was demonstrated by statistically significant correlations

Finally a brief discussion followed on the economic possibilities of each breed. Considering differences in feed intake between breeds of different sizes, it was argued that up to 13 per cent more animals of the lighter breeds could graze on the same area; this would not, however, affect the economic superiority of the first five breeds. The five breeds that were considered to render economic production under ranching conditions similar to those prevailing at the Omatjenne Research station were the Simmentaler, Hereford, Afrikaner, Pinzgauer and Brown Swiss. P

Finally a brief discussion followed on the economic possibilities of each breed. Considering differences in feed intake between breeds of different sizes, it was argued that up to 13 per cent more animals of the lighter breeds could graze on the same area; this would not, however, affect the economic superiority of the first five breeds. The five breeds that were considered to render economic production under ranching conditions similar to those prevailing at the Omatjenne Research station were the Simmentaler, Hereford, Afrikaner, Pinzgauer and Brown Swiss