Bonsmara auction at Otjiwarongo

MORE than 100 Bonsmara cattle were sold at an Otjiwarongo auction last week during an information day for farmers about the Bonsmara breed.

A total of 55 Bonsmara Bulls were sold for an average of N$27 136 and 50 Bonsmara heifers achieved an average price of N$8 274, according to Agra, which was involved with the organisation of the event.The highest price of N$80 000 was paid by Jörg von Dewitz for a Bonsmara bull of Ingo Halberstadt. A Bonsmara heifer of Wagner Bonsmaras of Ben and Corlia Mouton fetched the top price of N$22 000, paid by Hartebeestloop Bonsmaras of Dr Joggie Bredenhann.Phillip Strydom of the Agricultural Research Council made a presentation of the characteristics of the Bonsmara breed and how it fits into Meatco’s compensation for fatness, conformation and yield. Axel Rothauge of Agra’s Professional Services Division discussed pasture management for breeding stud animals. Daan Bosman, a well-known cattle expert, looked at the practical use of breeding values in the selection of herd sires.Izak Groenewald and Daan Bosman informed farmers about feed supplements. The farmers’ knowledge was put to the test with a slaughter ox competition and a competition by Agra Professional Services Division where farmers had to identify different grass species.

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