Veldmaster/Africarne Cattle
The Veldmaster/Africarne cattle breed is a unique genotype of cattle that are bred and managed for maximum sustainable profit/ha.
This Veldmaster bull 00/100 (top) is typical of the compact, well-muscled animals of this breed. The cow 96/67 (2nd photo) is this bull's dam and the sire 97/100 is shown in the third photo.
The main features are:
- At least 50% African breed blood composition.
- 2 + 3 year calving.
- No breed inspections.
- No-between-herd comparison.
- All animals ranked in accordance with genetic fertility (unique selection criteria and breeding methods).
- No conventional upgrading eg F1 - F4. An animal's genetic merit is determined solely by adaptation/fertility. Cows and bulls are ranked individually according to genetically determined fertility. This is the sole standard of excellence regardless of blood composition, generation or pedigree.
- Selection for disease, tick and parasite resistance.
- Cattle managed in order to improve the land and increase stocking rate.
- Growth efficiency measured as maturity (12-month maturity)) and not absolute gain or time constant weight; for example 12-month weight.
- Extremely well-muscled, compact bulls and feminine cows.
- Natural polledness as a preferred option.