Drakensberger, a future in the USA?

[andybob]

http://www.studbook.co.za/Society/drakensberger/pdf/DRB_manual_eng_edition1_rev2.pdf

 

[Northern Rancher]

That breed has always intrigued me-they are noted for great libidio and serving capacity are they not.

 

[High Plains]

It says that age at first calving is 33 months. Not to just jump to the negative, but this is a bit of a drawback for assimilation into U.S. herds. Looks like they may have some qualities that are suitable to the southern U.S.

 

[Northern Rancher]

I think calving at three might be fairly common practice over there.

 

[andybob]

I think calving at three might be fairly common practice over there.

I will see if I can organise a breeder to join the discussion to get some first hand information. I know Drakensberger crosses breed at a young age under Kalahari bushveld conditions.
My Tuli on low rainfall bushveld were calving at 24 months, those I sent to Namibia have also consistantly calved at the same age, the older calving age might be due to their being on poor quality "sourveld" without subsidised feeding I will find out if this is the case. Here is a further link to the breeders society with further production information, their ability to utilise large volumes of very poor fodder is a trait which is passed on to crosses and can be retained in composite breeds.
http://www.studbook.co.za/Society/drakensberger/index.php?p=7

 

[WernerVermeulen]

@High Plains

Calving at 3 years of age is a common practise in South Africa. Drakensberger's is known as the sourveld catlle, and conditions in the sourveld is extremely harsh in the winter and in the summer parasites are a big problem, this is why most Drakensberger farmers age at first calving is 33 months.

In the Kalahari where I farm it is not that difficult to get them to calve at 26 months.

 

[OldDog/NewTricks]

@High Plains
sourveld catlle,

Ok - you list me - What is/are ""sourveld catlle""?

 

[PATB]

@High Plains
sourveld catlle,

Ok - you list me - What is/are ""sourveld catlle""?

I beleive that is a term applied to a region of south africa that is less then ideal range or farm land.

 

[andybob]

Sourveld is a term for the areas where the soil is acidic and the grazing is largely hardy perenials which are good grazing in the growing season but are in negative nutrition in the winter, in the low cost production systems, only mineral and possibly protien suppliments, no hay is produced.

 

[WernerVermeulen]

Thanks AndyBob

There isn't any breed that can compare to Drakensberger's in the "sourveld", most farmers make hay or let there cattle walk on corn rests, but Drakensberger's can survive on the natural "sourveld" pastures and still produce, hence the term "sourveld cattle" or the "Profit Breed".

 

[andybob]

Some links of interest;
http://sangacattle.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=142304241
http://www.studbook.co.za/Society/drakensberger/index.php?p=1