Bonsmara Cattle feature broad, medium-length faces, embodying medium-framed stature. Bulls mature at around 500 kilograms, with cows slightly lighter. Our breed standards, encompassing both reproductive and physical traits, reflect the dedication to creating a beef-producing breed capable of competing with European counterparts while thriving in subtropical conditions – a goal realized with distinction!

These heat and weather-resistant cattle are not just insect-proof but also exhibit remarkable resistance to tick-borne illnesses. Well-muscled with high-quality, marbled meat and impressive carcass yield, Bonsmara Cattle represent a blend of form and function. Reproductively adept, our bulls feature large scrotum circumferences, while cows exhibit wide pelvic areas and well-conformed udders, a result of perfected formulas crafted in the 1930s at South Africa’s Mara station.

The success story continues with the stabilization of the breed at 3/16 Hereford, 3/16 Shorthorn, and 5/8 Afrikaner through meticulous selective breeding. Bonsmara Cattle, nurtured by our commitment to excellence, have held the title of the most popular beef breed in South Africa for over a quarter-century.

Spreading in popularity to arid regions worldwide, including the southwestern United States, Bonsmara Cattle are making their mark. While the U.S. breeding herd is in its early stages, enthusiasts are optimistic about the breed’s impressive performance paving the way for future success. Even with just 94 animals in the United States, constant importation of semen and embryos from South Africa, along with annual calf births, fuels hopes for a growing breeding herd.

In the show ring, Bonsmara Cattle adhere to strict breed standards, reflecting our ongoing commitment to improvement. Faults are acknowledged, yet disqualification is not automatic, showcasing our dedication to refinement.

Bonsmara Cattle, born weighing over 45 kilograms, with female calves slightly lighter, exemplify robust characteristics. Weaned around 205 days, they consistently achieve high weaning weights, with bull calves averaging 90 kilograms. Heifers, known for easy calvings, maintain calving intervals below 26 months. To secure registration with the Bonsmara purebred society, females must calve before 39 months of age.

In crossbreeding, Bonsmara blood enhances weaning weights and imparts overall vigor to the offspring. The breed’s high calving percentage and ability to reproduce efficiently in harsh heat make Bonsmara Cattle a valuable choice for enhancing cattle genetics worldwide. The journey of Bonsmara by Bhamjee Bonsmara is a story of dedication, excellence, and a vision realized.