With a red or brown coat, broad head, convex profile, and smooth, oily coat, the Bonsmara is perfectly adapted to the scorching climate of South Africa. Although the cattle have horns, they’re removed to conform with the breed standard. When Bosma experimented with different breeds at the Mara Research Station, he discovered that the broader heads of Afrikaner cattle allowed them to cool off more efficiently than animals with narrower heads. The Bonsmara’s massive head and wide nostrils are advantages in hot climates, and they help the breed control respiration and prevent the brain from overheating on scorching days.
Bonsmara are three-composite cattle which means they were developed with three breeds: the Afrikaner, Hereford, and Shorthorn. Using three-composite breeds in crossbreed programs is an effective method of improving the health and characteristics of other cattle. African cattle farmers use the Bonsmara to enhance these breeds:
- Red Poll
- Sussex
- Shorthorn
- Afrikaner
- Holstein
- Hereford
- Germany Red
- Braunvieh
- Senepol
- Tuli
