Drakensberger Cattle

Description

Drakensberger Cattle

The Drakensberger cattle breed possesses a distinctive set of characteristics that make it a standout in the world of livestock farming. As a medium-framed breed. Mature bulls typically weigh between 820 kg and 1,100 kg, while cows range from 550 kg to 720 kg. They have strong legs and a bone structure with hard buffalo hooves, enhancing walking comfort even on rough terrain. These animals have a strikingly long and deep body with an elegantly sleek, black coat. Their temperaments are naturally docile, making management of this breed very easy.

What truly sets the Drakensberger apart, however, are its innate qualities of adaptability and hardiness; as an indigenous cattle breed, the Drakensberger has been meticulously bred and developed through a combination of natural selection and scientifically based selection processes. The result is a breed that excels in various environmental conditions, showcasing exceptional hardiness, adaptability, and a natural resistance to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and a fairly robust resistance against internal parasites. Furthermore, Drakensberger cattle have good pigmentation, with resistance to ultraviolet radiation, photosensitivity, and eye problems. They are also fairly heat-resistant, attributed to its loose skin and short, shiny blue-black hair that reflects sunlight. 

Crossbreeding systems

This breed’s primary role is as a maternal breed, emphasizing the importance of female traits. It boasts remarkable qualities such as calving ease, fertility, high milk production, and strong maternal instincts. Furthermore, the Drakensberger’s unique versatility shines through in its ability to crossbreed effectively with both Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeds. This adaptability positions it as an ideal choice for dam line breeding in crossbreeding systems.

The Drakensberger also stands out in terms of its production and reproduction traits; its strong milk production capabilities allow the breed to achieve weaning weights of 220kg on sourveld and 260kg on sweetveld at only 205 days. The average inter-calving period (ICP) for cows is less than 425 days, with an age at first calving (AFC) of 34.2 months, according to the SA Studbook’s Annual Reports. Information from the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Animal Production Institute further indicates that, among all of the cattle breeds in South Africa, Drakensberger cows show the lowest incidence of disease and calf mortality. They also have a very low incidence of abortions.

What further distinguishes them is their unique ability to maintain or even increase their body condition while nursing their calves – a trait that sets them apart from most other cattle breeds, which typically lose condition during this energy-taxing period. Female Drakensberger animals, which form the cornerstone of breeding efforts, must efficiently utilize available feed resources to sustain themselves, produce effectively, and reproduce under varying and sometimes challenging conditions.