The Excellence of Boran Performance
“God’s gift to cattlemen” ....” farming made effortless” ....” Africa’s beef-solution” .... ideal for both the feedlot, and the veld” ... such are the words of those who own and breed with these exceptionally unique and well-adapted animals. Words that are echoed by how well the Boran has performed at various competitions and in several studies held over the last few years. Thanks to their remarkable performance in these competitions and during the various studies, the Boran has attained great respect and interest. This is due to its ability to produce high quality meat with low maintenance needs whilst greatly withstanding the harsh conditions of the African continent.
Thirty-six cull animals were used in a study done in 2019 to determine the economic efficiency of the Boran breed, and to prove that these animals are ideal for feedlot conditions. Despite their older age and weight at finish – which was due to a prolonged period on the veld - the results obtained were pleasantly surprising. Even at an older age, the majority of carcasses were classified as A and AB class carcasses, with only a minor percentage classified as B class carcasses. Average Daily Gains (ADG’s) and Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR’s) were very good, despite not receiving any growth promotors for the duration in the feedlot. During the feeding time, no morbidities or mortalities occurred and there was no need for the administration of any medications, which really testified to the hardiness and toughness of the breed. The majority of the Boran cattle used in this study also had favourable fat distribution; 89% of carcasses were classified as a either a grade 2 or 3 carcass, despite them being older and heavier than the average slaughter cattle. Overfat carcasses are unfavourable and can be a sign of poor fertility and inefficiency in cattle, therefore the lower range of fat levels on these animals – who were older and thus expected to be fatter - was quite encouraging and promising.
In 2020, the Boran performed once again after it formed part of the University of Pretoria’s Feedlot challenge, along with various other breeds of cattle. Despite the Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak at the time, the Boran breed attained excellent feedlot and carcass results, ultimately ending second overall, and first in the 500-525kg live mass category.
In December of 2021, the Boran Breed Society of South Africa participated in a slaughter competition, where animals are taken directly from the farm to the abattoir for slaughter, and the best carcasses are selected as winners. Once again, the Boran excelled and won the interbreed classes - for the second time since the existence of this competition. The carcasses of the cattle used in this competition showed excellence in all the carcass traits, including carcass conformation and fat distribution. The muscling of the Boran is one of the characters that really makes this breed shine, even when grown out on the veld.
These achievements just further attest to the likely advantages of farming with Borans and making use of their unique genetics in crossbreeding programs. Efficient conversion of feed to muscle - even low-quality roughage - combined with the early-maturing and highly resistant traits of this breed make this a uniquely qualified breed to use for hybrid vigour good performance, whether in the feedlot, or on the veld.