Farming News Correspondent
BEITBRIDGE Rural District Council’s contracted safari hunters Three Way Safaris have donated a Brown Brahman bull expected to improve the quality of communal farmers cattle in Beitbridge East where the company is based.
Three Ways Safaris also donated US$500 for the building of a proper pen for the bull at Chief Matbe’s homestead.
The chief executive of Three Ways Safaris Tokkie Van De Merwe said the donation of the bull, a pure breed was meant to improve the quality of cattle for communal people.
“This is a quality pure breed bull that I have given to the community through Chief Matibe. I have also given him some cash for the building of a proper pen for the bull. The bull should be able to improve the quality of cattle in the area,” Van De Merwe said.
According to research, Brahman cattle offer exceptional advantages in heat tolerance, disease and parasite resistance, longevity (15 to 20 years), and hybrid vigour when crossbred with other beef breeds.
Among the advantages of the Brahman cattle is their extreme heat tolerance because they feature a short, glossy coat that reflects sunlight, loose skin, and the unique ability to sweat freely.
That allows them to maintain normal body temperatures in hot and humid climates where other breeds struggle.
Brahmans also have superior disease and parasite resistance because of their thick skin and oily secretions that naturally repel ticks, flies, and other external parasites, which lowers health issues and reduces veterinary costs.
Brahman cattle have a long productive lifespan of 15 to 20 years, meaning fewer replacement animals are needed over time whole they are also famous for strong maternal instincts, high milk yields for raising calves, and reliable fertility rates.
“They can efficiently digest and utilize low-quality, fibrous forages and travel longer distances for water and feed,” a government animal expert said.
“Crossing Brahman cattle with cattle in Beitbridge can create super hybrid offspring that excel in growth rates, stress handling, carcass quality, and overall hardiness.”
Because of its climatenpatterns Beitbridge is predominently a livestock area and cattle ranching is the mainstay of the district of about 120 000 people.
Most communal farmers trive on cattle and small stocks like sheep goats and lately chicken donated by heir local parliamentarian for Beitbridge East Albert Nguluvhe.
The bull donation comes a few years after Nguluvhe donated a bull forevery Ward in the sprawling constituency.
In his recent engagements with investors in Matabeleland South, Nguluvhe, who is also the Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said companies must ensure communities benefit from investors in their areas.