Breeding Policy

Performance testing

The SA Braford uses the modern BREEDPLAN performance testing system. This system is currently used in most of the world’s prominent beef producing countries and this will ensure that the
Braford remains at the forefront with regard to new technology. Braford breeders follow a balanced approach when it comes to selection; fertility, growth, carcass quality and functional efficiency of every animal that are measured. Measuring the growth potential of heifers is not regarded as important, because fertility is regarded as the single most important characteristic that should be selected for.

Fertility

SA Braford emphasises the importance of fertility: fertility is established by measuring the scrotum circumference of bulls, heifers at their age of first calving and cows by way of their inter calving
period. No leeway is allowed for heifers or cows that fail to reproduce. It is for this reason that the Braford is recognised as a very fertile breed, that is able to achieve weaning percentages of more than 90% even when circumstances are difficult. A heifer must calve down before she is 39 months old. Cows are only allowed to skip falling pregnant once in their life time.
No inter calving period is allowed to exceed 26 months (790 days). Cows must raise two out of any three sequential calves born to weaning. Scrotum circumference of bulls to be according to their age and body mass.

BREEDING METHOD OF THE  S.A. BRAFORD:

The recommended genetic combination within the framework of the SA BRAFORD:

H=Hereford, B=Brahman, BR=SA Braford and

O. = Other, any phenotypes acceptable as meat-race, (black excluded)

FIRST METOD:

COW BULL
RESULT
Hereford               x Brahman     = H50 %       : B50 %
H50 % : B50 %     x B                 = H25 %       : B75 %
H25 % : B75 %     x H                 = H62,5 %    : B37,5 %

SECOND METOD:

COW BULL             = RESULT
H (of B)                 x B (of H)        = H50 %        : B50 %
H 50 % : B50 %    x H                  = H75 %        : B25 %
H 75 % : B25 %    x B                  = H37.5%      : B62.5%
H3/8           : B5/8

THIRD METOD:

COW BULL              = RESULT
H (of B)                 x B (of H)         = H50 %       : B50 %

 

FOURTH METOD:

COW BULL             = RESULT
O                                 x BR                = O50%        : BR50 %
O50% :    BR50% BR O25%        : BR75 %
O25% :    BR75% BR O12.5%     :  BR87.5
O12.5% : BR87.5 % BR O6.25 % BR93.75 %
Other 1/16  :  Braford 15/16