The Bonsmara cattle breed, in common with most of the established breeds of today, was developed by some form of crossbreeding. The Bonsmara is the only beef breed in the world created with the aid of objectively recording performance data.

The Bonsmara was bred at the Mara and Messina Research Stations under the guidance of the late Prof. J C Bonsma. From the crossbreeding results it became evident that the development of the Bonsmara should proceed on a 5/8 Afrikaner & 3/8 Exotic (Shorthorn/Hereford) breeding admixture due to its better adaptability to a sub-tropical environment. The first calves of this type were born in 1943.

One of the first bulls to play a role in the early years of development was N310 (Frits). He was followed by N406 (Edelvaar) which was in turn followed by an outstanding son T342 (Edelheer). The Edelheer line is today the most dominant and sought-after line in the breed.

After the successful testing of the breed under practical farming conditions, the breed society was formed in 1964 but only promulgated in 1972.

Some of the salient characteristics of the Society are that the animals are registered only if performance test results are available, no competitive showing is allowed, a breeder must register a minimum of 30 animals to qualify as a member and animals are inspected with the emphasis on functional efficiency and performance in the relevant environment.

Another procedure of importance is a basic register which makes it possible for commercial breeders to become stud breeders. The basic cows must be approved by the inspectors of the Society. This procedure allows new genes to flow in from the bottom upward.

During 1975 the Wesselsvlei and Roodebos lines were identified and developed as separate lines. In 1980 the Vaalhartz line was developed from a project in which Australian Belmont Red breed was involved.

Information courtesy of ARC