The technical committee dealt with a number of important issues of which members need to be aware. Firstly, as was the case in previous years, an exception report is to be compiled (previously termed the “blacklist”) identifying animals in the system which do not meet the minimum breed standards. These will be advised to relevant breeders, and their cooperation is requested in addressing anomalies. Secondly, a revised schedule for sales under Society auspices has been formulated for implementation on 1 July 2008. This will be circulated to members in due course. Thirdly, a revised policy on fertility standards has been developed by Kevin, and is attached to this newsbrief for the information of members. On comments on this should be forwarded to the office before the end of May.  This will be put to council for approval during June. Attached also is a draft breed policy, which has been the subject of ongoing discussion, and remains work in progress.

The business of the finance subcommittee was largely of a routine nature. Of note however, is the fact that our office remains under severe pressure in terms of workload, and this situation is exacerbated by unreasonable demands on the time of office staff by some breeders. We would request members to be sensitive to this problem, and assist by minimizing telephone calls, subscribing to the direct dealing principle by referring queries straight to Studbook rather than via the office, and by making appointments to meet with office staff when necessary to do so.

On  Wednesday  we presented the proposed breeder training program to council and club representatives. This was done by Dr Piet Prinsloo, who is also the architect behind this project. Whilst there remain some finishing touches to made before the program is finalized, it is of top quality and was enthusiastically endorsed  by those present. We are extremely grateful to Piet for the thought and hard work he has put into this project. Once finalised, it is intended that this become the Society standard for breeder training, and will be offered to the clubs for the purposes of member training and promoting information on Nguni cattle.

With regard to the formal council meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday morning, there are number of matters to report.

In respect of the interface between clubs and Society, it is necessary to note that the decisions taken at the club “bosberaad” held last year, do not enjoy the full support of all members. Accordingly, council has reviewed this position, and it has now been agreed that club membership would not be prescribed, but rather encouraged. It has also been accepted that, whilst administratively desirable for some clubs, it is not practically feasible to deduct club fees from all members via the annual society subscriptions. Where this has happened, members who are dissatisfied with this arrangement will be credited with this amount. For those who accept this deduction, the monies will be paid over to the relevant club accordingly. Clubs are requested to furnish the office with an updated membership list. The principle that clubs are important agents of Society regarding member training and breed promotion, remains valid.

A successful engagement with the IDC in Limpopo has resulted in the purchase of registered cattle from Northern Club members for communal projects to the value of some R1 million. Further IDC projects of a similar nature elsewhere in the country are being planned, and Deon has played a pivotal role in discussions with the IDC on these plans. These projects are a standing agenda item at council meetings.

Since the meeting, we are pleased to report that an order has been placed with the Kalahari Club for a project in the Northern Cape, and it is expected that an order will soon be placed for a project in the Free State.

On Wednesday morning, the council held discussions with a group of established breeders on a number of issues, the most important being their concerns about the article on Nguni cattle published in the Landbou Weekblad on 7 December 2007. It was felt that this article unnecessarily focused on certain problems within the Society and that the tone thereof was somewhat negative toward the Nguni breed. As council, we accept the need to develop a more effective media relations policy in order to ensure that future publications of whatever nature, support the positive promotion of our breed. Discussions on other issues which included the interface with clubs, input of inspectors into technical committee matters, and the contribution to the society made by previous council members, were concluded satisfactorily.

On the promotions front, Naledi is busy working on the journal which will be published shortly, as well as preparing for our exhibit at NAMPO. She is also looking into a marketing strategy which will necessarily require the use of outside expertise.

Giel has reported that our finances are in good shape for the year to date, and Lourens is satisfied with the manner in which the annual inspection initiative is proceeding.

To you and your families, we wish you the best for the remainder of the year ahead, and trust that your cattle will benefit from the good rains most of us have enjoyed.

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BREEDING POLICY

1.  What constitutes a breeding policy of a cattle breed

It is no longer possible in the 21^st century to be a successful stud breeder without a properly formulated breeding policy.  Likewise, a breeders’ society should carefully reflect on an appropriate breeding policy for a specific breed that can generally be applied.

The “Stud Breeder’s Manual” published by the SA Stud Book recently lists the objectives applicable to all breeders’ societies. (refer p 127)

It states -

          “to formulate a breeding policy based on market knowledge and the needs of the industry.”

A breeding policy is therefore similar to the production policy of a concern or business that must decide on the design and production of a specific product or product line in order for it to be marketed and traded successfully.

Long standing concerns must see thereto that the basic characteristics and branding of their products are protected and retained.  Mercedes Benz, for instance, adapt their products on a regular basis to conform to new market trends and a range of models are produced to supply in the demand of various niche markets – for instance, a sport model as opposed to a 4X4 model.  The basic traits and branding of a Mercedes are however maintained throughout.

A stud breeder should therefore carefully consider the market that he would be producing for, what his breeding objectives and goals are and the yard stick by which he would be measuring his progress to establish whether he was in fact achieving what he had set out to do.

These norms are especially important to the cattleman that, by way of selection over a period of time, wishes to produce an animal that conforms to the breeding objectives.

The following question may serve as point of departure in the establishment of a breeding policy and breeding objectives:  “Which are the unique productive traits of the breed that will ensure a competitive market edge?”

2.  Special considerations in respect of the Nguni

There are two key considerations when formulating a breeding policy for the Nguni ie -

1. The ability of the Nguni to, on an ongoing and more profitable basis than other breeds, produce meat on natural Southern African grazing in terms of profit per hectare.  This ability is derived from the fact that the Nguni was initially developed and bred specifically for Africa and is therefore uniquely adapted to its natural environment.
    

2. The variety within the breed, both in respect of its phenotypical appearance and the various regions where the breed is farmed.  A wide variety of breeders with a broad spectrum of objectives and basic motives farm Nguni cattle.  This variety should be regarded as a competitive edge and should be protected and retained. 

3.   The role and responsibilities of the Nguni Breeders Society in respect of breeding policies

The duties and purpose of a breeders’ society are detailed in chapter 4 of The Stud Breeder’s Manual (pp 27 – 31) 

The main duties of a breeders’ society are, amongst others, the following -

To formulate policy in respect of -
                     -   Breed purity and identity
                     -   Breeding practices
                     -   Breed improvement
                     -   Breed promotion

The formulated policy should then be applied in order that -
                     -   The breed retains its identity
                     -   The breed will flourish and progress, and
                     -  The breeders and owners of animals of the relevant breed will derive maximum benefit from their activities and
                         involvement with the breed

 It is important to note that a breeders’ society is obliged to act as custodian of both the physical and phenotypical characteristics of a breed as well as its productive traits, based on the genetics of the breed.  This can only be achieved by introducing members to a sound breeding policy and by determining productive breeding standards based on modern and scientific principles.

4.  The nature and origin of the Nguni as a cattle breed

The character of European cattle breeds resulted from the establishment of individual breeders’ societies that were founded a long time ago.  These breeders’ societies were normally established by a small number of breeders and were, in most cases, in respect of animals that ran in the smaller regions. Almost without exception these breeders’ societies aimed at phenotypical and genotypical uniformity.

As is the case with other cattle breeds in Africa and Asia, the Nguni has quite a different background and character.  According to the latest scientific information the Nguni originated in north eastern Africa by taming the prehistoric beast aurochs which existed in Africa at the time.

Together with their owners these cattle emigrated to the south and were eventually established in Southern Africa.  This region extended as far north as Zambia.  The vast number of communities farming the Sanga for centuries had no common breeding objectives as regards a uniform genetic and phenotypical base.  Breeding objectives and the approach thereto were dictated by cultural and environmental factors.

Subsequent to the establishment of the Nguni Cattle Breeders Society in 1986, the Sanga of Southern Africa with all its various eco types, excluding the Afrikaner cattle breed, was defined as the Nguni.

It is unfortunate that neither the constitution nor its bye laws clearly defines this basis.  That is one of the reasons why some people are of the opinion that the real Nguni is represented only by Sangas found in Swaziland and Zululand.

Within the present time frame it is important that the necessary detailed descriptions be taken up in the constitution and its bye laws in order to officially acknowledge the various eco types that exist.

As regards breeding and other policies, the variety within the Nguni breed must be acknowledged as an economical benefit and unique trait.  Any tendency towards the absolutising of uniformity should be avoided at all costs.

The nature and history of the Nguni, which sets it apart from other endemic cattle breeds, furthermore means that the breeders’ society should carefully formulate a policy which will do justice to these traits.  The stereotyped approach followed in respect of foreign breeds should be avoided at all costs.  This does not mean however, that modern, scientific principles in regard to animal science, agricultural economics and management may be ignored in the creation of such a policy.

5.  An overarching Breeding Policy for the Nguni

5.1  Main breeding objective

From the above it should be clear that the main breeding objectives and aims of a Nguni breeding policy should relate to the unique characteristics of the breed as well as its market related benefits compared to other cattle breeds.  The following main objective is therefore proposed –

“The breeding of Nguni cattle in such a way that it will ensure and continuously improve the most sustainable production of meat on natural Southern African grazing”.

“Sustainable” should be understood as economic sustainability but should also be understood in a social and environmental sense.

The supportive breeding objectives should be off set against the most economically important productive traits, always bearing in mind the main breeding objective.

5.2  Our aim – the preservation and improvement of fertility

The most important productive trait of the breed is its high and consistent fertility.  Even in drought conditions when grazing is poor the Nguni still maintains its high fertility – especially so when compared to other cattle breeds.

In cattle breeding, fertility is the most important economic factor;  some experts consider it eight times more important than any other productive trait.

As an economic factor, fertility has to do not only with the number of calves a cow produces, but also with the number of progeny she is able to wean in her lifetime.  Longevity, which is another outstanding trait of the Nguni, should also be regarded as a secondary breeding objective.

Here early maturity comes into the equation.  The question is however what the genetic ability of the Nguni is in this regard.  Some experts regard the traditional Nguni as a late maturing breed but with the ability to calve more regularly and over a longer period than most other cattle breeds.

Whatever the feeling may be, it would seem logical that early maturity should also serve as a secondary objective of fertility and that it is selected for within contemporary groups.

5.3  As objective - the preservation and improvement of cow efficiency

Cow efficiency refers to the relation between the weight of the cow and the calf that she weans.  The fact that the Nguni is a small frame animal, adapted to natural grazing found in Southern Africa, and that the Nguni cow boasts excellent mothering abilities, points toward sound cow efficiency as a productive trait.

This trait carries significant economic importance in cattle breeding.

5.4.1  As objective - the preservation and improvement of efficient meat production on natural grazing

Efficiency is an economic concept relating to the relation between input and output.

Research has proved that the Nguni is able to produce more kilograms of meat per hectare of natural grazing than any other breed. Added thereto is the fact that less input is necessary in the form of additives, medicine, dipping fluid, etc. than is the case with foreign and synthetic cattle breeds.

The underlying traits of the Nguni, which facilitate its unique efficiency, are derived from the process of adapting to African climatic and environmental conditions over centuries.  The following traits are relevant –

• The utilization of natural grazing by being able to eat both leaves and grass; a digestive system which efficiently processes dry grass; the ability to walk vast distances and to graze in both mountainous and marginal regions.

• Heat resistance

• Tick resistance

• Genetic resistance to certain diseases, etc.

6.  The breeding policies of individual Nguni breeders

The breeders’ society should strongly encourage individual stud breeders to create and implement a carefully planned breeding policy within the framework of the broader breeding policy laid down for the Nguni.  Avoid at all costs a prescriptive and stark approach in this regard.

6.1  Variety as point of departure

The breeding policies of individual Nguni breeders will naturally vary and more specifically with regard to the following:

• Environmental differences where studs are kept;

• Different management systems based on, amongst others, available supplement feed such as crop rests;

• Variation in the personal circumstances and motives of the relevant farmer and his family (i.e. reasons why they farm Ngunis)

• Variation in the targeted niche markets

As discussed, variation is a trait of the Nguni which should always be acknowledged and maintained.

Some breeders will therefore have as their main motive the preservation of a specific eco type.  Such approach should be supported as it serves to maintain the variety.  Some breeders will have as main objective the utilization of marginal grazing.  In contrast thereto, some breeders will strive towards supplying animals to commercial and\or upcoming farmers whilst others still will mainly concentrate on the stud market.

6.2  The importance of market information

The breeders’ society has a leading role to play in supplying breeders with relevant market information and to advise them of the breeding policies required to impact a specific niche market.

6.3  Training and expert advice

The breeders’ society can assist breeders by presenting basic courses in the drawing up and implementation of a breeding policy. At such events breeders can also be trained in management techniques and the application thereof as well as market and selection criteria.

It could also be considered to contract the services of breeding policy and Nguni experts and to make such services available to breeders.

6.4  Providing management information with regard to selection norms

As is the case at present the breeders’ society can support breeders by cooperating with service providers such as the ARC to develop suitable norms for the selection of animals and to make available reports to breeders.  Such reports may indicate tendencies in a specific herd as opposed to tendencies in the breed as a whole.

7.  Management information, selection norms, production standards and measuring

This is a wide ranging subject and will be dealt with only briefly – although it should be regarded as corner stone of a purpose driven breeding policy.

The legacy of the incorrect application of measurements – as was often the case with the old performance testing scheme

The incorrect application of weight and growth measurements in the years preceding 1990 often resulted in cattle breeds becoming bigger and bigger, because low weights and growers were culled and too large animals were not discriminated against.  This phenomenon was mentioned with regard to at least some government herds such as Bartlow Combine.

In time however it dawned that exceptionally large animals could not produce efficiently in Africa and that they were in fact not adapted to their environment.

To ensure sustainable production on natural grazing it is today widely accepted that high mature weights should be discriminated against.

A very important market is in fact developing for Nguni bulls in an attempt to breed other breeds smaller.

It is important to note that measuring is a neutral action which is essential to generate managerial information for the sound application of selection norms.  It is likewise not possible to establish whether breeding objectives are effectively implemented should such information not be available for the breed as a whole or for a specific herd.  Managerial information of this nature is an aid which should be applied with knowledge and insight.  It can never replace the gut feel and experience of a weathered cattleman.

The impact of inordinately high prices

Long ago Tom Laseter pointed out that inordinately high prices of stud animals had a negative impact on the culling of animals as it made breeders reluctant to apply strict selection.  Should this last for a considerable time in respect of a specific cattle breed it eventually turns into nothing other than regression in respect of productive traits.

The unusually high prices that have been the order of the day for Nguni for some time now, probably had such an effect.  With the market returning to a more normal level it is very important to apply appropriate selection on a wide scale in order to ensure the Nguni’s rightful place in the beef industry,

Are current production standards applicable?

Applying the selection norms and production standards   of other breeds to the Nguni poses a serious problem.  The problem mainly emanates from the fact that the general application of such norms does not acknowledge the vast variation in environmental conditions where the Nguni is farmed.  Likewise the management approach which is closely linked to the environment is not taken into account.  For instance, in some regions Nguni’s are farmed on good quality grazing, where crop rests are freely available as well as supplement feeding whilst in others, Nguni is farmed on sour veld, mountainous terrain with varying rainfall which is dramatically different from the first set of conditions.

For this very reason it is quite inappropriate to compare Nguni breed averages with that of foreign cattle breeds, which are mainly farmed where conditions are ideal and intensive management systems are applied.

Norms such as age at first calf, ICP, days since previous calf, etc. can be used in an in-herd selection program where all animals are exposed to the same environmental conditions and the same management system

To set such production standards for the breed as a whole is rather problematic.  Most heifers will easily produce a calf within 28 months under ideal conditions.  However on marginal grazing in Southern Africa, heifers with the same genetic base will struggle to produce a calf within 39 months – especially if a drought prevails.

The exercise therefore becomes somewhat ridiculous as traditional production standards must be opened up to such an extent so as to provide for all these variations.

Innovative thought and work are therefore required to devise more applicable norms for the Nguni. 

BLUP breeding values

A BLUP breeding value is an estimate of the genetic ability (value) of an animal as a parent in a breeding program.  This is a modern method to generate genetic data of an animal and a herd and to apply it for selection purposes – for instance.

In principle and especially because it is aimed at eliminating environmental differences, this data, which is provided by the ARC annually, deserves serious consideration.

The fact of the matter is however that breeders and experts alike put a question mark on the accuracy of breeding values in general and especially that of the Nguni.  Well experienced and leading breeders are sometimes rather sceptical as regards the actual value of this data.

The breeders’ society will have to consider evaluating this system both objectively and scientifically.

Nguni breeders should however not be discouraged should they wish to make use of this system.

Measuring fertility

In the case of bulls the correlation between scrotal circumference and fertility is generally accepted and easy to measure.  Breeding values are also calculated by the ARC.

The ARC also calculates a breeding value in respect of the calving tempo of the bull.  Such breeding value is an indication of fertility as well as the retention of the female progeny of a bull.

No breeding value is available for females and appropriate measurements and the drawing up of a breed standard remain problematic.  The ARC calculates reproduction indexes for females and, with specific adaptations in the existing calculation method, the use of such index may be more feasible.

Measuring efficiency

This is a wide ranging subject.  For the purpose of this document it is recommended that breeders be encouraged to join the performance measuring system of the ARC – even if it is only for the purpose of measuring cow efficiency by taking weaning and cow weights.

The importance of veld bull clubs

Veld bull clubs provide the opportunity to measure the traits of Nguni bulls.  Such tests on natural veld may include a large number of bulls of different breeders.

Discussions are under way with the ARC as regards the implementation of the Phase D test for the Nguni.

Various Nguni veld bull clubs have already acted innovatively by introducing measurements in respect of tick resistance, etc.

It is being envisaged that discussions will be conducted with the SA Veld Bull and other clubs with regard to possible guidelines in respect of the measurement of Nguni bulls.  It is essential that results obtained from such measurements be taken up on the Intergis system.

8.  The evaluation of current policy

Should the above strategic framework be adopted by Council existing policy, bye laws and annexures should be critically evaluated, as a great deal thereof is merely the legacy of policies and approaches followed by other cattle breeds.  The question remains however whether such method of approach would work for the Nguni.

Some examples of policy to be reconsidered are as follows -

8.1  Multi sire matings

Surely multi sire matings is a far more appropriate breeding approach for the Nguni than is the case with foreign breeds.

If the list of bulls is certified by birth notifications and if it is limited to say 4 or 5 bulls, is there any logical reason why the progeny cannot be registered as Appendix B or SP.  (Of course the bull with the lowest grading will serve as point of departure).  Litcat of bulls will be necessary.

8.2  Minimum age for inspecting a bull

If early maturity is a breeding objective then bulls displaying sexual maturity at an earlier age should be identified, inspected and used.

Is there any good reason therefore why bulls of say 16 to 18 months may not be presented for inspection?

The following inspection guide line may be considered in respect of such an approach:

1. Bulls younger than 2 years at inspection must be reinspected prior to 3½ years.
    

2. Young bulls that are not fully developed but that do not show any discriminatory faults, should stand over for inspection after 2 years.

8.3  Breed standards and inspection guidelines

Are some of our breed standards and inspection guide lines not in conflict with our breeding objectives?

Example: If we pride ourselves on the adaptability of the Nguni which includes heat resistance – why then do we consider short sheaths as the ideal?

A short sheath is correlated to a tight hide – should too short a sheath not therefore be discriminated against just the same as too long a sheath?

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FERTILITY STANDARDS
 

Present situation

The relevant breed standards as contained in the by-laws to the constitution of the Society are presently:

• 39 months maximum age at first calving (AFC); and

• 730 days maximum inter-calving period (ICP).

These standards need to be re-assessed in the context of striving to achieve sustainable beef production in the light of changing financial, socio-political & environmental circumstances impacting on the breed and the Society.

Points of departure should be:

1. According to the Animal Improvement Act (Act 62 of 1998), an animal is only of a particular breed if it is registered as being of that breed;

2. We live in a changing world and must keep in touch with current reality, in much the same way as our breed evolved over the centuries. The Society has an obligation to review the validity of breed standards and by-laws as circumstances change.

3. Our belief that Nguni cows form the cornerstone of sustainable beef production, based on their productive efficiency.

4. A phenotypic (true-to-type) cow’s total (lifetime) production determines her ultimate value.

Reasons for adjusting the breed standards:

1. The present breed standards allow for a cow of 13 years (156 months) of age to have calved only 5 times. This is neither efficient nor economically sustainable.
    

2. The role of the environment in determining the maturity/growth rate of a heifer is far greater than her genetic ability. Therefore, in areas where conditions are less than ideal, heifers (even of excellent genetic quality) will necessarily calve much later, even exceeding the 39 months. These areas include many of the communally managed lands, those prone to severe drought and those areas/farms managed under natural/organic regimes.
    

3. The present breed standards for fertility allow a heifer to calve for the second time at 63 months and have a subsequent calf 24 months thereafter, without being regarded as sufficiently sub-fertile to be excluded. Evidence suggests that many young cows that have calved after 39 months calve regularly thereafter and even have better average ICP’s than the breed average. Therefore, by excluding such animals from the registered herd, one is unwisely wasting production potential, especially given the relative longevity of Nguni cows.
    

4. The inputs (eg, nutritional supplements, drug assisted fertility boosting) traditionally used by many commercial cattle breeders are either unaffordable or unattainable for the developing farmers, thus potentially excluding them from the registered Nguni industry. The political consequences of this are clearly undesirable. The same inputs are also undesirable for the production of contaminant-free beef.
    

5. If “nature” has selected and been the dominant influence in determining what we today describe as an Nguni, then, in order to preserve the breed with all its characteristics, the standards of the Society should discourage the use of any unnatural supplements, medicines, etc. This would undoubtedly result in an increase in the average AFC of the national Nguni herd.
    

6. In the absence of a reliable intra-herd indexing/comparison system, the society should not subscribe to a “one-size-fits-all” breed production standard, which is prejudicial to later maturing, high production potential females, and takes no account, whatsoever, of environmental circumstances.
    

7. Evidence indicates that the initial description of the Nguni breed by scientists regarded it as later maturing rather than early maturing. Hindsight suggests that this may have been due to much of the initial scientific work being done in areas of generally lower quality grazing and therefore misrepresenting the impact of environment on the productive ability of the animals.
    

8. The culture pervading the stud industry is Euro-centric and as such is questionable in its application to our indigenous breed. This culture is equally inappropriate to the diversity of cattle breeding systems in Southern Africa.
    

9. The subscription to a breeding season, as a management strategy, is a matter of breeder choice based on longer-term benefits and shorter-term sacrifices. In respect of the indigenous Nguni, whose evolutionary history shows no evidence of this practice, there appears to be no need for the Society to encourage this practice. In fact, as explained herein, the present 730-day rule condones a lower level of productivity and fertility than is desirable.
    

10. Several other breeds do not have a breed standard for AFC. Comparisons, on this basis, with other breeds are meaningless, particularly in terms of the changing circumstances of our breed.
     

11. Adjusting any breed production standard does not imply that individual breeders must necessarily lower their own criteria. Therefore, by supporting the inclusion of stud breeders farming under less optimal beef production circumstances, the pursuit of excellence in established herds is not affected.
     

12. In order to increase selection pressure and therefore more accurately identify the best performing (genetically superior) animals, it would be ideal to use an intra-herd comparison (index system?) that takes into account all the factors that impact on an animal’s production ability. This may need to be the next step.

Departure from present breed standards

Comparisons with other breeds might have been appropriate as the Nguni evolved from a developing to an established breed. The breed has by now proved its value in the beef production sector, and its productive potential is no longer questionable.

It is now important that the Society, in the interests of all members, adjusts standards to facilitate optimum assimilation of pure Nguni genetics into the established and developing beef cattle industries.

Proposal to Council

Change the breed standards for fertility to ensure:

• That a cow must have calved for the first time by 48 months, had a 2^nd calf by 64 months, a 3^rd by 80 months etc. (16 months intervals), with the secondary proviso that no single ICP may exceed 750 days.

• That, in the case of “FR” females, they must calve within 16 months of registration, had a 2^nd calf by 32 months of registration, a 3^rd by 48 month of registration, etc., with the same secondary proviso that no ICP may exceed 750 days.

This proposal significantly “tightens” the breed standards (over a cows lifetime), but makes them more effective in achieving our objective of “sustainable beef production”.