The meaty Mashura Beefmaster herd

Beefmaster cattle are a composite breed developed in America in the 1930s by Tom Lasater, they blend the bos Indicus Brahman (50%), bos Taurus Hereford (25%), and Shorthorn genetics (25%). This combination was developed to create a breed with enhanced fertility, hardiness, and adaptability, making Beefmasters well-suited for diverse environmental conditions and effective in crossbreeding programs.

The genetic makeup of Beefmaster cattle significantly contributes to their fertility through the concept of ‘heterosis’ or hybrid vigour. The composition of the Beefmaster breed enhances traits like fertility that are typically lowly heritable and reports indicate the retained heterosis in Beefmaster cattle is about 63%, higher than many other breeds, leading to improved reproductive traits such as early sexual maturity and increased calf survivability. Crossbreeding with Beefmasters results in more calves born in a shorter time frame, enhancing overall beef production efficiency. (source: The Cattle Site).

At Mashura Ranch in Matabeleland South, the 400-strong Beefmaster herd, comprising 145 cows along with calves, steers, and bulls, exhibits all the essential characteristics for which this breed is celebrated. Their genetic mix enables them to thrive in a variety of climates, effectively handling both hot, humid conditions and colder environments. Their heat tolerance (thanks to their Brahman component) allows them to graze actively even during sweltering temperatures, making them well-suited for the weather extremes often encountered in this part of Zimbabwe.

This adaptability was demonstrated by the extremes in weather fluctuations I experienced for myself. From a toasty temperature of 38 degrees, with full sun, changing overnight to a cold, grey day with guti rain, the cattle showed no sign of either heat stress or cold intolerance.

The hardiness of the breed was plain to see. The country is currently gripped by one of the most serious droughts in recent years and this part of the country has not been spared and yet this herd is thriving and producing both high-quality beef and babies.

The ranch, in Matabeleland South, lies in agroecological region V. This region is characterised by erratic rain patterns and marginal farming soils. It is below 900 m below sea level and with average rainfall being insufficient to support rain fed crops, it is ideal territory for extensive cattle production.

The summer rains were still some time off, with serious rain being anticipated being at least two months away, and at the time of the visit, the only grass to be had was moribund and even that, in very limited quantities. The cattle are being supplemented with cotton seed, maize crush and licks made on-farm but they are thriving on it.

The owners expressed cautious optimism that the cattle would hold their condition until the first bite of green grass came with the rains. The cows at the time of the visit, were beginning to drop their calves. They are excellent mothers, and their fertility and milking ability are also evident against the harsh backdrop of their environment.

Medium framed, the Mashura herd are, characteristically of the breed, light brownish-red to dark red coloured, some with white markings on their face (thanks to their Hereford lineage). Their robust hooves and legs are crucial for traversing long distances daily in search of water and food, whilst they have a placid disposition and are kraaled nightly with the minimum of fuss.

Beefmaster cattle are resistant to insects primarily due to their Brahman genetics, which contribute to their overall hardiness and adaptability. The Brahman influence provides a natural resistance to pests and diseases, making Beefmasters less susceptible to insect-related issues compared to other breeds. This resistance is part of the breed's broader adaptability, allowing them to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. (source: The Cattle Site).

This herd whilst pure Beefmaster, is not a registered stud with the Zimbabwe Herd Book. However, their pedigree can be traced back to the herd of Johann Zietsman, who ran Beefmasters in Karoi North, prior to the land reform program. An injection of a new bloodline from bulls imported from South Africa has elevated and reinvigorated the Mashura herd. The results are already paying off, with this year’s bulls snapped up by a prominent feedlotter and cattle producer. That very same customer has placed an order for next year’s offtake.

A brief history of the Zietsman Beefmaster herd in Zimbabwe

Johann Zietsman, at the time of his farming in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, implemented sustainable grazing and smaller, hardy cattle with indigenous genetics, and a focus on veld management and high stocking rates.

A trailblazer at the time, he advocated for a more holistic approach to cattle breeding and management, emphasising sustainable profit per hectare over individual animal performance whilst advocating for breeding cattle with inherent body condition and resistance to parasites. His work challenged conventional methods and promoted innovative, sustainable cattle farming practices.

In his book, Man, Cattle and Veld, Zietsman addressed the challenges of promoting Beefmaster cattle in different climates by integrating indigenous genetics to enhance their adaptability and resilience. He realised the need for smaller, hardy cattle with high grass intake relative to their size, which led him to incorporate African breeds like Nguni and Mashona into his Beefmaster herd. This approach improved their natural resistance to parasites and disease, reducing reliance on costly and environmentally harmful practices like dipping. Zietsman's focus on sustainable grazing management also helped optimise cattle performance across diverse environmental conditions.

The hybrid vigour from African breeds significantly impacted the weight gain of his Beefmaster cattle herd by enhancing their adaptability and resistance to environmental stressors. This genetic diversity resulted in stronger, more resilient cattle that maintained good body condition and gained weight well, even under challenging conditions. Additionally, the retained heterosis in Beefmaster cattle contributed to increased fertility and overall productivity, further supporting weight gain and efficient beef production.

Johann Zietsman observed several specific benefits in his Beefmaster herd through his innovative grazing techniques. These included improved cattle body condition and production, achieved by integrating indigenous genetics for hardiness and disease resistance. The ultra-high-density grazing method led to enhanced soil fertility and increased diversity of palatable grass species, which contributed to better pasture quality. Additionally, Zietsman noted that his approach allowed for higher stocking rates and sustainable profit per hectare, rather than focusing solely on individual animal performance.

At the time and even now, his work set a precedent for cattle farming. Zietsman’s influence continues to be felt today and the Mashura Beefmaster herd are, nearly thirty years on, a lasting and tangible reminder of his work.