Cattle inspections at Pungeni and Have Hook Nkone Studs

Leading up to the ADMA Agrishow’s Indigenous Livestock exhibition and sale (June 5-7), participating cattle producers are working on finalising their selection of animals for submission.

As the show is being held under the administration of the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) where animals intended for the event must be registered with the ZHB, an integral part of the process for selection and submission is inspections.

The Pungeni and Have Hook Nkone studs this week had their ZHB-registered cattle inspected by Stefan Buys.

These inspections are integral to maintaining the integrity of pedigree records and ensure that animals conform to the ideal traits of their respective breeds. They are done by trained inspectors and approved breed society representatives.

Stefan Buys evaluated physical traits such as coat type and colour, body size and structure, testicles, sheath, udder, legs, tail, hooves, size, and other characteristics defined by the Nkone breed society (each breed has specific guidelines that outline desirable traits and disqualifying faults).

Part of his inspection also included a check for signs of deformities, or other health issues that may affect the animal's performance or breeding potential. This ensures that only functionally sound and healthy animals are registered as pedigree stock.

The inspection also included identification verification, confirming that the animal matched its registration details (ear tags) to prevent fraud or misrepresentation. This ensures traceability within the pedigree system.

After this inspection, a report will be generated by the breeders and signed off by the inspector, detailing whether the animal meets pedigree standards is submitted to the ZHB. Animals that pass are officially registered in the breed society's Herd Book.

Physical inspections are essential to maintain breed integrity. They ensure that only animals meeting strict breed standards are registered as pedigree cattle. This prevents dilution of desirable traits and maintains the purity of the breed.

They also act as a quality assurance. Buyers and breeders rely on inspections to guarantee that pedigree cattle are of high quality and free from defects or undesirable traits.

Physical verification also prevents dishonest practices such as registering non-pedigree animals under false claims.

Pedigree cattle that pass inspection can command higher prices in the market due to their verified quality and genetic potential.

Breed societies play a central role in organising physical inspections. They train inspectors to assess cattle according to breed-specific criteria. They also maintain databases (Herd Books) of inspected and registered animals and also provide certification for inspected animals, which boosts their credibility in the market.

Regular inspections are critical to uphold breed standards locally and globally.

Some challenges to consider when it comes to inspections are that inspections rely on human judgment, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. The process is expensive for breeders due to inspection fees and travel costs for inspectors. Leading up to ZHB-administered events such as the National Breed Sale and the ADMA Indigenous Breeds Sale, inspections do require significant time investment and planning.

However, physical inspections are a cornerstone of stud breeding ensuring that registered animals meet strict breed standards in terms of physical traits, health, and genetic quality. These inspections protect the integrity of breeding programs, enhance market confidence, and contribute to the overall improvement of cattle genetics within the sector. They are indispensable for maintaining high standards in the cattle industry.