FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Will a bull naturally mate in the field or do I have to use artificial insemination technique?
Yes, bulls have successfully mated in the field for many years under high heat and humidity conditions.  These bulls request basic sanitary management (eliminating ticks and buffalo fly/horn fly). We have active bulls from the northern state of Mato Grosso in the Midwest, to the Bolivian and Paraguayan Chaco.  Artificial insemination can be used to multiply the herd and quickly propagate a specific genetic trait.

Do calves have too much hair?
No, calves usually have very short hair.  Some animals can have more hair than others, but this should not be a problem.

At what age and weight animals should be slaughtered?
Animals should be slaughtered at the age of 20 months (up to 17 months when grass-fed and finished at a feedlot) or up to 30 months (grass-fed only). The weight varies from 16 to 18 @ and fat cover from 3 to 7 mm. (1 @ = 15kg , 33lb)

Can I produce a tricross – mating a Bonsmara and a F1 female ( ½  Bonsmara and ½ other breed)?
Yes, the resulting animal (F2) is outstanding.  Generally, this animals weaning weight is about 240kg, also very productive and with great meat quality.

What should I do with the F1 female?
Usually the F1 female has exceptional mother quality traits and should be kept in your heard.

How is the animal resistance against parasites? 
The Bonsmara breed has low resistance against ticks, there are non-scientific results testifying that F1 animals present higher resistance.  Any F2 crossbreeding animals are known to be more sensitive, requiring an adequate sanitary management.

Do these animals request a specialized handling to work them on my ranch?
No. The Bonsmara breed, as any other crossbreeding, requests an adequate sanitary program such as eliminating ticks.  Bulls are known to have great heat resistance.

What are the Bonsmara crossbreed meat quality characteristics?
The F2 animal presents outstanding meat quality, tender, tasty and juicy.  The F1 animal also produces an exceptional meat quality, tasty and juicy.  These are two good reasons to encourage the producer to participate on the Bonsmara Beed Program, compensating the breeder with awards 14% above the market offer.