Boran cattle
Boran cattle have developed adaptive traits of crucial importance for their survival. Some of these characters are – the ability to withstand periodic shortage of water and feed, ability to walk long distances in search of water and feed and ability to digest low quality feeds. The Boran is a breed that shows high resistance to heat, ticks, and eye diseases.
The Boran male and female share breed points, the sexes, however, show marked dimorphism – the female being notably small, whilst the male grows to a large size. They vary in height from 114cm to 147cm tall.
They can be grey, fawn or red in colour. Bulls often displaying black points. Their skin is loose, thick, with fine short hair.
The Boran is medium in size with a short head, small ears, loose dewlap and a large hump above the shoulders. They can be horned or polled.
The cow has a well-carried udder and neat, small teats, in contrast to some Asian Zebu breeds. Boran heifers reach puberty at an average age of 385 days. She is an excellent mother, not only will she feed her calf well, but she guards against predators, and will never allow her calf to get lost in the bush. Calving problems hardly exist. Calves at birth weigh an average of 28 kg for males and females, 25 kg.
They are recognised for their longevity, quiet temperament and docility.
Boran cattle are noted for their exceptional beef quality. The beef quality from these animals is exquisite. It is very fine-grained, tender with a small amount of marbling and very flavoursome.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
- Height of typical mature bull: 117-147 cm at withers
- Height of typical mature cow: 114-127 cm at withers
- Typical carcass weight off grass: 230-260 kg dressed weight with 52% dressing percentage
- Weight of typical mature bull: 500 kg to 850 kg
- Weight of typical mature cow: 380 kg to 450 kg
- Steers reared on grass: ready for slaughter between 3 to 3.5 yrs (36 -42 months) 420-460 kg
- Steers, supplementary fed: ready for slaughter between 18 to 22months @ 380 to 400 kg
- On average cows calve once a year: potentially 11 months (higher than other indicus breeds)
- Average weight gains per day on grass and feedlot: Grass = 0.7 kg – 1.0 kg per day depending on grass quality. Feedlot = 1.3 kg per day depending on type of cross used (this was found at a recent trial at Marania Farm – Timau where using Boran cross Angus steers and heifers)
Milk Production from Boran / Friesian F1:
- 1st Lactation :Â Av = 9.3 kgs per day, High= 13.8 kg per day
- 2nd Lactation :Â Av = 10.4 kgs per day, High= 15.6 kg per day
- 3rd Lactation :Â Av = 13.4 kgs per day, High= 19.5 kg per day
