By Maile Matsimela, Africa Farming Digital Editor
The recent Ankole Cattle Breeders Society auction at Bona Bona Game Lodge that raised over R11 million revealed more than just impressive sales figures. As auctioneer Brandon Leer aptly described it, this was the “Louis Vuitton of cattle auctions.” My observations at this event sparked curiosity about why these majestic animals command prices far beyond their peers and how they’ve captured the imagination of both established agricultural powerhouses and emerging black farmers alike.
The journey of Ankole cattle to South Africa is a tale of determination and vision in itself. When President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Uganda in 2004, he was captivated by these magnificent creatures with their distinctive sweeping horns. Faced with import restrictions due to disease control measures, Ramaphosa didn’t abandon his dream. Instead, he purchased cows from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and utilised advanced embryo transfer technology via Kenya to introduce the breed to South Africa.
This narrative of persistence mirrors the resilient nature of the Ankole themselves – animals that have thrived for centuries in harsh East African conditions. Originally brought to Uganda approximately 500-700 years ago by nomadic pastoralists, these Sanga cattle represent a successful crossbreed between Zebu cattle from India and indigenous African breeds.
What makes the Ankole special in the South African context goes beyond their striking appearance. These animals represent a powerful fusion of practical agriculture and cultural symbolism. For many African communities, cattle have traditionally symbolised wealth and status. The Ankole, with their regal bearing and impressive horns that can span up to 2.5 meters, elevate this symbolism to new heights.
Leer’s bold statement at the 20 June gala dinner – that “any African man, young or old, who has money to afford the Ankole but doesn’t own one is a poor man” – speaks to this cultural significance. While provocative, his words reflect how these animals have become more than livestock; they’re a statement of achievement and connection to African heritage.
The astronomical prices commanded by Ankole cattle at auction reflect their perceived value. At the recent Bona Bona auction, the jewel of the auction was the exceptional nine-month-old bull calf Massai, owned by Ubhejane Wildlife and Full Blood Genetics in partnership with Claire and Martin Joubert, in Lot 11, which fetched R725 000. A standout cow named Akani sold for R600 000, while embryo transfer recipients fetched up to R500,000. These figures demonstrate the extraordinary premium placed on superior Ankole genetics.
What’s particularly encouraging is the diversity among Ankole breeders. The auction revealed significant participation from black farmers, both young and established, who recognise the economic and cultural value these animals represent. This inclusive growth suggests the Ankole phenomenon transcends traditional agricultural boundaries.
Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of Ankole breeding in South Africa is the development of the embryo and semen market. Pioneered by figures like Advocate Smangi Sethene, this approach creates new pathways into cattle breeding for those without extensive land holdings.
Sethene’s sustainable breeding blueprint leverages advanced reproductive technologies – conventional semen insemination, embryo transfer and sexed semen – to enhance herd expansion and genetic improvement. High-quality semen straws from exceptional bulls can fetch prices exceeding R28 000, while embryos from proven cow lines average around R40 667 at specialised auctions.
This “genetics economy” democratises access to the Ankole market. A farmer with limited space can invest in premium genetic material rather than maintaining a large physical herd, allowing for strategic participation in this lucrative sector. This approach supports both breed preservation and creates commercial opportunities locally and internationally.
Beyond symbolism and status, Ankole cattle offer practical advantages that justify their premium positioning. Their adaptability to harsh environments, such as the bushveld conditions around Bela Bela in Limpopo, makes them ideally suited to South Africa’s diverse climates. They thrive with minimal intervention despite challenges like tick-borne diseases and extreme weather.
This resilience translates to lower veterinary costs and greater sustainability – attributes increasingly valued in modern agriculture. The Ankole represents a perfect marriage of traditional farming wisdom and contemporary environmental concerns, making them appealing to forward-thinking agriculturalists.
As the Ankole Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa (established in 2018) continues to promote the breed, we can expect further refinement of South African Ankole genetics through selective breeding programmes. The importation of superior bloodlines through embryo implantation from top bulls and cows is already enhancing herd quality on farms focused on commercial viability.
The society’s emphasis on documenting bloodlines ensures future generations of South African Ankole will maintain their distinctive characteristics while being optimised for local conditions. This careful balance between preservation and improvement promises to strengthen the breed’s position in the agricultural landscape.
