When Cattle Group announced that it had bought Omega for R5.5 million, making him the most expensive Ankole bull ever sold in South Africa, it raised the question: What makes one breeding bull worth that much?
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
One of the first points of interest surrounding Omega’s record-breaking sale was whether the bull had been bought at auction or through a private transaction. Hertie Lerm of Cattle Group says Omega was acquired through a private sale following months of discussions with Full Blood Genetics.
The process began when Martin Joubert of Full Blood Genetics shared a photograph of Omega on an Ankole Society of South Africa social media page. “I immediately saw that this was something very special,” Lerm says.
He contacted Joubert and arranged to view the bull. At the time, however, Joubert had no intention of selling Omega. Following lengthy discussions, Joubert eventually agreed to consider an offer. Hertie Lerm, together with Nico Lerm and Walter Kinnear of Cattle Group, returned to inspect the bull before the parties reached an agreement.
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Investing in exceptional genetics
For many livestock farmers, spending R5.5 million on a single breeding bull may seem extraordinary. Lerm believes Omega’s combination of youth, size and elite bloodlines justifies the investment.
At just three years and two months old, Omega already has horns measuring more than 44 inches. Lerm believes they could eventually reach 60 inches.
His impressive horn development may be the first trait to catch the eye, but the purchase was based on far more than horn size. The bull’s overall conformation, fertility potential and structural soundness were all considered. He has the combination of traits sought in a top breeding bull.
“But his horn development and exceptional body size for his age were the biggest attractions,” Lerm says. “The fact that he is the same size as most fully grown, high-quality bulls gave us great confidence.”
Pedigree also played a decisive role in the purchase. Omega is sired by the renowned 65-inch Optimus Prime, and his grandsires are the celebrated Tshinakaho and Maximus, names synonymous with elite Ankole genetics.
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Building on a strong foundation
Amid the widespread attention around the price paid for Omega, Lerm points out that Cattle Group is no stranger to Optimus Prime genetics. The herd already includes several of Optimus Prime’s offspring, and Omega’s full brother, Bumblebee, has been used successfully in the breeding programme for several years. Even so, Lerm believes Omega offers something truly exceptional.
Cattle Group, which has one of South Africa’s largest Ankole stud herds, believes that maintaining world-class genetics is essential to staying at the forefront of Ankole breeding. “We believe it is important to maintain the highest possible quality and continue breeding with the best animals available,” Lerm says.
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Breeding the next generation of champions
Looking ahead, Lerm says Omega will play a central role in Cattle Group’s long-term breeding strategy. The aim is to produce more 60-inch bulls while also breeding females with symmetrical horns, excellent body conformation and strong functional traits.
“We believe Ankole cattle should not only have impressive horns but should also combine horn length with strong body conformation and overall functionality,” he says. “Our goal is to produce animals that excel in all these characteristics.”
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