Top Fertility!

Animal scientists claim that fertility is the most important factor in any production system. Over the years South Devon females have maintained a favourable fertility profile, which compares well with the national age at first calving and inter-calving averages for all breeds. There have been many instances of longevity of the South Devon cow and they still breed regularly up to a high age.

Docile Temperament

South Devons are renowned for their docile temperament and ease of handling. These outstanding characteristics make the South Devon the ideal breed to use in cross- breeding programmes with breeds where temperament may be a problem. The emerging farmer experiencing the lack of proper handling facilities can definitely benefit from the docility of the South Devon. South Devons are a pleasure to work with!

Milk Production

South Devons being a dual-purpose breed are renowned for their milk and butterfat production ability. In fact some stud breeders still milk their South Devons on a daily basis. Breeding programmes therefore often include the South Devon bull with the object of producing a cross to generate higher milk yields for quicker calf growth and maximum weaner weights. Cross heifers are highly sought after as commercial cows, the advantage being milk and conformation. The resulting higher weaning weights reflect milk production and growth potential. The mothering ability of the South Devon cow is excellent.

High Wean To Cow Ratio

South Devon cows have a favourable ratio between their own weight at weaning and the corresponding weight of calves. In fact the breed annually performs exceptionally well in this regard and constantly achieves a position in the Top 5 of all breeds participating in the scheme. The high weaning weight ratio reflects milk production and growth potential.

Ease Of Calving

Ease of calving is not negotiable for any commercial or stud breeder. The average birth weight during the 2015 calving season was 37 kg.

Good Legs, Hooves & Sheaths

South Devons do not have any sheath problems. The South Devon can play a significant role in crossbreeding programmes with breeds where sheath problems may occur. Functionally correct legs and hooves are characteristics of the breed, which contribute to the South Devon being a hardy animal with the ability to walk long distances.

Growth & Feed Conversion

South Devons have excellent weight-for-age gains. South Devon bulls are subjected to growth tests in terms of Phase C of the National Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme at the various central performance testing stations. Bulls frequently achieve a Top 5 position for ADG and FCR and subsequently the breed can boast some of the best figures in this regard. The society encourages breeders to participate in Phase D on farm growth tests and almost 60-80 bulls are annually growth tested on natural veld conditions.

High Slaughter Out Percentage & Carcass Quality

South Devons are renowned for their good quality carcass with a high slaughter out percentage. This makes the South Devon the perfect animal to use in either pure or crossbreeding purposes! South Devons produce the lean beef now being demanded by the housewife. There is no superfluous fat, but the meat is well marbled. The slaughter out percentage is usually in the region of 60 percent. The future demand will undoubtedly be for beef of this description, with economic cuts of desirable meat, a high slaughter out percentage and finally, satisfied butchers and consumers. The South Devon is often described as the ideal butcher’s beast.

Adaptability

Breeders are spread throughout the country and yet South Devons thrive under all the vastly different climatic conditions found, thus showing remarkable adaptability. The adaptability of the South Devon can be attributed to the fact that they are extremely good grazers and should supplementary feeding be given during winter months, they still go out and make use of the veld.

Red Colour

The medium red colour of the South Devon, with a smooth coat makes them extremely heat tolerant. The South Devon has excellent eye pigmentation. The red colour insures financial benefits for commercial breeders, since red is often the preferred colour in the South African beef industry.