BXB cattle breed ideal for Southern African beef production

By Annelie Coleman |1 July 2024 | 7:25 pm

The BXB, crossbred from Braunvieh and Brahman cattle, will add value to virtually any beef production concern in Southern Africa, according to Auroa Braunvieh owners Lourens and Henriette Le Grange, who pioneered the BXB in Namibia. They attribute this to the combination of both breeds’ outstanding traits.

“The Braunvieh is the ideal option for cross breeding of beef cattle in Africa. The breed is known for exceptional milk production, outstanding fertility, endurance and calving ease,” said Lourens.

“Brahmans, on the other hand, fare extremely well in cross breeding because of the high level of hybrid vigour shown by the offspring of these crosses.”

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Crossing the two breeds has resulted in females that are able to and raise a heavy weaner of between 260kg and 280kg annually. The BXB is known for

exceptional growth, extraordinary meat and milk production, stamina and adaptability.

Crossing white Brahmans with Braunvieh results in a dark animal with a characteristic white muzzle and nose. The BXB is even-tempered and early maturing.

According to South African BXB producer Andre Reitsma, the cattle are widespread in South Africa and can be found in, among others, the Kalahari and Karoo.

The Le Granges added that the BXB’s toughness and flexibility made it suited to the most extensive cattle farming conditions in Namibia.

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Reitsma explained that BXB weaners were favoured by the South African feedlotting industry. The crosses are also ideal for oxen production and are comfortably grown out on the veld. BXB heifers are popular and sought after as future herd dams.