The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance and incidences of health disorders of the Drakensberger breed to the collective total of all other beef breeds in feedlots. The objective was to conduct a meta-analysis on the performance, health and centralised growth data (Phase C) of all cattle breeds from different regions in South Africa. The intention was not to compare different breeds with each other but only the Drakensberger breed to other breeds and crossbreeds generally found in feedlots. Results from Phase C performance tests at the centres, as well as historical growth and health data were gathered from a number of feedlots. Data from feedlots were only accepted when individual animal records were kept; classification was according to breed type; and when Drakensbergers were present in the particular feedlot. The aim was to utilise historical records of up to ten years per feedlot. After initial processing and elimination of outliers, a meta-analysis was performed on the growth data. Each feedlot was analysed separately, followed by a final meta-analysis, which incorporated results from all the feedlots. It included 497 798 head of cattle from 5 feedlots, with a separate analysis on Phase C performance test data, comprising of 6139 animals from 4 Agricultural Research Council (ARC) test centres. Health data from 2 feedlots, comprising of 24 819 animals, along with Phase C performance test data from 2 ARC test centres, including 1746 head of cattle, were analysed. The variables included in the analysis were: average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality and morbidity ratios and type of disease or disorder. In addition to determining the individual effects of breed, sex, season, year, region and diseases, possible interactions amongst these factors were investigated. The meta-analysis on the feedlot performance and Phase C performance tests revealed that other breeds had a higher (P < 0.01) ADG than Drakensbergers. No difference was observed between Drakensbergers and other breeds within gender and within season. The meta-analysis on Phase C performance test data showed no significant difference in FCR between Drakensbergers and other breeds. A feedlot study, including 23 554 head of cattle, has shown that Drakensbergers have a higher rate (P < 0.01) of respiratory disease occurrence during the winter season than other breeds. Likewise, results from the ARC test centre in Irene, consisting of 1553 animals, reveal that the occurrence of respiratory diseases was less (P < 0.01) in other breeds than in Drakensbergers. However, there seem to be no significant differences in the occurrence of metabolic disturbances and other diseases between Drakensbergers and other breeds. Although a statistical difference of only 20 grams per day (P < 0.01) in ADG were found between Drakensbergers and other breeds in feedlots and test centres, the biological and economical effect would most probably be insignificant. The large dataset of close to 500 000 cattle also contributed to such a small weight difference being significant. The majority of the contributing feedlots stated that their record keeping lack accuracy and do not comprise of a complete set of health data. Readers are therefore advised to interpret the health data analyses with caution as the analyses are not representative of the actual health status of cattle in the feedlot industry, simply because accurate data does not exist. / Dissertation (MSc(Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The Drakensberger is a medium-framed black cattle breed indigenous to South Africa. The breed is concentrated mainly in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Free State and Kwazulu Natal. The breed fares well in key requirements for successful cattle farming. The North West Province and Northern Free State are some of the major cattle producing areas in South Africa. The Drakensberger does not enjoy a large market share in the region, at around 5-10%. The reasons for this lack of popularity of the breed are not evident. The study aims to establish why the breed in the region does not have the market share it seemingly deserves. Farmers are resistant to farm with the breed despite its good qualities. A literature review was performed to gain background on the cattle industry. Some breeds, their attributes and reasons for being successful, were explored. The Drakensberger was researched in detail, examining the breed’s potential. From literature it was evident that the breed has no fatal flaws and even outperforms certain breeds in some aspects. The current positioning of the breed in the market was described. A questionnaire was designed in order to determine which cattle breeds respondents prefer, why they prefer these breeds, what the sentiment of respondents in the region is towards the Drakensberger and reasons for the sentiments. A sample was selected and the questionnaires were completed through personal interviews. The areas covered were in the North West and Northern Free State. From the responses it was established that almost 50% of respondents farm with Bonsmara and Simmentaler breeds. The Drakensberger did not feature highly. It was found that farmers prefer the breeds due to hardiness, fertility, weaning weight and the colour of the breed. The Drakensberger is not a very popular breed and not well known. The main reasons for farmers not choosing the breed are based on a lack of information, perceptions that the black breed is more sensitive towards heat and that farmers preferred cattle. Respondents indicated being somewhat aware of evidence dispelling perceptions around the breed and indicated that the research is valuable to an extent. It was concluded that the Drakensberger is not reaching its potential in the region due to the black colour of the breed and due to a lack of quality information of the breed. It is recommended that a focused information and promotion campaign be launched in order to improve the image of the breed and to increase market share. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

The Drakensberger is a medium-framed black cattle breed indigenous to South Africa. The breed is concentrated mainly in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Free State and Kwazulu Natal. The breed fares well in key requirements for successful cattle farming. The North West Province and Northern Free State are some of the major cattle producing areas in South Africa. The Drakensberger does not enjoy a large market share in the region, at around 5-10%. The reasons for this lack of popularity of the breed are not evident. The study aims to establish why the breed in the region does not have the market share it seemingly deserves. Farmers are resistant to farm with the breed despite its good qualities. A literature review was performed to gain background on the cattle industry. Some breeds, their attributes and reasons for being successful, were explored. The Drakensberger was researched in detail, examining the breed’s potential. From literature it was evident that the breed has no fatal flaws and even outperforms certain breeds in some aspects. The current positioning of the breed in the market was described. A questionnaire was designed in order to determine which cattle breeds respondents prefer, why they prefer these breeds, what the sentiment of respondents in the region is towards the Drakensberger and reasons for the sentiments. A sample was selected and the questionnaires were completed through personal interviews. The areas covered were in the North West and Northern Free State. From the responses it was established that almost 50% of respondents farm with Bonsmara and Simmentaler breeds. The Drakensberger did not feature highly. It was found that farmers prefer the breeds due to hardiness, fertility, weaning weight and the colour of the breed. The Drakensberger is not a very popular breed and not well known. The main reasons for farmers not choosing the breed are based on a lack of information, perceptions that the black breed is more sensitive towards heat and that farmers preferred cattle. Respondents indicated being somewhat aware of evidence dispelling perceptions around the breed and indicated that the research is valuable to an extent. It was concluded that the Drakensberger is not reaching its potential in the region due to the black colour of the breed and due to a lack of quality information of the breed. It is recommended that a focused information and promotion campaign be launched in order to improve the image of the breed and to increase market share. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

There is currently no strategic marketing plan for stud or commercial breeders of the Drakensberger breed of cattle in South Africa. This study aims to determine what strategic marketing plans can be employed that could be successful for the different levels of Drakensberger cattle farmers. The analysis set off by a literature review of the beef industry in South Africa. Currently domestic production serves 85% of the local beef market. The literature review showed that, irrespective of breed or geographical area, specific characteristics, such as fertility, adaptability and temperament, could be identified as critical success factors for the beef industry. The Drakensberger as competitive breed of cattle, is also analysed within a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), while the beef industry is analysed by means of Porter's 5-forces model. From the results conclusions were made on the farming profile of the Drakensberger farmers, their marketing orientation, as the important elements relevant to a marketing plan of the Drakensberger breed of cattle. This includes attractive promotional and advertising possibilities, pricing and product promotion activities. A number of marketing recommendations are also made to improve the market share of the Drakensberger breed of cattle in South Africa. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

There is currently no strategic marketing plan for stud or commercial breeders of the Drakensberger breed of cattle in South Africa. This study aims to determine what strategic marketing plans can be employed that could be successful for the different levels of Drakensberger cattle farmers. The analysis set off by a literature review of the beef industry in South Africa. Currently domestic production serves 85% of the local beef market. The literature review showed that, irrespective of breed or geographical area, specific characteristics, such as fertility, adaptability and temperament, could be identified as critical success factors for the beef industry. The Drakensberger as competitive breed of cattle, is also analysed within a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), while the beef industry is analysed by means of Porter's 5-forces model. From the results conclusions were made on the farming profile of the Drakensberger farmers, their marketing orientation, as the important elements relevant to a marketing plan of the Drakensberger breed of cattle. This includes attractive promotional and advertising possibilities, pricing and product promotion activities. A number of marketing recommendations are also made to improve the market share of the Drakensberger breed of cattle in South Africa. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.