Drakensberger

The Drakensberger is a South African beef cattle breed descended from indigenous Sanga-type cattle and the hardy black cattle kept by early settler farmers. It is closely associated with the Drakensberg region and the long-distance treks that helped shape cattle suited to southern African veld. Drakensbergers are usually solid black, smooth coated, well pigmented, and medium to large framed, with a reputation for sound feet, fertility, and practical maternal ability rather than extreme size.

On farms they are used mainly as beef cows and as a maternal base in crossbreeding programs, especially where heat, seasonal grazing, ticks, and long walking distances are part of normal management. They generally suit pasture and veld systems better than intensive feeding alone, although young stock can finish well when nutrition is available. Buyers usually look for functional udders, calm handling, good scrotal development in bulls, and cattle raised under conditions similar to their own farm.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow