Record-Breaking Success at the 5th Ankole National Auction
R11 Million Raised in Celebration of Elite Genetics and Breeder Growth
📍 Bona Bona Game Lodge, North West | 📆 21 June 2025
The Ankole Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa hosted its 5th Annual National Auction on 21 June 2025, and what a day it was for the South African Ankole community. With sales topping R11 million, the event underscored the rising demand for exceptional genetics, diverse bloodlines, and the majestic beauty of Ankole cattle with their iconic long horns.
Auction Highlights That Turned Heads
The standout of the day was Massai, a nine-month-old bull calf who fetched an incredible R725 000. This young bull, offered in Lot 11 by Ubhejane Wildlife and Full Blood Genetics (in partnership with Claire and Martin Joubert), was the first live animal from newly imported 2023 Ugandan genetics offered at auction – a landmark moment for the industry.
Another highlight came in the form of elite embryo transfer recipients.
Lot 35, a recipient cow carrying an embryo from the powerful 60 1/8” horned Dembe (BE501) and the 52” E731 dam, sold for R600 000.
Lot 36, offered by Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, featured a different dam (45 2/8” E701) but the same elite sire and sold for R500 000.
These lots are part of a strategic movement to introduce Ugandan genetics into South African herds and enhance diversity.
Ankole 5th National Auction Results: A Showcase of Premier Cattle
Premium Lineages Fetch Premium Prices
Another showstopper was Akani, an impressive cow from the Kilima Horned Heritage Program, who sold for R600 000. With a 42” tip-to-tip spread and pregnant by the 52”+ Maximus bull, Akani represented a blend of trophy quality and breeding power.
Lot 6, known as Dottie, was a 3-in-1 package (cow, calf at foot, and certified pregnant), selling for R525 000. Her sire, Gundo, and the legendary Mr President as the sire of the unborn calf, make this a top-tier genetic investment.
Novagrace (Lot 40), also from Kilima, sold as a 3-in-1 package for R500 000. With a 52 6/8” tip-to-tip horn span and a stellar pedigree featuring Dyambo and Avamay, this cow is a genetic powerhouse in her prime.
Strong Showing by Cattle Group Farming
Cattle Group Farming was proud to present two top-performing cows:
Lot 51, a 16-year-old matriarch, sold for R450 000, bringing with her the blood of Mr President and Botse, boasting over 44” horns and wide bases.
Lot 57, a 3-year-5-month cow, sold for R450 000 with a calf sired by 48”+ Google, and shared the same dam as Lot 51 – allowing buyers to compare sire influence across the same female line.
The Value of Investing in Ankole
The auction proved once again that Ankole cattle are more than just beautiful – they are an investment in resilience, premium genetics, and future herd quality. From sub-adult heifers to 3-in-1 packages and cutting-edge embryo transfers, breeders showed strong confidence in the future of the breed in South Africa.
Original article posted 25 June 2025 By Maile Matsimela: https://www.africanfarming.com/2025/06/25/calf-leads-ankole-auction/
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