Record R2.05 Million Savannah Breeder set for Six Nations Livestock Genetics Expo 11-12 th Sept
The Six Nations Expo team interviewed Mr. Andrew Roberts, CEO of Maize Valley and renowned livestock breeder, who set records earlier this year by selling a top-tier Savanna buck for 2 million Rands (16,373,446.35 Kenyan Shilling) at an elite production auction in SA.
Here is his expert insight on breeding championship-caliber Savanna bucks suited for African rangelands.
Q: What is the core secret behind producing a record-breaking Savanna buck?
A: Quality always beats quantity. At Maize Valley, we only retain the top 15% of our flock for stud breeding. You cannot compromise on functional efficiency, structural correctness, and skin pigmentation. A great buck must have a thick, pliable hide, short white hair, and masculine power combined with absolute mobility.
Q: How do Savanna goats handle the diverse and harsh African ASAL climates compared to other meat breeds?
A: Their black skin and thick white coats give them natural thermal protection. They resist intense heat, intense sunlight, and heavy parasite pressure far better than traditional commercial breeds. They are built to trek across arid zones without dropping body condition, which makes them exceptional adapters in regions prone to dry spells.
Q: What role does strict selection play in early development and structural growth?
A: Selection is your most powerful management tool. We cull aggressively for maternal traits, fertility, and structural soundness from day one. If a ewe doesn't twin easily or possess strong mothering instincts with high milk yield, she doesn't stay. The buck inherits these robust survival and growth traits, which translates directly to rapid weight gains in commercial crossbreeding.
Q: What is your primary nutritional and ranch management advice for upcoming stud breeders?
A: Keep your grazing ranches rested on a rotational basis. Land needs recovery just like livestock. Supplement with basic phosphate licks in the wet months and maintenance licks when forage quality drops in the dry season. Sound pasture management prevents mineral deficiencies and ensures steady, structural frame development in young bucks.
Six Nations Livestock Expo
Thank you Henry for this opportunity to interact and share our experiences with Eastern Africa young, pastrolists, governments and established breeders at the Six Nations Livestock Genetics Expo. Six Nations Livestock Expo is the right way to grow the art of breeding in this region. We trust we shall do lots of nyama choma at the expo.
