Meet South Africa’s only herd of iconic Murray Grey cattle

Johannes and Marijke Botha’s herd of the Australian Murray Grey cattle is the only one of its kind in South Africa.

Meet South Africa’s only herd of iconic Murray Grey cattle

The breed is genetically very similar to the Angus, with the only difference being the colour. Murray Greys come in grey, dark grey, and dun. Photo: Supplied

The Botha’s Bodeel farm, situated between Viljoenskroon and Bothaville in the Free State, includes a growing herd of Murray Greys. However, plans are afoot to expand the numbers markedly in the foreseeable future by means of an extended artificial insemination programme.

From Australia to the Free State

“[The Murray Grey] was developed in the Murray River [region] on the border between New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. The first one was born in 1905 to a light roan Shorthorn cow and a black Angus bull.

“The characteristically grey animals are known for their outstanding calving and milking abilities, even temperament, and exceptional growth,” explains Johannes.

According to Marijke’s research, some Murray Grey semen from a top Australian bull called Glen Showboat was imported into South Africa in 1999.

Livestock consultant John Boulle, former breed director of the Angus Society of South Africa, confirmed that the semen was brought to South Africa by Tim Arnott, a local semen importer. At the time, 50 straws from Glen Showboat were donated to the Cedara College of Agriculture.

It was during this time that the breed was officially recognised in South Africa as a ‘breed under development’ by the then Registrar of Livestock Improvement.

“Arnott kept the remaining straws. Then, some four years ago, he contacted me to ask if I knew anyone interested in the semen, and I put him in touch with Johannes and Marijke.

“It must be noted that Angus cattle carry a dilution gene, which means that black and red Angus occasionally produce dun calves. Johannes retained some of the dun heifers in his Angus herd and mated them with a black Angus bull, and some of the calves retained the dun colour,” explains John.

Johannes pointed out that genotypical research shows the modern Murray Grey is genetically 99% similar to the Angus, with colour being the only notable difference. Murray Greys can either be grey, dark grey, or dun.

Key characteristics

It is a medium-framed, naturally polled breed, with grey as the dominant colour. Bodeel’s Angus cows that were artificially inseminated with Murray Grey semen produced grey calves, illustrating the dominance of the colour. It doesn’t matter whether a black bull is used on a Murray Grey cow or vice versa; the calves remain grey.

“An interesting fact about the breed is that its skin is black, making it well-suited to hot climates. Because of this dark pigmentation, Murray Greys aren’t prone to skin or eye problems in severe climates,” adds Marijke.

She also praises the Murray Grey’s exceptional fertility. The cows are known for having multiple calves and their capability of successfully raising more than one at a time because of their high milk production and outstanding mothering abilities.