Chulu Herd Development
Chulu Borans started with a nucleus of 20 cows purchased from Grasmere Stud in 1999. We took over the entire Grasmere stud the following year. We have gradually built up the herd over decades to what it is today. The strong Grasmere-Chulu genetic lines are predominant, further reinforced and developed by semen, embryos, and live animals purchased locally and imported from Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
From 2008 to 2012 we ran large embryo transfer programs. We flushed embryos from our nucleus herd of superior females and used all available suitable recipient cows. This resulted in over 250 high-quality embryo calves being born and these now form the solid backbone of the stud today. In four years, we made fifteen years of remarkable genetic progress.
Over the same period, we exported embryos to Namibia and South Africa with the goal of establishing a pool of Chulu Boran genetics to facilitate the exchange of genetics within the region. Our South African partners in Chulu Borans South Africa are Francois and Rene Smit of Fonteine Borans. Our Namibian partner in Chulu Borans Namibia is Heiko Hennes of Omakwara Boran Stud.
Artificial Insemination Program
Field Day
Young Cattlemen
Breeding Policies
Our breeding policies emphasise performance balanced with structural soundness. There are strict selection criteria for fertility, milk production and growth. The result is a uniform herd of medium framed Zambian Borans adapted to the harsh conditions in central Africa.
Inbreeding is well managed, assisted by a policy of introducing new genetics continuously. Currently there are over twelve bloodlines in the herd. Crossing these lines maximises hybrid vigour, resulting in stronger and healthier offspring. All return bull buyers can select a bull which is not related to daughters of their previous Chulu bull.
Grass
Our Grass Pastures photos under the Chulu Gallery illustrates pasture development.