Our latest quarantine was one to remember — not only did we successfully prepare a consolidated group of high-quality Jersey and Holstein heifers for export to Zambia, but we also welcomed a new breed onto our quarantine farm: Chianina bulls.
The dairy heifers were sourced for multiple clients, carefully selected for their dairy traits and conformation. They handled the quarantine period exceptionally well, and we’re proud to be sending off another group of healthy, productive animals into Zambia’s growing dairy sector.
The Chianina bulls, on the other hand, added a bit of excitement to the quarantine process. Known as one of the oldest and largest cattle breeds in the world, Chianinas originate from Italy and are prized for their lean meat, hardiness, and impressive muscle development. This was the first time we had them in quarantine — and it required a more patient approach.
These bulls hadn’t been handled much before arrival, so we kept them in our kraal and gradually got them accustomed to us and the crush. Our vet came out for routine testing, including sheath washes — a process that took a little longer than usual as we had to gently coax them into the crush with some feed and encouragement.
It’s always rewarding to see nervous animals settle in and respond positively to calm, consistent handling. We’re proud of our team for ensuring everything went smoothly — and we’re excited to see these genetics making their way north into Zambia.
To all our clients receiving animals from this group — we wish you every success with your new livestock. May they thrive in your herds and contribute positively to your breeding and production goals.
