The main object of breeding experiments is to produce beef more efficiently.
With this idea in mind, several synthetic breeds were evolved all with Brahman sire as
sire line mated to cows of breeds such as Shorthorn, Hereford, Simmental or Salers as the
female line. In the United States, a national campaign which promotes leanness in beef has
been launched. The Beef Industry Council of the Meat Board published data which
proves beyond doubt that the carcasses of Longhorn and Hereford cattle are far superior to
those of Brahman. At various livestock shows, the Salers carcasses proved to be very
superior. Hence, it is obvious that Salers x Longhorn crossbred cattle will produce
superior carcasses. Several of the carcass competitions at various shows verified
this assumption. The data accumulated to date concerning the carcass quality of various
beef cattle breeds in the United States and in South Africa prove beyond doubt that
Brahman and Brahman crossbred carcasses are inferior to those of Salers x Longhorn
crossbreds, or the Afrikaner (Bos Indicus with a submetacentric XY chromosome) x British
and European beef cattle in South Africa. This is the reason why I am so enthusiastic
about the SALORN cattle. We can eliminate those factors which are responsible for
the problems we encounter in Brahman cattle.I. Fertility is the most
important single economic factor in livestock production.
II. Adaptability of livestock to a specific environment is an aspect of
livestock production which is completely neglected in the United States. III. Bad
temperament and nervousness in so many cattle is responsible for the high pH of meat.
IV. Prolapse of the prepuce will be eliminated since Longhorn and Salers cows
involved have no problem with bent cervix.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In 1986 the Salorn Breed was officially established, with precise qualifications for
foundation of the new breed. Consisting of 5/8 Salers and 3/8 Texas Longhorn, a
purebred Salorn is achieved only as the second generation of the 5/8 - 3/8 cross.
Hundreds of the composite and purebreds are now in herds across the nation. Their adaptability
from the Gulf Coast to Montana has confirmed the Bonsma concept. Attesting to Dr. Bonsma's
vision, Salorn and percentage Salorn are achieving outstanding carcass results -- and
promise to help cowmen control costs while adding value to each beef. A significant
bonus offered by this breed is unsurpassed calving ease. Many producers, in fact,
are being introduced to the breed when they buy or lease Salorn bulls to use on first-calf
heifers. After virtually eliminating calving difficulties, they notice that their
Salorn-cross calves are growthy, disease resistant and grade out superbly.
International Texas Longhorn Association Article, August 2006
