Omega was purchased in a private sale and selected for his horn development (currently measuring 44” and expected to reach 60”), body size for his age, conformation, fertility, and temperament. He was sired by Optimus Prime, renowned for his 68” horns. His grandsires are Tshinakaho and Maximus, and his pedigree includes the well-known Ankole animals Kyasha, Akira, and Maxsina.
Hertie Lerm, one of Cattle Group’s three owners, said Omega has the potential to become the biggest functional bull in South Africa.
“Besides his excellent horn length, he has an exceptional pedigree, a well-balanced body, and an excellent temperament,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
How the sale came about
Rather than changing hands at auction, Omega was sold privately after months of negotiations between Full Blood Genetics and Cattle Group. Hertie said the process began when Full Blood Genetics co-founder Martin Joubert posted a photograph of Omega on the Ankole Cattle Society of South Africa breeders’ WhatsApp group.
Omega’s symmetrical horns and body size immediately caught Hertie’s attention, prompting him to view the bull soon afterwards. Joubert initially declined to sell, but negotiations continued over the months that followed before both parties eventually reached an agreement.
Hertie then returned for a second inspection with his father, Nico, and business partner Walter Kinnear before the sale was concluded.
Building on optimus prime genetics
Cattle Group, owned by Nico, Hertie, and Walter, was established in 2020 and runs one of the largest Ankole stud herds in the country. The herd already carries offspring of Optimus Prime, as well as Bumblebee, a full brother of Optimus Prime that the group has used in its breeding programme for several years.
Hertie said the purchase supports the group’s goal of improving its stud genetics and maintaining its position as an industry leader.
“As one of the biggest [Ankole] studs in South Africa, we want to remain one of the leaders in the industry and breed the best possible animals. We believe Omega fits in perfectly,” he said.
Breeding plans
Cattle Group wants to breed more 60” bulls and cows that combine long, symmetrical horns with strong body structure. Hertie believes Ankole cattle should carry both horn length and sound conformation, and that an animal’s functionality matters as much as its appearance. He expects Omega’s progeny to combine these characteristics.
Hertie added that the purchase demonstrates the group’s confidence in the Ankole industry and reflects the prices buyers are prepared to pay for sought-after genetics.
