Photo: Annelie Coleman
Christiaan de Jager, who founded the first Chianina stud in South Africa, told Farmer’s Weekly at Nampo 2025 that the breed was the “feedlot industry’s dream”, due to its outstanding feed conversation rates and dressing percentages of between 63% and 65%.
It is also an ideal breed for extensive production, said De Jager, due to its walking ability.
“The Chianina’s […] walking ability [is] comparable to that of game species, such as the kudu and eland. [Its strong legs] enable them to walk long distances between grazing areas and water sources in semi-arid areas,” he said.
@farmersweeklysa The Chianina cattle breed has the potential to become a game changer in the South African beef cattle production sector. This Italian breed is known for its optimal and high-quality meat production. #SACattle #farming #Boer#farmtok #agriculturetiktok#FarmersWeeklySA #Nampo ♬ original sound – Farmer’s Weekly SA
The breed’s black skin makes the Chianina resistant to extreme heat, said De Jager.
“The Chianina is a hardy animal, with incomparable resistance to pests and parasites,” he said.
READ Chianina cattle: The gentle white Italian giant
Despite their large size, with bulls often reaching heights of over 180cm at the shoulder, the breed is even tempered.
The Chianina is exceptionally adaptable, and performs well under a wide variety of conditions in Southern Africa, said De Jager.
In South Africa, there are currently 28 Chianina registered stud breeders.
