They hoped to develop a breed that would be
adapted to their area which was rugged and rocky, with extreme temperatures,
sparse rainfall, and scattered feed. Said Bard, "I want to find
a breed-or make a breed of cattle, that with the same number, on the
same range, will produce more pounds of salable beef."
In 1946, E.S. "Jack" Humphrey joined with
the Bard's and took over the management of the breeding operations.
He combined the genetics of the Africander,
Hereford,
Shorthorn
and Angus
breeds. Africander bulls were bred to Hereford cows.
Walter Kruse in Barzona Cattle estimates
that the Barzona carries all four breeds in about equal proportions.
Production records were maintained a rigid
selection was carried out for fertility, rate of gain and mothering
ability. Those animals with the most desirable records were used back
in the breeding program.
The best cattle in the developing breed were
moved to Bard Kirkland Ranch in 1948, and in 1959 the entire operation
was moved to that ranch.
The ranch was sold and the herd dispersed in
1974. Mrs. F.N. Bard, in correspondence with the author of Modern
Breeds of Livestock, indicates that most of the herd was sold
to breeders in Arizona, but some animals were also sold to the north
and southeast.
General Characteristics
Modern Barzona are a medium size beef animal.
Actual mature size varies somewhat with the environment. It is distinguishable
by its longish head and may be either horned or polled.
Barzona are generally medium red, but color
may vary from dark to light red, with occasional white on the underline
or switch.
Hardiness
The infusion of Africander
blood into the Barzona gene pool has much to do with the breed's exceptional
hardiness. A native African breed, the Africander dates back to the
15th century.
It is known for feet and legs built to handle
rough country, an ability to utilize a high level of browse, as well
as heat tolerance, insect and disease resistance. It is said that
Barzona calves are hardy and exhibit outstanding vigor at birth.
In addition, information from the registry
states that pinkeye and cancer eye are almost nonexistent in the breed
due to their dark pigmentation and deeper eye set.
Barzona cattle were developed for rigorous
range conditions and have performed very well under such environments.
The performance in the feedlot and on slaughter tests have also been
satisfactory.
Barzona cows are considered good mothers and
the bulls are regarded as aggressive in their breeding performance.
Selection has been made for hardiness traits
that include good wearing feet and legs, and the ability to walk with
ease, graze sparse ranges and survive under arid conditions.
Reference:
Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs. Modern Breeds
of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co. 1980
Promotional materials. Barzona Breeder Association
of America, Prescott, AZ
Photographs:
Barzona Breeder Association of America,
Prescott, AZ
