During many years these cattle became extremely
docile with culling of shy and poor breeders and those cattle that showed
poor temperament.
This selection over many years has supplied modern
man with a basis of good genetic material with which to breed for present
day requirements.
In 1942, while working in the lowveld regions
of Southern Zimbabwe, Mr Len Harvey noticed that there appeared to be
a distinct type of yellow Sanga cattle amongst the ordinary mixed native
stock.
These cattle seemed better adapted to the harsh
local conditions and were superior to other stock. As a result of these
observations the Government then decided to purchase some of these cattle
to see if they could be improved and whether they could breed true to
type.
During 1945, 3000 acres were set aside in the
same area for the establishment of a cattle breeding station. With the
fencing complete in the 1946/47 rainy season a herd consisting of 20
cows and a bull were purchased from local people.
Between 1947 and 1950 the station was run by
Mr Harvey in addition to his other duties. In 1950 however it was decided
that the Station was to serve the whole lowveld and Mr Harvey was appointed
as full time officer in charge. The station was extended to 20,000 acres
and as development and fencing increased, the herd was also increased.
The basic idea of the then named, Tuli Breeding
Station, was to assist in improving stock in the outlying areas of Zimbabwe.
The commercial cattle farmers soon realised the
potential of the breed and for many years breeding stock was sold to
them.
The formation of the Tuli Breed Society took
place in 1961. The Constitution and Regulations of the Society have
received praise from many authorities.
The herd was moved to the Matopos Research Station
in 1979 and as expected, adapted well to its new environment. The breed
was soon to be found thriving throughout Zimbabwe and now in South Africa.
The potential of the Tuli was soon recognised
by South African cattle breeders and numerous imports have resulted
in the establishment of an active, ever increasing breeding population
in South Africa.
High fertility, hardiness, adaptability and excellent
beef qualities, coupled with a docile nature have made the Tuli extremely
popular in straight and cross-breeding programmes.
The most recent development that has led to increased
international interest in the Tuli breed is the discovery, through research
at Clay Centre in Nebraska, USA that the Tuli produces meat of exceptionally
high quality. In a trial of several breeds the Tuli had the most juicy
meat and was second to the Angus for marbling.
The Tuli are naturally polled cattle that have
three basic coat colours i.e. red, yellow and white and variations of
these colors occur.
Use this breed in straight or cross-breeding
programs for its unique combination of attributes, e.g. hardiness, fertility,
adaptability, ease of calving, good mothering ability and excellent
carcass quality.
Information and photographs provided by Select
Genes Ltd., PO Box 494, Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. Phone:
-27-12-6671129 Fax: -27-12-6671827
