14-07-2025
Hardy, 'eco-friendly' Nguni cattle may be a value breed as climate changes
Farmers and researchers hope the birth of a new generation of hardier, more heat-resistant cattle on a West Australian farm will spur the breed's adoption across the country.
Originally from Eastern Africa, Nguni cattle are bred to survive in tough landscapes, which advocates say makes them ideal for regional Australia.
The new herd was born on Whitby Falls Farm, run by Murdoch University south of Perth, to educate veterinary students and research the breed.
Murdoch University animal reproduction expert and research lead Pete Irons said Nguni cattle had adapted over many centuries to harsh environments.
"They're very light on the land … they're very efficient at utilising resources … their ability to conserve nitrogen [and] recycle nitrogen in their bodies is all very highly developed," he said.
The cattle's skin contains an oily substance that reflects the sun's rays, and they are also able to regulate their body temperature very effectively.
Dr Irons said these characteristics contributed to the breed's ability to tolerate tough conditions, making them a desirable livestock option in drought and heatwave-prone regions like WA.
"[They're also] highly disease resistant and very fertile," he said.
"So despite being in very harsh environments, they're able to breed and reproduce very successfully."
Nguni breeder Ed Rous said they produced less methane than other breeds, and were the best cattle for any sustainable farming operation.
The red-meat industry recently abandoned its target of net-zero emissions by 2030, claiming the goal was not possible.
However, Dr Irons said the beef industry needed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and the Nguni offered an environmentally friendly step in the right direction.
"Anything we can do to address [those emissions] by creatively using different breeds of animals with unique genetics like this and farming efficiently … that will, by its very nature, reduce methane emissions," he said.
"This breed has real advantages here in Western Australia that the farming community should take seriously, especially as we move more and more into drought conditions [and] resource constraints.
"We think it's a breed we should be looking at."
Mr Rous said while interest in breeding Nguni cattle had been growing, the market remained focused on larger breeds such as Angus and Hereford.
"I feel the place in the sun for the Nguni is definitely more sustainable operations where people are farming paddock to plate because of their good meat … you can value-add by selling the product directly yourself," he said.
Mr Rous said he hoped research, like the studies being done by Murdoch University, would raise awareness about the breed.
"I have no doubt that they are capable of doing exceptionally well and they've proven to me that they [can], but I'm hoping we get more and more Australians interested in them," he said.
Murdoch student vet Caitlin Cooper said she expected the breed to have a "huge impact" moving forward.
"They truly are [the ultimate survivors] … they're tick resistant, heat resistant and in this current climate we need a resistant breed," she said.
"It's just about getting the word out about the Ngunis because I think that's the way into the future."
