The development of the Barzona began in 1942 by F.N. Bard and his wife, at their ranch in the intermountain desert area of Yavapai County, Arizona. They hoped to develop a breed that would be adaptable to their area which was rugged and rocky, with extreme temperatures, sparse rainfall, and scattered feed. "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", said Bard.

 

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 nad 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. However, according to Ms. Nancy Bard Nunn of Barzona Breeders of America, the Angus influence in the breed has significantly been reduced over the years by eliminating animals with Angus background from the breed to a point where the Barzona cattle of today are without any Angus parentage.

 

Production records were maintained and a rigid selection was carried out for fertility considering 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 orange-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.

 

 

Barzona Breed Associations and Registries

 

United States

Barzona Breeder Association of America
P.O. Box 154
Greenfield, IA 50849
Phone: (641)-745-9170

 

 

References

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