An in-calf Ankole heifer has set a new South African record for a female animal across cattle breeds after selling for R6.4m at the Ntaba Nyoni & Friends auction near Bela-Bela in Limpopo.
Source: Screengrab via @ntabanyoni_ankole Instagram account
Queen Arusha (NANK23 001), offered as Lot 20, was sold to an undisclosed buyer at the auction held at Phala Phala on 3 October. The sale placed the heifer at the top of the South African market for female cattle, with the R6.4m price representing a record across cattle breeds.
The auction generated R22.5m in turnover, with demand extending beyond live animals into reproductive material. The auction averaged roughly R490,000 per lot.
## Record price for breeding genetics
Queen Arusha was the auction's highest-value animal and is a full sister of Ankole bull Optimus Prime, whose horns measure 68 inches. Her pedigree includes Tshinakaho and Akira, with Kovu further back in the bloodline.
As a stud female, Queen Arusha’s value is tied to the genetics she can contribute to future breeding programmes. The animal's breeding potential and genetic lineage help explain the premium attached to the heifer.
For stud breeders, the value of an elite female can extend well beyond the initial purchase, particularly where reproductive technologies can be used to expand access to desirable genetics.
Semen and embryos gain value
Demand for Ankole genetics was also evident in the reproductive-material categories. Two sexed semen straws from Optimus Prime sold for R250,000 each, while 37 semen straws brought in R1.235m and 19 embryos generated R1.445m.
The R250,000 price for a single straw represented the highest price achieved in the semen category at the auction and was reported as a record for sexed semen across cattle breeds.
These results demonstrate how the market for elite genetics can operate alongside the market for live breeding animals, with semen and embryos providing alternative routes for breeders to access valuable bloodlines.
Strong prices across categories
The auction attracted around 120 registrations, while approximately 100 people attended in person. The event drew more than 100 attendees alongside its registered bidders.
Ten bulls sold for a combined R2.75m, averaging R275,000, with the top bull reaching R650,000.
Eight heifers averaged R482,500, with the highest selling for R900,000. Four pregnant cows averaged R432,500.
Two cows with calves changed hands for R550,000 each, while two three-in-one lots averaged R425,000. Four recipient animals averaged R425,000, with the highest reaching R550,000.
The results illustrate the breadth of demand across Ankole breeding stock, with particularly strong premiums attached to animals with valuable reproductive potential. Pregnant heifers were among the auction's strongest-performing categories.
Ankole market continues to grow
Queen Arusha's R6.4m sale marks a significant step up from previous high-value Ankole transactions in South Africa. Fafa sold for R2.1m in 2022, while Khethiwe reached R1.8m in 2024.
The breed has established a specialist position within South Africa's stud cattle market, where breeders are placing increasing emphasis on genetics and reproductive performance.
Ankole cattle originated in Uganda and were introduced to South Africa through imported embryos, partly because of animal-health restrictions. The first Fullblood offspring were auctioned in 2016, with the breed receiving official recognition in 2019.
The domestic registered population has also expanded. South Africa recorded roughly 1,800 registered Ankole cattle by 2025, including 1,198 Fullblood animals.
Queen Arusha's record price therefore reflects more than a single exceptional auction result. It points to the growing commercial value being attached to elite Ankole genetics and the reproductive opportunities they offer South African breeders.
