What risk mitigation factor do Nguni offer despite slower maturation than Angus or Hereford?

Higher probability of surviving feed scarcity during dry spells

While Nguni cattle exhibit a slower maturation rate compared to fast-growing European breeds like Angus or Hereford, which require a longer time to reach market weight, their primary economic benefit lies in risk mitigation against environmental volatility. Their inherent hardiness, which includes the ability to maintain body condition on marginal grazing land, ensures a higher probability of survival and continued productivity during extended periods of feed scarcity, such as severe droughts. Producers often accept the trade-off of a longer time on the hoof because the reliability of having a productive, healthy animal when specialized breeds might fail under stress offers substantial economic insurance against climate challenges.