Braford Cattle

The Braford cattle is a crossbreed beef cattle breed developed in Florida, United States, during the 1940s.

Ranchers wanted cattle capable of thriving in Florida’s hot and humid environment while still producing excellent beef.

They crossbred Brahman bulls with Hereford cows and selected offspring that displayed the best traits of both breeds.

The genetic makeup of the Braford is typically 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Hereford.

This ratio is maintained to balance the desirable traits of both breeds.

Australia has its own distinct bloodline of Braford cattle. The Australian Braford was developed in Queensland between 1946 and 1952. This stabilized breed now consists of approximately 50% Hereford and 50% Brahman genetics.

Australian Braford vs. American Braford

The Australian Braford and American Braford share similar origins as crossbreeds between Brahman and Hereford cattle, but they differ in development focus, genetic composition, and environmental adaptation.

Australian vs. American Braford Cattle

Aspect	American Braford	Australian Braford
Genetic Ratio	3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Hereford	50% Brahman, 50% Hereford
Origin Location	Florida, USA	Queensland, Australia
Timeline	1940s	1946–1952
Climate Adaptation	Hot and humid	Hot, dry, and variable
Breed Goals	Pest resistance, beef quality	Drought resilience, rangeland suitability

Characteristics

Colors

The color of this cattle breed is red with white markings.

The white markings are present on the following:

• Face: The face is entirely white, a distinctive trait.
• Underside: The underside of the body, from the chest to the belly, is white.
• Legs: The lower portions of the legs, often extending from the knees and hocks down to the hooves, are white.
• Crest: The top of the neck and shoulders may feature white patches.
• Tail: The tip or base of the tail often has white markings.

These white markings on Braford cattle are inherited from their Hereford parent breed, contributing to their recognizable and consistent appearance.

There are no significant differences in color between the American and Australian breeds.

Skin and Coat

The skin is loose and pliable, and the coat is short and sleek.

Australian Brafords have a slightly different coat texture due to selective breeding for Australian climates.

Head, Face, Eyes, Ears

The head is well-proportioned to the body, with a broad and full forehead. The ears, a trait inherited from the Brahman lineage, are medium to large in size and may be either straight or drooped.

The eyes are well-shielded, offering protection from sunlight, and feature red pigmentation, which helps reduce the risk of eye problems.

The nose is black, with large nostrils, and the broad, clean muzzle facilitates efficient feed intake.

Horns

These cattle can be either horned or polled.

Many are naturally horned, with medium-sized, curved horns, a characteristic trait inherited from their Brahman genetics.

Some bloodlines have been selectively bred to be naturally polled.

In cases where they are horned, dehorning is a common practice, particularly in commercial herds, to prevent injuries to other cattle or handlers.

Dewlap, Shoulders, Forearm, Back

The flanks are deep and firm, while the neck is well-balanced with the body. The dewlap is loose, helping the cattle stay cool in hot climates.

The pasterns are moderate in length, giving the animal balance and support. The forearm is well-developed, with straight, untucked elbows.

The shoulders are smooth and flat, promoting smooth movement. A hump, inherited from the Brahman lineage, is a preferred trait.

The heart girth is broad and deep, showing the animal’s ability to eat well and maintain stamina.

The backline is strong and wide, reflecting the cattle’s durability.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are long and full, with ample length between the hip and pin bones. The pin bones are set wide apart, creating a balanced and robust structure. The quarters are long, deep, full, and muscular, with a slight slope that adds to the cattle’s overall functionality and strength.

Sheath

The sheath in bulls is moderate, while females have a large, roomy structure that reflects their feminine traits and strong mothering abilities.

Front and Back Legs

The legs are strong and well-developed, with bones that are proportional to the size of the animal.

Tail

The tail is well-positioned between the pin bones, with a high tail set being undesirable. The tail brush is white.

Testicles

The testicles are neat, proportionate, and have desirable red pigmentation.

Size

These cattle are medium to large in size.

Mature bulls of this breed can grow to a height of 53 inches (135 cm) at the shoulder, whereas cows are shorter, typically standing at 43 inches (110 cm) when fully grown.

Their body length ranges from 5.8 to 6.8 feet (175–205 cm), measured from the nose to the base of the tail.

Lifespan

Braford catttle have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

Braford cattle have a moderate to fast growth rate.

These cattle tend to grow rapidly in their first few months of life, especially if they are provided with a good amount of milk from their mother.

The average daily gain for a calf is 0.8 kg at the lower end to 1.7 kg at the higher end.

This is a steady and efficient growth rate, especially for beef cattle.

Weight

The weight of this breed of cattle can range between 1,200 to 2,200 lbs (540 to 1,000 kg).

Bulls can weigh between 1,900 to 2,200 lbs (860 to 1,000 kg) at maturity, while cows typically weigh between 1,200 to 1,600 lbs (540 to 725 kg).

As with other breeds, females are slightly smaller than males.

The birth weight for calves can range from 66 to 80 lbs (30 to 36 kg).

They are usually weaned at the age of 6 to 8 months, weighing around 440 to 550 lbs (200 to 250 kg), depending on their diet.

At around 12 months, Braford cattle can reach a weight of 770 to 990 lbs (350 to 450 kg) under good conditions.

Slaughtered Time

They can be slaughtered around 17 to 23 months, when they typically reach a live weight, which is also considered a good market weight, of 1,100 to 1,430 lbs (500 to 650 kg).

The dressing percentage of this breed ranges between 55% and 65%. For example, a cattle with a live weight of 1,322 lbs (600 kg) might yield a carcass weight of 793 lbs (360 kg), giving a dressing percentage of 60%.

Temperament

They are well-known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them easier to work with.

Farmers like them because they are not aggressive and are usually easy to handle, whether during health checks, moving them, or working in the fields.

These cattle are also great grazers. They can live and grow well in different types of fields, from rich green pastures to areas with less grass or poor-quality land.

Their Brahman side helps them survive in hot and tough climates, while their Hereford side makes them steady and hardworking grazers.

Although they are gentle and docile, cows with young calves may act protective. While they are not usually aggressive, it is always a good idea to be careful and give them space, especially during calving time.

Meat

The beef from this breed is well-known for its excellent quality.

It is tender, lean, and packed with rich flavor, making it a favorite among both farmers and consumers.

The level of marbling, which affects flavor and juiciness, is moderate. While not as heavily marbled as some breeds, it provides enough fat distribution to enhance the taste without making the meat overly fatty.

Grain-fed animals tend to have slightly more marbling, while grass-fed ones maintain a leaner profile, yet both produce delicious and high-quality cuts.

This meat is versatile and works well in a variety of dishes, from premium steaks to everyday ground beef.

Its combination of tenderness and flavor makes it suitable for both home cooking and restaurant dining.

Raising

Feeding

Braford cattle are natural grazers, so you can feed them a variety of grasses.

Common types of grass in their diet include Bermuda grass, Bahia grass, and ryegrass, which provide the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.

You can also give them grains as a supplement to their diet. Common options include corn, soybeans, wheat, and barley, which provide extra energy and improve their overall nutrition.

In addition to these, you can also include legumes like clover, alfalfa, and vetch in their diet.

During the winter months, or when grazing lands have poor-quality forage, hay becomes an important part of their diet. Hay provides a good source of roughage and nutrients when fresh grass is not available.

Another option for feeding is silage, which is fermented forage stored in airtight conditions. Silage is nutrient-rich and helps support their health during times when fresh feed is limited.

Environment

The ideal environment for Braford cattle is a pasture-based system, where they can graze freely on a variety of grasses and legumes.

However, their high adaptability makes them a reliable breed for a range of other farming operations as well.

Climate

American Braford cattle do well in hot and humid climates, particularly in the southern United States, where they were developed.

While American cattle excel in warmer regions, they can also adapt to temperate climates with proper care.

However, they may not perform as well in very cold or wet environments unless provided with adequate shelter and nutrition. They can handle moderate drought conditions, making them versatile for different grazing systems.

Australian Braford cattle are highly suited to hot, dry, and semi-arid regions of Australia, particularly in Queensland and northern areas where pastures can be sparse.

These cattle are extremely adaptable and can thrive in tropical climates with high humidity as well as in semi-arid environments.

While they are primarily built for tough Australian conditions, they can also perform well in temperate zones if managed properly.

Shelter

If you want to raise them, you need to provide shelter.

In hot and humid regions, shelter is not strictly necessary as long as they have access to shade from trees or other simple structures to protect them from direct sunlight.

In colder weather, shelter becomes important. While their Hereford genetics provide some tolerance to cooler conditions, prolonged exposure to rain, wind, or freezing temperatures can harm their health and reduce weight gain or milk production.

You can provide them:

• Windbreaks (natural or man-made) to shield them from cold winds.
• A simple barn or covered area for protection from snow, heavy rain, or freezing conditions.

How many cattle per acre?

You need 3 to 3.5 acres per Braford cattle.

The number of cattle you can raise per acre depends on several factors, including the type of pasture, climate, and forage quality.

On high-quality pasture, you may need less land, or you could raise more than one cow per acre. In dry climates or poor grazing areas, you may require anywhere between 5 to 10 acres per cow, or even more.

Here are additional guidelines to consider:

• A mature cow can graze 2 to 3% of its body weight daily.
• If you don’t have enough land or the pasture is of low quality, you can increase their supplemental feed to meet their nutritional needs.

Breeding

These cattle can be bred using either natural mating or artificial insemination (AI).

Artificial insemination is often preferred in breeding programs as it allows for the selection of superior genetics

The best time to breed a cow is during her estrus cycle, which occurs every 18-24 days. It’s important to identify signs of heat, such as restlessness, mounting behavior, and increased vocalization, to ensure successful breeding.

Cows are bred for the first time at around 15 to 18 months of age.

The goal is for the cow to calve at around 2 years old, which maximizes her reproductive efficiency. The gestation period is of 283 days or roughly 9 months.

They have excellent mothering abilities, being both attentive and protective. Most cows produce an adequate amount of milk of, which is essential for the growth and health of the calf during its early stages of life.

During calving, cows generally have few complications, thanks to their moderate frame size and well-adapted anatomy.

Terminal vs. Maternal

Primarily, these cattle are a maternal breed, but they also possess qualities that make them valuable in terminal production systems.

Health Issues

They can be affected by common cattle diseases.

However, due to their hybrid vigor, they are more resilient to certain conditions:

• Resistance to heat-related diseases
• Tick-borne diseases ^{(see refs.)}
• Bloat
• Eye diseases

Why should you raise it?

Braford cattle are good cattle for those living in hot, humid, or dry climates.

If you live in a moderate or cold climate, do not choose Braford cattle, as they do not develop well in those conditions.

As a beef breed, they are ideal for homesteaders and farmers.

Their price range, between $1,400 and $3,850, makes them a more affordable option compared to breeds like Beefmaster, which often have much higher initial costs.

Despite the price difference, Braford cattle are similar in size and weight to Beefmaster, offering great value for meat production.

Their low maintenance and high adaptability are major advantages. These cattle are hardy and require minimal veterinary care, keeping expenses low. They produce high-quality carcasses with lean, flavorful meat, making them a great option for personal use or as a small-scale business.

Advantages

• Heat Tolerance: They are adapted to hot and humid climates
• Hardiness: Resilient to challenging environments
• Longevity: Productive for a long period, reducing the need for frequent replacements
• Versatility: Performs well in both pasture-based systems and mixed feeding systems
• Maternal qualities: Excellent mothering abilities, with cows being attentive
• Disease resistance
• Calving Ease
• Good Carcass and high-quality meat

Disadvantages

• Cold susceptibility: Less suited to extremely cold climates
• Lower Marbling: Beef marbling is moderate, which may not meet the standards of certain markets
• Less Suited for Intensive Feedlots: While they can adapt, they are better suited for grazing

References

• Tick-borne diseases of Cattle ^link