Brahman Cattle

The Brahman is a hybrid breed of domestic cattle primarily known for its use in beef production.

It was developed in the United States during the early 1900s by crossbreeding several Indian cattle breeds, including Gir, Guzerat, and Nellore. These Indian breeds were selected for their natural resistance to heat and disease, which made them well-suited for warmer climates.

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) ^{(see refs.)} was established in 1924 to improve and promote the breed. This organization ensures the quality of Brahman cattle and provides breeding guidelines to maintain their superior traits.

While Brahman cattle originated in the United States, they are now found in many other countries. They are particularly popular in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, where their hardiness and adaptability make them ideal for local farming conditions.

Today, the American Brahman is one of the most well-known beef cattle breeds. in the world. Its lasting popularity is due to its strength, adaptability, and great meat production.

Types of Brahman Cattle

The primary types or strains of Brahman cattle are American Brahman and Australian Brahman.

These two are very similar since the Australian Brahman is directly descended from American Brahman cattle.

However, the Australian Brahman has been selectively bred for decades to meet the specific challenges of Australia’s hotter, drier environment and harsher conditions. This has resulted in some differences in size, hardiness, and pest resistance.

American vs. Australian Brahman Cattle

Aspect	American Brahman	Australian Brahman
Origin	Developed in the USA (early 20th century) using Indian breeds like Gir, Guzerat, Ongole (Nellore), and Krishna Valley.	Developed in Australia (early to mid-20th century) using American Brahman genetics, with additional selection for Australian conditions.
Climate Adaptation	Suited for hot and humid climates, especially in the southern USA.	Adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, including harsher conditions with extreme heat and dry spells.
Primary Use	Beef production, crossbreeding, and adaptability in diverse environments.	Beef production, breeding for drought resilience, and hardiness in the outback.
Genetic Differences	Based on Indian breeds, but refined primarily in the USA.	Largely derived from American Brahman, with additional selection for Australian needs.

In this article, we will primarily focus on the American Brahman, but we will also highlight the main differences with the Australian Brahman where relevant.

Characteristics

Color

Brahman cattle can vary in color, but they are most commonly found in red or gray, ranging from light to dark shades.

The gray cattle often have darker shading on their shoulders, neck, and lower legs, while the body remains lighter. Red Brahmans have a rich reddish-brown color, sometimes with darker tones on the shoulders and legs.

The hump matches the darker tones of the body. In gray Brahmans, the hump is often darker gray or black. For red Brahmans, the hump is usually dark red or brown, blending with the darker areas of the body.

The lips are darkly pigmented, and the hooves are either black or dark brown.

Head, Face, Eyes

The head clearly show whether the animal is male or female. Bulls have a strong, masculine appearance, while cows have a softer, more feminine look. The face is of medium length, with a full nose, wide-open nostrils, and dark lips. The eyes are calm and expressive, with a good amount of space between them.

Horns

Brahman cattle can be either horned or polled.

Horned cattle are known for their curved, upward-facing horns, which add to their distinctive appearance. The horns are of medium length, starting thick at the base and gradually tapering toward the tips. They are light-colored, with darker tips being a common feature.

In American breed, horned cattle are more traditional, but polled lines are being developed and promoted due to their practicality in modern farming.

In Australian breed, both horned and polled varieties are present, with a slight preference for horned cattle in certain regions for environmental or traditional reasons.

Neck and Throat

The neck in bulls is moderately short and muscular, while in cows, it is smoother and blends seamlessly into the shoulders. The throat is clean on the sides but has a slight amount of loose skin, called the dewlap.

Shoulders and Chest

The shoulders are sloping, smooth, and wide at the top, with the hump covering them. The chest is broad and deep, offering good width at the base. The brisket is not prominently visible.

Hump

Bulls have a large hump, located directly over their shoulders. It is thick, slightly bean-shaped, and stretches backward. In cows, the hump is smaller, more oval in shape, and also placed over the shoulders.

Back and Ribs

The ribs curve outward from the spine, providing enough depth to the body. They join smoothly with the loin and shoulders.

The back is wide and slopes gently on the sides when viewed from behind. It has thick, natural muscling.

Sheath and Navel

The sheath is medium-sized and fits closely to the body. It does not hang loosely. For females, the navel is not overly large or prominent. Both excessive sheath and navel size are considered faults.

Loin

The loin is wide, thick, and firm. It blends smoothly into both the back and the rump.

Scrotum and Udder

Bulls display strong masculine features, including a well-formed scrotum with two evenly sized testicles.

Any irregularities in the testicles are considered a serious issue.

Cows look refined and feminine. Their udders are large, fit well against the belly, and extend toward the back without being fleshy. The teats are medium in size and evenly spaced under each quarter.

Rump

The rump is long and wide at the pins, with a slight curve toward the tailhead. It connects smoothly to the loin.

Legs and Feet

The legs are of medium length, straight, and positioned squarely under the body. The bones are strong and clean, leading to dense, well-formed joints. The hind legs, when viewed from behind, are straight but slightly forward-angled below the hocks. The pasterns are firm and slightly sloped. Toes are the same size, straight, and paired with deep heels.

Muscling

The animal shows good muscling. The front legs are set wide apart, with thick shoulders and muscular forearms. The stifles and the area over the top of the back are also well-muscled. The rounds are thick and full, with the widest point halfway between the rump and the hock.

Size

American Brahman cattle are medium to large in size.

These cattle have a height of 50 to 57 inches (128–145 cm) for females, while bulls can reach 55 to 65 inches (140–165 cm)

Australian Brahman cattle are medium-sized.

Lifespan

This cattle breed has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

This lifespan highlights that these cattle are a longevity breed, comparable to other long-lived breeds like Highland and Charolais cattle, and often surpassing the lifespan of their offspring, such as Brangus cattle.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

The growth rate of Brahman cattle is moderate compared with other beef cattle breeds.

The growth rate of Australian cattle is similar to that of American cattle.

These cattle can achieve an average daily weight gain of around 1.5 to 2.0 lbs (0.7 to 0.9 kg) under typical feeding conditions. With optimized feed and management, they may reach 2.5 lbs(1.1 kg) per day in feedlot settings.

While they may not grow as rapidly as some specialized European beef breeds like Charolais or Simmental, they are efficient in converting feed to weight, especially under challenging conditions.

Weight

The weight of a mature bull ranges from 1,600 to 2,200 lbs (725 to 1,000 kg), while a mature cow weighs between 1,000 to 1,400 lbs (450 to 635 kg).

A Brahman calf can have a birth weight of 60 to 88 pounds (27 to 40 kg).

For Australian Brahman, a mature bull weighs between 1,500 to 1,870 lbs (680 to 850 kg), and a mature cow weighs between 880 to 1,210 lbs (400 to 550 kg).

American cattle are heavier than Australian cattle, reflecting their breeding for larger size and feedlot performance, compared to the Australian focus on efficiency and adaptability to harsher grazing conditions.

Slaughtered Time

The age at which Brahman cattle can be slaughtered depends on factors such as their diet.

If the cattle are raised with feedlot finishing, they can be slaughtered between 18 to 24 months. However, if they are raised on pasture, they will take longer to reach optimal weight and can be slaughtered at 24 to 30 months.

The dressing percentage ranges from 50 to 55%.

Temperament

These cattle have a special temperament and behavior, shaped by their natural ability to adapt and their intelligence.

They are very alert and careful, traits that come from their origins in areas where being aware was important for survival. This can make them seem nervous or shy in new situations, but they learn quickly and can adjust well when treated calmly and kindly.

Some farmers mention that bull temperament can occasionally be unpredictable or even aggressive. With proper handling from an early age, this can be minimized, but it is always advisable to remain cautious and vigilant.

During hot days, these cattle move less and often rest in the shade or near water to stay cool. They are good at handling heat and form strong bonds with their herd. They may also protect calves or weaker animals in the group. Their calm nature, even in tough conditions, shows how strong and adaptable they are.

To manage them well, it’s important to treat them gently and use safe facilities. With good care, Brahman cattle are easy to handle and work well in many different environments.

These cattle, however, require more experienced handlers, as their temperament can be challenging at times. Beginners should take the time to learn proper techniques and seek guidance from seasoned professionals to ensure safe and effective management.

Meat

Brahman cattle produce lean meat, which is healthy and rich in nutrients.

The meat has a low marbling percentage of around 1%, which is significantly below the 5% required for beef to be considered premium. However, its leanness makes it a healthy option, packed with vitamin B12, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients.

The leanness also enhances its taste, giving it a distinct flavor compared to other beef.  Their beef is often described as having a rich, beefy flavor, especially when the cattle are finished on high-quality feed.

The pH level of the meat after slaughter ranges from 5.4 to 5.7, which is ideal and ensures there are no dark cutters. The texture of the meat can be firmer and less tender compared to British or European breeds due to its muscle structure and lower marbling.

The ribeye cuts meet beef industry standards in terms of size and quality.

A unique feature of Brahman cattle is their hump, which is actually a muscle. Unlike other cuts of Brahman meat, the hump is heavily marbled, with a marbling percentage of 8% to 10%, making it a premium cut.

Raising

Feeding

These cattle are highly adaptable and can thrive on a wide range of feed, but optimizing their diet ensures better growth, reproduction, and overall health.

Studies show that Brahman cattle demonstrate great feed conversion efficiency.

You can feed them with good-quality grasses such as Bermuda, Bahia, Rhodes, and Pangola grass, especially in tropical and subtropical climates.

Leguminous plants like clover, alfalfa, or leucaena can be included to boost protein intake.

Hay serves as an great supplemental forage during the dry season or when pasture quality is low. Corn or sorghum silage is a great energy source when fresh pasture is unavailable.

Grains such as corn, barley, or sorghum can be added to their diet, particularly for feedlot finishing or to increase energy intake.

However, grain should be introduced gradually to prevent digestive problems like acidosis ^{(see refs.)}.

These cattle also require access to mineral blocks or loose minerals, especially in regions where the soil lacks essential nutrients. Key minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and salt.

They require consistent access to clean, fresh water.

Environment

The ideal environment for these cattle is one where they have access to open pastures that provide ample space to graze and roam freely.

They can adapt to other types of environments as well, but they are naturally active and may show signs of stress if confined for extended periods without adequate space or enrichment.

Climate

Brahman cattle do well in hot and humid climates, making them ideal for tropical and subtropical regions.

They are well-suited to areas with high temperatures, intense sunlight, and limited water availability, thanks to their natural heat tolerance and efficient use of resources.

However, they are not well-adapted to cold or even temperate climates, as they lack the thick coat and body fat needed to protect them from low temperatures.

Prolonged exposure to cold weather can lead to stress, reduced productivity, and health issues, making them unsuitable for regions with harsh winters or consistently cool conditions.

Shelter

In hot and humid climates, these cattle do not require full shelters. However, they need a structure to provide shade when necessary.

You can ensure there are trees in the area where they live to offer natural shade, or you can build a simple artificial shade structure to protect them from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

How many cattle per acre?

A Brahman cattle requires 2 to 3 acres of land when the pasture is of good quality and rainfall is adequate.

In areas with poor-quality forage or limited rainfall, such as arid or semi-arid regions, the land requirement increases to 4 to 7 acres or more.

To maintain optimal grazing conditions, it is essential to regularly assess the health of the pasture and adjust the number of cattle accordingly to prevent overgrazing. In some cases, providing supplemental feed can help reduce the amount of land needed.

Breeding

You can breed Brahman cattle through natural mating or artificial insemination if you want to enhance specific traits in the offspring.

Both sexes reach sexual maturity at around 12 to 15 months and have a high fertility level. However, farmers prefer to wait until 24 months for both heifers and bulls before breeding them for the first time.

Although Brahmans start breeding slightly later than some other cattle breeds, they remain productive for a longer period, often outlasting other breeds in reproductive life.

Cows often show less obvious signs of heat compared to other breeds, which can make heat detection more difficult in breeding programs.

The gestation period is approximately 283 days, which is similar to other cattle breeds. Brahman cows are great mothers and are affectionately nicknamed the “Queens of Cow Country” due to their strong maternal instincts, good milk production, and good care of their calves.

Brahman bulls are renowned for their hybrid vigor, making them a popular choice in crossbreeding programs. They are often referred to as “Crossbreeding’s Common Denominator” because of their unmatched ability to contribute to hybrid vigor.

The key benefits of using Brahman in crossbreeding include producing F-1 offspring with:

• Good growth rates.
• Great heat tolerance.
• Strong disease resistance.
• High feed efficiency.

Some of the most popular and well-known Brahman crossbreeds, which combine the strengths of Brahman cattle with other breeds to create highly adaptable and productive hybrids, include:

• Brangus (Brahman x Angus)
• Braford (Brahman x Hereford)
• Charbray (Brahman x Charolais)
• Simbrah (Brahman x Simmental)
• Beefmaster (Brahman x Shorthorn x Hereford)
• Santa Gertrudis (Brahman x Shorthorn)
• Nellore Crosses

Terminal vs. Maternal

These cattle are mainly regarded as a maternal breed, but they also play a role in enhancing terminal traits when used in certain crossbreeding programs.

For their maternal traits, Brahman cows are known for being good mothers with a protective nature and good milk production. They remain productive for many years.

In terms of terminal traits, Brahman genetics, when used in crossbreeding programs, can improve the offspring’s growth rate, resilience, and carcass quality.

Health Issues

These cattle are remarkably hardy and generally free from significant health issues.

They are less prone to diseases compared to many other breeds, thanks to their natural resistance to both internal and external parasites, particularly ticks.

Their dark skin pigmentation helps filter the sun’s intense rays, providing protection against cancer eye, a common issue in some other breeds.

Their heat tolerance allows them to thrive in hot climates, making them less susceptible to heat stress than other cattle.

Why should you raise it?

Brahman cattle are better suited for business ventures than for homesteading due to their price and specific characteristics.

Their cost can reach $20,000, with top-quality animals sometimes selling for as much as $90,000.

While it is possible to find Brahman cattle for under $6,000, the price depends heavily on the animal’s appearance, genetics, and quality.

If you’re a homesteader who does not like lean meat, investing that much might not make Brahman cattle the ideal choice for you. There are other cattle breeds, like Simmental or Brangus, that can provide comparable results at a lower cost and with better suitability for homestead needs.

If you live in temperate or colder climates, Brahman cattle are definitely not a breed you should consider.

From a business perspective, however, Brahman cattle are a good investment.

They offer significant potential for generating income through breeding and crossbreeding programs. You can sell heifers, cows, and bulls as breeding stock to other producers, or provide Brahman bulls to create F-1 hybrids with traits like improved growth rates, heat tolerance, and disease resistance.

Another lucrative option is selling semen, which can range in price from $100 to $2,000 depending on the quality and demand.

Additionally, beef production is a viable market opportunity for Brahman cattle, catering to consumers seeking lean beef.

Although Brahman cattle may not be the ideal choice for homesteaders, they hold significant value for business ventures focused on breeding, crossbreeding, and niche beef markets.

Advantages

• Heat tolerance
• Hardiness and parasite resistance
• Longevity
• Maternal traits
• Low maintenance
• Carcass quality
• Hybrid vigor
• Good feed efficiency

Disadvantages

• Meat tenderness
• Unpredictable behavior
• Later maturity
• Challenging heat detection
• Beef market perception: Some markets perceive this beef as inferior due to its lower marbling and firmer texture.

References

• The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) ^link
• Acidosis ^link