The American Brahman Cow : Origin, Characteristics, and Global Impact

 American Brahman Cow: Origin and Characteristics

The American Brahman cow is a crossbreed developed through the crossbreeding of Indian Zebu cattle. Given the distinct dairy production capabilities and disease resistance of Indian Zebu cattle, the United States and Brazil imported them. In 1885, the United States began crossbreeding its local cattle with Indian indigenous breeds such as Gir and Nellore (Ongole). This crossbreeding resulted in a new breed, named the “American Brahman cow” by the United States. In the U.S., the American Brahman cow is primarily raised for meat production, while in India, the Gir breed is raised for dairy production and the Nellore (Ongole) breed is mainly used for draft purposes. This blog post will delve into the origin, history, and benefits of crossbreeding Brahman cattle.

Brahman Cow Origin and History

The American Brahman cow is a crossbreed. Its origin lies in the crossbreeding of Indian Bos indicus cattle, developed in the United States in 1885. That year, the U.S. imported a pair of Zebu bulls directly from India to Texas, a southern state in the U.S. One of the bulls was of the Gir breed, and the other was of the Nellore/Ongole breed, weighing over 800 kilograms. These bulls were crossbred with local taurine cattle to create the Brahman breed.

For the creation of American Brahman cattle, Indian Zebu breeds, Gir and Nellore, were crossbred with local exotic cattle breeds. In 1923-24, 90 bulls of Gir and Nellore breeds from India were brought to Texas via Mexico. In 1925, 120 more bulls and 18 females of these breeds were also imported from Brazil to Texas. The Gir breed of Indian Zebu cattle is a dairy breed used for milk production in India. The Gir breed is believed to originate from the Gir forests in Kathiawar, Gujarat, and is also known as Kathiawadi, Surti, Gujarat cow, Ajmer and Renda (in Rajasthan) cow. The Nellore cattle, derived from Ongole Zebu cattle, are a draft breed. Brazil imported Ongole cattle and named the resulting breed Nellore after the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Krishna Valley breed of Indian Zebu cattle was also used in the development of Brahman cattle. Krishna Valley cattle are a draft breed used in India for carrying loads and agricultural work.

In 1924, a breed committee formed the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) and started a herd book named ‘Brahman,’ chosen by ABBA Secretary J.W. Sartwelle. The herd book was discontinued in 1939 for various reasons, and only registered breeds were documented afterward.

In 1946, 18 Brazilian bulls, including Indu-Brazil or Indo-Brazilian and Gir, were registered. The Indu-Brazil breed is a hybrid developed through crossbreeding Indian Zebu cattle. Indu-Brazil cattle were obtained from Gir and Kankrej breeds. In Brazil, the Kankrej breed of Indian cattle is known as Guzera. The Kankrej breed is one of the largest and heaviest of India’s indigenous cattle, and is a dual-purpose breed primarily raised for milk production and agricultural work. It is the heaviest of India’s indigenous breeds.

Distribution of American Brahman Cow

The American Brahman cow originated in the United States. It is a crossbreed developed by crossing American local cattle with Indian Zebu cattle of Gir and Nellore breeds. Brahman cattle are found not only in the United States but also in Brazil and Mexico.

From 1933 to 1954, Australia imported 49 Brahman cattle. By 1973, Australia had produced over 1,000 cattle from these 49 Brahman cows. Later, in 1981, Australia imported approximately 700 Brahman bulls from the United States. Currently, the population of Brahman cattle in Australia’s tropical northern regions exceeds that of local cattle.

Main Uses of Brahman Cow

Brahman cattle can be utilized for dairy production, draft work, and dual purposes. This versatility is due to their inherited traits from American local cattle and Indian Zebu breeds such as Gir, Kankrej (Guzera), Nellore (Ongole), and Krishna Valley. However, in the United States, Brahman cattle are primarily raised for meat production.

Meat Production: 

• In the United States, Brahman bulls are primarily raised for meat production.

American Brahman Cow Characteristics

Body: 

• Brahman cows have a medium-sized body. 

• Brahman bulls typically have large, strong shoulders. 

• Bulls usually weigh between 850-900 kg, while cows weigh between 500-700 kg.

Color: 

• The coloration of Brahman cattle is a mix of the Indian Zebu breeds’ Gir, Kankrej, and Nellore. 

• Brahman cows can be light brown, red, or black. Their skin is generally darker, somewhat loose, and of medium thickness.

Hair: 

• Brahman cows have short, dense hair that appears shiny when exposed to sunlight.

Skin: 

• Brahman cows possess skin that is resistant to disease and well-suited to hot climates, similar to native cattle. 

• Their skin is loose but not as loose as that of Sahiwal cattle.

Hump and Neck: 

• Brahman bulls have a well-developed hump similar to Kankrej cattle, though it is less pronounced than in other breeds. 

• The hump in cows is typically found in Indian Zebu cattle, which is why they are sometimes called “Humped Cattle Breeds.” Generally, foreign cattle do not have a hump and are referred to as “Humpless Cattle Breeds.” 

• Brahman cattle cannot be classified as foreign breeds due to their hump and their origin from crossbreeding with Indian Zebu cattle.

Horns: 

• Brahman cattle may have horns due to their crossbreeding with horned Indian Zebu breeds such as Gir, Kankrej, and Nellore. 

• The traits of Zebu cattle and American local cattle are mixed, so Brahman cattle can have horns or be hornless. However, referring to Brahman cattle as hornless is inaccurate.

Dewlap: 

• Brahman cattle have a well-developed dewlap similar to Zebu cattle.

Newlflap: 

• Brahman cattle also have a well-developed newlflap similar to Zebu cattle. 

• The dewlap and newlflap are more developed in the Sahiwal breed of Indian Zebu cattle.

Brahman Bull Characteristics

• Brahman bulls are heavy-bodied, similar to Kankrej (Guzera) and Nellore bulls. 

• Their color ranges from light brown to dark brown, with black shades similar to those found in Kankrej cattle. 

• Brahman bulls have large shoulders and well-developed humps. They exhibit traits from Gir, Kankrej (Guzera), Nellore, and Krishna Valley breeds.

Average Measurements and Growth Performance

• Weight of Brahman Cow: 500 – 700 kg (1102 – 1543 lbs)

• Weight of Brahman Bull: 850 – 900 kg (2000 lbs)

• Weight of Brahman Calf: 27.2 – 29.5 kg (60 – 65 lbs)

• Height of Brahman Cow: 128 – 145 cm (4.20 – 4.76 feet)

• Height of Brahman Bull: 152 – 182 cm (5 – 6 feet)

Population and Conservation

Brahman cattle are found in over 50 countries, with a global population exceeding 1.8 million. Countries such as Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Mozambique, and South Africa have populations exceeding 100,000, according to livestock reports from these regions.

According to the 2014 U.S. livestock population report, there were fewer than 100,000 Brahman cattle in the United States, with 9,500 Sires (breeding bulls). In the 1980s, Queensland, Australia, had a Brahman cattle population exceeding one million. Currently, Brahman cattle in Australia’s tropical northern regions outnumber local cattle. The 2017 Australian livestock population report stated a total cattle population of 26 million, with 13 million Brahman cattle. Australia has the largest population of Brahman cattle.

Temperament and Adaptability

Brahman cattle are known for their active and robust nature, similar to Kankrej cattle. They have high resistance to diseases such as tick fever and exhibit very few cases of infectious abortion and tuberculosis. As a crossbreed, Brahman cattle naturally inherit traits from Indian Zebu breeds. The American Brahman breed is highly adaptable to various environmental conditions.

Key Points 

1. Types of Cattle Based on Hump:

(A) Humped Cattle: 

• Cattle with humps, scientifically known as Bos indicus, are referred to as Zebu cattle. 

Zebu Cattle Breed

• Zebu cattle typically have lower milk production compared to exotic cattle but possess higher disease resistance. 
• Examples include Gir Cow, Sahiwal Cow, Hariyana Cow, Tharparkar Cattle, Red Sindhi Cattle, and Punganur Cow.

(B) Humpless Cattle :

1. • Cattle without humps are scientifically known as Bos taurus and are called exotic cattle. 
   • Exotic cattle are used in cross-breeding, such as the Jersey × Red Sindhi cow. 
   • Examples of exotic cattle breeds include Jersey, Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Red Dane, and Ayrshire.

 2. Cattle-Related Terminology:

• Beef: The meat from cows is referred to as beef. The dressing percentage for beef is approximately 55%.
• Buffen / CaraBeef: The meat from buffaloes is known as Buffen or CaraBeef, with a dressing percentage of about 57%.
• Calving: The process of childbirth in cows and buffaloes is called calving. The offspring of a cow is called a calf.
• Sire: In animal breeding, the term “Sire” refers to the male animal. It is often considered “half of the herd” due to its significant role in determining the traits of the offspring.
• Dam: The term “Dam” refers to the female animal in breeding.
• Gestation Period:
  • For cows, the gestation period is approximately 9 months and 9 days, or 283 days.
• • For buffaloes, the gestation period is around 10 months and 10 days, or 310 days.
• Serving: The act of mating in cows and buffaloes is referred to as serving.

 3. Cross Breeding:

1. Breeding between two different breeds of the same species is known as crossbreeding. The offspring resulting from crossbreeding is called a crossbreed.

• Breed Complementation: The desirable traits of different breeds are combined into one breed.

• Heterosis / Hybrid Vigor: The offspring outperform their parents, a phenomenon also known as Hybrid Vigor.

• Cross Breed Animals: Crossbreed animals can produce more with less feed.

 Cross Breeding Examples 

Discover the American Brahman breed, its origins, physical characteristics, adaptability, and impact on the global beef industry. Learn about its unique traits and widespread use.