Brahman
For the Right Reason
The Brahman breed originated from Bos indicus cattle originally from India. Through the centuries of exposure to inadequate food supplies, insect pests, parasites, diseases and the weather extremes of tropical India, the native cattle developed some remarkable adaptations for survival. These are the "sacred cattle of India", and many of the Hindi faith with not eat meat from them, will not permit them to be slaughtered, and will not sell them.
General
Three principle strains of varieties that were used in the development of the Brahman breed are Guzerat, Nelore and Gir. In addition, the Krishna Valley strain was introduced and used to a lesser extent. The general similarit of the Guzerat strain to the cattle selected and developed would indicate that cattlemen working with the breed have generally preferred this type.
All the Bos indicus cattle are characterized by a large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. Spinal processes below the hump are extended, and there is considerable muscular tissue covering the process. The other characteristics of these cattle are their horns, which usually curve upward and sometimes tilted to the rear,their ears, which are generally large and pendulous, and the throatlatch and dewlap, which have a large amount of excess skin. They also have more highly developed sweat glands than European cattle (Bos taurus) and so can perspire more freely. Bos indicus cattle produce an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands which has a distinctive odor and is reported to assist in repelling insects.
Probably the greatest tribute to the Brahman breed and its breeders is the rapid growth / expansion of the breed.
All the Bos indicus cattle are characterized by a large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. Spinal processes below the hump are extended, and there is considerable muscular tissue covering the process. The other characteristics of these cattle are their horns, which usually curve upward and sometimes tilted to the rear,their ears, which are generally large and pendulous, and the throatlatch and dewlap, which have a large amount of excess skin. They also have more highly developed sweat glands than European cattle (Bos taurus) and so can perspire more freely. Bos indicus cattle produce an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands which has a distinctive odor and is reported to assist in repelling insects.
Probably the greatest tribute to the Brahman breed and its breeders is the rapid growth / expansion of the breed.
Characteristics
Size:
Brahmans are intermediate in size among beef breeds found in the United States. Bulls will generally weigh from 1 600 to 2 200 pounds and cows from 1 000 to 1 400 pounds in average conditions. The calves at birth, weighing 60 to 65 pounds, but grow very rapidly and wean at weights comparable to other breeds.
Disposition:
The disposition of Brahman cattle is often questioned. Brahmans are intelligent, inquisitive and shy. They are unusually thrifty, hardy and adaptable to a wide range of feed and climate. However, these characteristics also suggest careful, kind handling methods. Brahmans like affection and can become very docile. They quickly respond to handling they receive, good or bad. Well bred, wisely selected and properly treated Brahmans are as easily handled as other breeds.
Colours:
Brahmans vary in colour from very light grey or red to almost black. A majority of the breed are light to medium grey. Mature bulls are normally darker than cows and usually have dark areas on the neck, shoulders and lower thighs.
Heat Tolerance:
Studies at the University of Missouri found that Brahman and European cattle thrive equally well at temperatures down to 8 deg. F. They found that European cattle begin to suffer adversely as the air temperature goes above 70 deg. F, showing an increase in body temperature and a decline in appetite and milk production as 75 deg. F, is passed. Brahmans, on the other hand, show little effect from temperatures up to and beyond 105 deg. F. Although heat tolerance is only one factor in environmental adaptation of cattle, it is considered the most important.
These are some of the other factors that allow Brahmans to adapt to adverse conditions:
Hair Colour:
The short, thick, glossy hair coat of the Brahman reflects much of the suns rays, adding to its ability to graze in the glaring midday sun without suffering.
Skin Pigmentation:
The black pigmented skin of the Brahman keeps out the intense rays of the sun, which in excessive amounts will damage deeper tissue layers.
Loose Skin:
An abundance of loose skin on the Brahman is thought to contribute to its ability to withstand warm weather by increasing the body surface area exposed to cooling.
Sweating Ability:
Brahmans have sweat glands and the ability to sweat freely though the pores of the skin, which contributes materially to their heat tolerance.
Internal Body Heat:
One factor contributing materially to the heat tolerance of Brahmans, discovered in the Missouri studies, is that they produce less internal body heat in warm weather than do cattle of European breeds. Waste heat is produced from feed at the expense of growth and milk production.
Brahmans are intermediate in size among beef breeds found in the United States. Bulls will generally weigh from 1 600 to 2 200 pounds and cows from 1 000 to 1 400 pounds in average conditions. The calves at birth, weighing 60 to 65 pounds, but grow very rapidly and wean at weights comparable to other breeds.
Disposition:
The disposition of Brahman cattle is often questioned. Brahmans are intelligent, inquisitive and shy. They are unusually thrifty, hardy and adaptable to a wide range of feed and climate. However, these characteristics also suggest careful, kind handling methods. Brahmans like affection and can become very docile. They quickly respond to handling they receive, good or bad. Well bred, wisely selected and properly treated Brahmans are as easily handled as other breeds.
Colours:
Brahmans vary in colour from very light grey or red to almost black. A majority of the breed are light to medium grey. Mature bulls are normally darker than cows and usually have dark areas on the neck, shoulders and lower thighs.
Heat Tolerance:
Studies at the University of Missouri found that Brahman and European cattle thrive equally well at temperatures down to 8 deg. F. They found that European cattle begin to suffer adversely as the air temperature goes above 70 deg. F, showing an increase in body temperature and a decline in appetite and milk production as 75 deg. F, is passed. Brahmans, on the other hand, show little effect from temperatures up to and beyond 105 deg. F. Although heat tolerance is only one factor in environmental adaptation of cattle, it is considered the most important.
These are some of the other factors that allow Brahmans to adapt to adverse conditions:
Hair Colour:
The short, thick, glossy hair coat of the Brahman reflects much of the suns rays, adding to its ability to graze in the glaring midday sun without suffering.
Skin Pigmentation:
The black pigmented skin of the Brahman keeps out the intense rays of the sun, which in excessive amounts will damage deeper tissue layers.
Loose Skin:
An abundance of loose skin on the Brahman is thought to contribute to its ability to withstand warm weather by increasing the body surface area exposed to cooling.
Sweating Ability:
Brahmans have sweat glands and the ability to sweat freely though the pores of the skin, which contributes materially to their heat tolerance.
Internal Body Heat:
One factor contributing materially to the heat tolerance of Brahmans, discovered in the Missouri studies, is that they produce less internal body heat in warm weather than do cattle of European breeds. Waste heat is produced from feed at the expense of growth and milk production.
Body Measurements
Extract from Article by University of the Free State
The body measurements of an animal can also serve as an objective selection tool. Some common measurements of cattle include the thickness of back fat, shoulder height, haunch height, body length, body depth, and scrotal and pelvic size.
Research by the University of Arkansas showed that linear body measurements are useful in determining the production traits of adult animals. Body measurements were however never intended to be used in isolation when selection or breeding for size. These measures are also not intended as a substitute for body weight at a given age. No specific body measurement is ideal for all available management programmes and breeding systems. Reproduction rate and market weight ultimately determines the optimal animal sizes for the given production system.
The body measurements of an animal can also serve as an objective selection tool. Some common measurements of cattle include the thickness of back fat, shoulder height, haunch height, body length, body depth, and scrotal and pelvic size.
Research by the University of Arkansas showed that linear body measurements are useful in determining the production traits of adult animals. Body measurements were however never intended to be used in isolation when selection or breeding for size. These measures are also not intended as a substitute for body weight at a given age. No specific body measurement is ideal for all available management programmes and breeding systems. Reproduction rate and market weight ultimately determines the optimal animal sizes for the given production system.
Bull
Bulls must display male traits in an absolute sense, which have to be visible in more prominent muscling, development of the withers and neck, well developed and evenly hanging testicles. Darkening in colour must occur on the head, fore-quarter and outside thighs. The impression created in its entirety as a male animal must be that the bull displays power, vitality and strength.
Cow
Full feminine traits have to be displayed through a relative refinement in all body parts when compared with the build of the bull. The neck is aesthetically pleasing and flat, good quality skin, hair and legs. When viewed from the side, the cow has to be slightly wedge-shaped (deeper at the rear than the front). Excessive fat accumulation on the rump, hips and ischia is entirely undesirable. Sex organs have to be well developed, with spacious, creased udder. The udder must be well attached and not have a fleshy appearance. Teats of reasonable size and placed square.
Convenience Traits
Not only can the breed withstand temperature extremes, they also have special immunities and characteristics which make them resistant to many diseases and insects.
Recognized for their intelligence, Brahmans are very responsive to kindness and are quite gentle when handled properly. Pinkeye, a costly eye disease caused by one or more infectious organisms, is rarely, if ever, a problem among Brahman cattle. They are also highly resistant to Anaplasmosis in part due to their resistance to insects.
Their short, thick hair coat and skin texture prevents penetration by many insects and blood sucking pests. In addition, Brahmans and Brahman crosses have a well developed subcutaneous muscle layer which enables them to dislodge many insects by shaking their skin. They also secrete sebum, an oily substance, from their skin, which is effective in repelling insects.
A trait usually overlooked by many, but extremely important in terms of productive efficiency, is longevity. The Brahman is unequaled in length of productive life, generally producing up to 50 percent longer than European and British breeds.
While many cattlemen generally replace females of other breeds at ten years of age, it is not unusual to find term of productive Brahman and Brahman cross females leading very productive lives at 15 years and older. As a whole, they retain their teeth much longer than other breeds.
The service life of a Brahman bull is generally much longer than bulls of other beef breeds. A trait usually overlooked by many, but extremely important in terms of productive efficiency, is longevity.
Of great importance to the economics of raising Brahman and Brahman cross cattle is their ability to reproduce under extremely high temperatures, when the reproductive efficiency of other breeds fail.
Brahman and Brahman cross cows are also recognized as excellent mother cows. They produce large supplies of milk, even in hot, humid environments and they have very good mothering instincts, staying with their calves and protecting them from predators.
Brahmans are also known for their freedom of movement and ability to travel even in rough terrain, possessing unparalleled structural soundness.
Their ability to travel is an important factor when considering the Brahmans' un-excelled capability to thrive under adverse conditions, because of their hardiness, thriftiness and rustling proficiency. They surpass all other breeds under conditions of poor range and drought.
Recognized for their intelligence, Brahmans are very responsive to kindness and are quite gentle when handled properly. Pinkeye, a costly eye disease caused by one or more infectious organisms, is rarely, if ever, a problem among Brahman cattle. They are also highly resistant to Anaplasmosis in part due to their resistance to insects.
Their short, thick hair coat and skin texture prevents penetration by many insects and blood sucking pests. In addition, Brahmans and Brahman crosses have a well developed subcutaneous muscle layer which enables them to dislodge many insects by shaking their skin. They also secrete sebum, an oily substance, from their skin, which is effective in repelling insects.
A trait usually overlooked by many, but extremely important in terms of productive efficiency, is longevity. The Brahman is unequaled in length of productive life, generally producing up to 50 percent longer than European and British breeds.
While many cattlemen generally replace females of other breeds at ten years of age, it is not unusual to find term of productive Brahman and Brahman cross females leading very productive lives at 15 years and older. As a whole, they retain their teeth much longer than other breeds.
The service life of a Brahman bull is generally much longer than bulls of other beef breeds. A trait usually overlooked by many, but extremely important in terms of productive efficiency, is longevity.
Of great importance to the economics of raising Brahman and Brahman cross cattle is their ability to reproduce under extremely high temperatures, when the reproductive efficiency of other breeds fail.
Brahman and Brahman cross cows are also recognized as excellent mother cows. They produce large supplies of milk, even in hot, humid environments and they have very good mothering instincts, staying with their calves and protecting them from predators.
Brahmans are also known for their freedom of movement and ability to travel even in rough terrain, possessing unparalleled structural soundness.
Their ability to travel is an important factor when considering the Brahmans' un-excelled capability to thrive under adverse conditions, because of their hardiness, thriftiness and rustling proficiency. They surpass all other breeds under conditions of poor range and drought.
Efficiency
The Brahman's improved efficiency of production over breeds is closely linked to its unique digestive system attributes
* The ability to recycle nutrients through the blood stream and saliva promotes digestion
* Reduced water intake means reduced urination resulting in less nitrogen loss and higher blood nitrogen levels
* Maintenance of higher intake levels of low quality feed
* Low maintenance requirement
* Slower rate of protein turnover enables muscle and body tissue development to continue on low feed intake
* Brahmans remain productive longer
* Reduced sulphur demand for hair growth means more available for amino acids associated with growth and production
* Lower rumen liquid volume and higher rumen bacterial fat results in higher levels of energy rich components in the blood stream
* The ability to recycle nutrients through the blood stream and saliva promotes digestion
* Reduced water intake means reduced urination resulting in less nitrogen loss and higher blood nitrogen levels
* Maintenance of higher intake levels of low quality feed
* Low maintenance requirement
* Slower rate of protein turnover enables muscle and body tissue development to continue on low feed intake
* Brahmans remain productive longer
* Reduced sulphur demand for hair growth means more available for amino acids associated with growth and production
* Lower rumen liquid volume and higher rumen bacterial fat results in higher levels of energy rich components in the blood stream
Fertility
An animal's reproductive performance is closely linked to its adaptability and nutritional levels
Parasite Resistant
The Brahman's resistance to cattle tick is of major economic importance because of less chemical use and increased weight gain.
Resistance to cattle tick is related to:
* immune response prevents ticks developing
* reduced tick burden on pasture and on animals
* sleek coat does not favour attachment of tick larvae
* chemicals in sweat gland act as repellent
Resistance to cattle tick is related to:
* immune response prevents ticks developing
* reduced tick burden on pasture and on animals
* sleek coat does not favour attachment of tick larvae
* chemicals in sweat gland act as repellent
Beef
High Yielding Carcass
Lower rumen content means higher dressing percentages
Superior yield of sellable meat is a result of:
* Excellent muscle development
* Uniform even fat cover
* Less intramuscular fat which means less waste
Lower rumen content means higher dressing percentages
Superior yield of sellable meat is a result of:
* Excellent muscle development
* Uniform even fat cover
* Less intramuscular fat which means less waste
Adaptabilty
The adaptability of these cattle and the breeds resistance to disease are the primary reasons for farming with Brahman. These animals have a strong survival instinct and they have a high feed-conversion rate with the ability to utilise low quality forage. Brahman are able to walk long distances, easily up to 20 km.
Brahdex
What is the Brahdex Classification System
The Brahdex classification system is based on the principle of linear identification of features in respect of 11 traits which could be regarded as important in respect of the functional efficiency of the animal, which could be used as a standard for the effective evaluation of structural correctness to determine the suitability for registration of Brahman cattle.
Description of the system:
The system entails the classification of an animal, preferably in the 12 to 24 month age bracket. An animal could be classified more that once during a lifetime, with only the latest information being kept on computer for reference purpose. The system is a way of measuring features from one biological extreme to the other. For this purpose, each point is simply defined according to the standard of excellence of the breed. Instead of merely measuring the different points according to a scale, the Brahdex is intended to identify certain qualities effectively and with greater realism. This ensures that a given point is identified with greater accuracy, which obviously lends more credibility and scientific dependability to the system. A point is therefore not estimate according to a scale, but is identified according to an exact description and recorded accordingly.
The following points are considered:
1. Head
2. Front Legs
3. Hump: Shape and Position
4. Back
5. Naval / Sheath
6. Teats / Scrotum
7. Hocks
8. Pastern
9. Wedge and Centre Piece
10. Rump Width
11. Rump Angle
These traits are comprehensively defined under subjective evaluation.
The Brahdex classification system is based on the principle of linear identification of features in respect of 11 traits which could be regarded as important in respect of the functional efficiency of the animal, which could be used as a standard for the effective evaluation of structural correctness to determine the suitability for registration of Brahman cattle.
Description of the system:
The system entails the classification of an animal, preferably in the 12 to 24 month age bracket. An animal could be classified more that once during a lifetime, with only the latest information being kept on computer for reference purpose. The system is a way of measuring features from one biological extreme to the other. For this purpose, each point is simply defined according to the standard of excellence of the breed. Instead of merely measuring the different points according to a scale, the Brahdex is intended to identify certain qualities effectively and with greater realism. This ensures that a given point is identified with greater accuracy, which obviously lends more credibility and scientific dependability to the system. A point is therefore not estimate according to a scale, but is identified according to an exact description and recorded accordingly.
The following points are considered:
1. Head
2. Front Legs
3. Hump: Shape and Position
4. Back
5. Naval / Sheath
6. Teats / Scrotum
7. Hocks
8. Pastern
9. Wedge and Centre Piece
10. Rump Width
11. Rump Angle
These traits are comprehensively defined under subjective evaluation.
Science
The Brahman Breeders' Associations in various countries are currently performing international genetic evaluations. At the Brahman World Congress in Rockhampton, Australia, they announced the results of the research project, in which data from the US, Australia, Namibia and South Africa were collectively analysed, allowing Brahmans from across the world to be compared to one another. Because so many American bulls are used in all these countries, the links between countries were very strong. At the conference it was pointed out that the rankings within countries are similar, which means that the best Brahman bull in South Africa would also be the best bull in the US, Australia and Namibia.
Science has laid the foundation for international evaluation, which may in time include all Brahman breeding countries. In terms of fertility, this means that if all countries can start selecting for the same fertility traits, the most fertile bulls can be selected across all these countries. This will allow for genetic progress in fertility, as only the best bulls will be used.
Science has laid the foundation for international evaluation, which may in time include all Brahman breeding countries. In terms of fertility, this means that if all countries can start selecting for the same fertility traits, the most fertile bulls can be selected across all these countries. This will allow for genetic progress in fertility, as only the best bulls will be used.
Genomic Project
For the past three years, there has been an attempt in South Africa and Namibia to find herd in which additional records are kept so that fertility can be measured effectively. This requires bull-in and bull-out dates, as well as a reason why a cow has failed to calve. Science must try and distinguish between genetic factors and environmental influences. If a stud cow, for instance, is sold to a commercial farmer, it must be noted that the problem was not genetic, but rather a management decision over bloodline or type. Data from thousands of cows across the globe is now being collected, which will provide the industry with accurate reproduction breeding values.
Success in Zimbabwe
The tough economic challenges of the past years have caused significant damage to stud farming in Zimbabwe. This has significantly reduced the membership of the Zimbabwean Brahman Breeders' Association. The remaining breeders, however, have no lack of enthusiasm for promoting the breed. At the recent national cattle auction, Brahman cattle made up about 80% of the animals on offer. With a reputation for providing ideal dam lines, Brahman animals also fetch highest prices.
According to two leading Zambian Brahman breeders, the ignorance of subsistence farmers regarding the use of excellent genetic material for herd improvement, is one of the biggest challenges in promoting the Brahman among those farmers in Zambia. In contrast, one of the reasons for the Brahman's popularity in this country is the perception of cattle farmers that the Brahman is not as easily stolen as other breeds of cattle.
According to two leading Zambian Brahman breeders, the ignorance of subsistence farmers regarding the use of excellent genetic material for herd improvement, is one of the biggest challenges in promoting the Brahman among those farmers in Zambia. In contrast, one of the reasons for the Brahman's popularity in this country is the perception of cattle farmers that the Brahman is not as easily stolen as other breeds of cattle.