Beef Cattle breed profile
Brahman
Also known as: American Brahman
- Bos indicus beef breed
- Developed in U.S. from Indian Bos indicus cattle
- large
- Temperament: active
Brahman cattle are essential in Gulf Coast and Deep South commercial production for their unmatched heat and parasite tolerance. Pure Brahman is most commonly used as an F1 sire on Bos taurus cows; Brangus, Beefmaster, and Santa Gertrudis are commercially-important Brahman-derived breeds.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
1100–1400 lbs
Male weight
1800–2400 lbs
Daily gain
2.4 lbs/day
Reproductive traits
Gestation
292 days
Seasonality
year round
Maternal
excellent
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
excellent
Heat tolerance
excellent
Cold hardiness
poor
Humidity tolerance
excellent
Common health concerns
- Cold intolerance — not suitable above ~36° latitude without windbreak
- Tougher carcass than Bos taurus breeds — typically used in F1 crosses
Management requirements
Experience
experienced
Housing
basic shelter
Fencing
high tensile
Feed system
pasture, hay
Market access
Commercial market
good
Direct-market appeal
fair
Pure Brahman is rarely direct-marketed; F1 Brahman crosses (Brangus, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis) carry the heat-tolerance benefits with improved beef quality.
American Brahman Breeders Association →Primary purposes
Sources
Data quality: extension verified