The Brahman cattle breed

THE Brahman or Brahma is a breed of Zebu cattle that was first bred in the United States from cattle breeds imported from India. The Brahman was produced by cross-breeding the Kankrej, Ongole, and the Gir (or Gyr) breeds of cattle.

The Brahman is one of the most popular breeds for meat production and is widely found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, United States, Australia and Southern Africa.

It has been cross-bred extensively with (European) beef breeds and has been used to develop numerous other US beef breeds including Brangus, Beefmaster, Simbrah and Santa Gertrudis.

The Brahman in Namibia

Over the past half century the Brahman has dramatically influenced and changed the composition of the Namibian national cattle herd. This is due to its ability to cross so well with virtually any other breed of cattle as well as its hardiness and adaptability, that allows them to thrive in the harsh Namibian conditions.

The Namibian Brahman Breeders Society, the largest breeders society in Namibia, is dedicated to serving the interest of the breed in Namibia.

Adaptable and Hardy

Ever since coming to Namibia, more than 50 years ago, Brahman cattle have made themselves at home under the prevailing cattle ranching conditions. That they are still here, and flourishing attests to their powers of adaptation in an extensive and often harsh environment.

The breed is known for its longevity and it is not strange to come upon cows still producing at 15 years of age and sometimes even longer.

By 18 months to two years, cross-bred steers will have grown into strong, robust individuals, rounding off well on the veld. Now they are ready for marketing and this is the pay-off, because these steers weigh.

At two years, Brahman steers can still attain a top grade, because they shed their milk teeth a little later than other breeds, thereby qualifying for a premium. Of all the Namibian beef, exported to markets in South Africa and the European Union, 70% comes from veld-reared Brahman cross-bred cattle.

Cross-breeding Plans

Good results accrue from using purebred Brahman bulls on European or British-breed (Bos Taurus) cows. Or conversely, European or Bristish-breed bulls on pure Brahman, Brahman F1 or F2 (Bos Indicus) cows. The hybrid vigour delivered from the Brahman component, will bring forth excellent growth in the cross-bred calves, helped along considerably by superior mothering abilities of the Bos Indicus type dams.

Some ranchers believe that in order to manage successfully in Namibia’s dry and extensive conditions, their cow herds need a greater percentage of Bos Indicus characteristics, to ensure a higher degree of adaptability. They would then use Brahman bulls on Brahman cows.

The Brahmans have an oily skin texture, a short hair coat, and the ability to jerk their hides when they feel irritations on their bodies. This all helps in making the Brahman and its cross-breeds remarkably resistant to ticks and other biting insects. A capability that probably also accounts to a large extent, for their being able to withstand diseases as well.

Brahmans have a large hide and a low respiratory rate. This all appears to contribute to the Brahman`s high level of heat tolerance which is of great importance in a country like Namibia.

Avid Foragers

Brahmans will not stand at the gate waiting for handouts! Once in their camps they forage actively and make the best use of the available grazing.

Due to their efficient mobility, Brahmans can cover great distances in search of grazing. This is a huge plus factor in dry extensive regions. In times of drought when it becomes necessary to move cattle over long distances, breeders have reported amazement at the Brahmans ability to walk.

When times of drought come around, Brahman cattle have repeatedly shown a marked resistance to hostile changes that then occur in the environment. Breeders and producers have repeatedly expressed open admiration for this strange phenomenon that the breed possesses.

Brahman Temperament

Much has been written and spoken about the temperament of Brahman cattle. Suffice to say that the behaviour of a herd of cattle, in most cases reflects the attitude of its owner. Stay away from irascible, ill-tempered individuals who belong in the slaughterhouse anyway! Handle Brahmans gently and with patience. Remember, if you treat them well, they will treat you well! Good temperament in Brahman is up to us, not to them!*From various sources

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