Brahman | Breed, Heat Tolerance, Adaptability (2024)

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Also known as: Bos indicus, Bos taurus indicus, humped cattle, zebu

Brahman, any of several varieties of cattle originating in India and crossbred in the United States with improved beef breeds, producing the hardy beef animal known as the American Brahman. Similar blending in Latin America resulted in the breed known as Indo-Brazil.

Indian cattle were first imported into the Western Hemisphere in the mid-19th century. The Gir, Gujarat, and Nellore varieties were particularly successful in the southern United States and in Brazil, where heat, humidity, and pests made northern European breeds less profitable. The Hereford and the Shorthorn were among the first breeds used in crossing and have remained popular. Beef of these mixtures, such as the Beefmaster, is markedly low in fat. Other notable crosses include the Charbray, from the Brahman and Charolais, and the Brangus, from the Brahman and Angus. Pure-bred Brahmans today are used primarily for breeding and seldom slaughtered.

Brahman | Breed, Heat Tolerance, Adaptability (2)

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The Brahman is characterized by a pronounced hump over the shoulder and neck, horns that usually curve up and back, and drooping ears. These features may be present to a lesser extent in the mixtures. Gray is the prevalent colour, with deep shading in the fore and rear quarters of the bull; a solid red strain has also been developed.

Brahman | Breed, Heat Tolerance, Adaptability (2024)

FAQs

Brahman | Breed, Heat Tolerance, Adaptability? ›

For example, Brahman

Brahman
The Brahman is an American breed of zebuine-taurine hybrid beef cattle. It was bred in the United States from 1885 from cattle originating in India, imported at various times from the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › American_Brahman
possess smooth, slick, light-colored hair coats that reflect solar radiation, thereby preventing heat absorption by the animal. Additionally, heat loss can occur through evaporative mechanisms, such as sweating or panting.

Are Brahman cattle heat tolerant? ›

Heat Tolerance

The Brahman's skin is genetically equipped to withstand temperature extremes, which makes them more heat tolerant than any other breed. How? The Brahman's short, thick, glossy hair coat reflects much of the sun's rays, allowing them to graze in midday sun.

Which species of cattle are heat tolerant? ›

Heat-tolerant Bos Taurus breeds of Spanish and/or African origins include Mashona, Criollo, Romosinuano, Tuli, and Senepol. Adding some of these genetics to traditional American breeds is currently proving to be a good combination for increasing heat tolerance while keeping desired traits of the Bos Taurus.

What is the best climate for Brahman cattle? ›

Designed to thrive in heats over 80 degrees F, where other breeds fail.

Which breed of cattle is known for its heat tolerance and insect resistance? ›

Brahman cattle, which are classified as neither a British nor European breed, originated in India and are known for their resistance to insects and tolerance to heat. New American breeds, such as Brangus and Beefmaster, are gaining in popularity.

What is the best cow for hot climate? ›

The Kankrej is common in India and is used mainly for pulling loads. It has a large hump and long horns. Santa Gertrudis and Kankrej cattle both thrive in hot climates.

How much heat can cattle tolerate? ›

The danger occurs as the temperature nears 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent humidity. The lethal range for cattle is 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent humidity.

What are the disadvantages of Brahman cattle? ›

What are the disadvantages of Brahman cattle? A. Brahman cattle are not as cold tolerant compared to Bos Taurus breeds. Historically Brahman cattle are considered later maturing compared to Bos Taurus breeds, and have a perception of lower marbling and tenderness.

Which breed is most heat tolerant? ›

Weimaraner. Weimaraners are good for hot weather because they have a short, smooth coat that does not trap heat. They are also relatively active dogs, which helps them to stay cool. Weimaraners originated in Germany in the 19th century, where they were bred as hunting dogs.

What are the best cattle for the tropics? ›

Zebu cattle are well adapted to the tropical environments, mainly because of the following attributes: a) A high degree of heat tolerance, derived partly from low heat production and partly from a large ability to dissipate heat.

What is the advantage of Brahman cattle? ›

Amazingly, they are able to travel longer distances for water and feed, resist insects and external parasites and can reproduce regularly, even in a stressful setting. One of the best factors is that Brahman are not affected by extremely high temperatures, making them a great choice for hot summers on Texas ranches.

What state has the most Brahman cattle? ›

Louisiana is the second largest state in the USA for Brahman production, second to Texas. Louisiana is home to many great Brahman herds, and it's no surprise Brahman cattle have a longstanding history of success and popularity in this great southern state.

Are Brahman cattle smart? ›

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.

What are the most heat tolerant cattle? ›

According to David Riley, professor of animal breeding and genetics at Texas A&M University, the most heat-tolerant Bos taurus breeds have Spanish and/or African origins and include Mashona, Criollo, Romosinuano, Tuli and Senepol.

What two breeds make a Brahman? ›

The Brahman is an American breed of zebuine-taurine hybrid beef cattle. It was bred in the United States from 1885 from cattle originating in India, imported at various times from the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil. These were mainly Gir, Guzerá and Nelore stock, with some Indu-Brasil, Krishna Valley and Ongole.

Do Brahman cattle sweat? ›

Brahman cattle had significantly thinner and longer epidermis, thinner dermis, larger sweat gland areas, longer sweat glands closer to the skin surface, smaller sebaceous gland area and more sebaceous glands compared to Angus cattle.

What are two disadvantages of Brahman cattle? ›

What are the disadvantages of Brahman cattle? A. Brahman cattle are not as cold tolerant compared to Bos Taurus breeds. Historically Brahman cattle are considered later maturing compared to Bos Taurus breeds, and have a perception of lower marbling and tenderness.

What breed of cattle are drought resistant? ›

Both N'Dama and Tuli breeds evolved in Africa for more than 5,000 years, being subjected to the harsh elements of the tropical environment. Natural selection genetically molded these cattle to become heat-resistant and drought-adapted.

Can cows survive extreme heat? ›

At temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit cattle endure physiologic stress trying to deal with their heat load. Although cattle at this temperature are not at risk of dying they will have an increased maintenance requirement to cope with the heat.

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