One of our most common questions is “When do you breed your Brahman heifers?”
This is a topic that always sparks a debate. In the beef industry, most commercial producers of non-Brahman females will start breeding their heifers around 12 months of age.
However, Brahman cattle are traditionally later maturing compared to Bos taurus cattle, and thus, may have different reproductive expectations.
Some argue that Brahman breeders should be working to push earlier maturing females because the sooner you get a calf on the ground, the sooner you can start making a return from that female. We agree, however our current management practice at BRC focuses on the combination we have experienced to select for overall lifetime reproductive success and longevity while also respecting the overall development of the females.
In general, we try to begin breeding Brahman heifers when they are 18 months old to 24 months old. We prefer females to be grass developed and in a body condition score of 6.
It is not uncommon to see Brahman females starting to cycle at 11 to 12 months old. However, in our experience, they tend to make better cows in the long run if you wait to begin breeding them until they are 18 months old. Breeding them at 11-12 months won’t cause calving trouble, but what it may do is put extra stress on them and delay the time that they re-breed back for their second calf. We have experienced that sometimes these young first calf heifers may take 12 to 18 months to re-breed back, where the ultimately goal is a calf every year.
We have found giving them the extra 6 months to develop will help in the long run, because Brahmans are known to have greater longevity in productive live also compared to Bos taurus breeds. So, even though you are delaying 6 months on the front end, you are adding at least that much and possibly many years more in the long run.
If you breed at 18 to 24 months, then the Brahman female will have her first calf when she is anywhere from 2 1/2 years old to 3 years old. By this time, she will be fully developed, able to calf usually with no trouble, and be able to maintain her body condition while raising a calf and then re-breeding back to maintain the goal of one calf a year.
These are just our experiences, and we do acknowledge that there is a goal of making improvements to the early maturing vs. later maturing traits of Brahman, while still maintaining a preferred calving interval.
FAQs
In general, we try to begin breeding Brahman heifers when they are 18 months old to 24 months old. We prefer females to be grass developed and in a body condition score of 6. It is not uncommon to see Brahman females starting to cycle at 11 to 12 months old.
What is the best breed to cross with Brahman? ›
Brahman x Hereford – Amazing. Brahman x Shorthorn – We love these. Brahman x Charolais – Outstanding. Brahman x ANYTHING will help you maximize the breed complementarity to get the best of both breeds.
What are the breed standards for Brahman? ›
Mature bulls must have a mass of between 750 kg and 1030 kg, and mature cows must have a mass between 500 kg and 660 kg. Good width, deep and balanced, with a straight back, and a slightly rounded rump. Any marked slope from the hips to the withers or dorsal vertebrae is undesirable.
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.
What month is best to breed heifers? ›
Well grown British/European breed heifers can be mated at 15 months to calve at 24 months. The two main advantages of mating heifers as yearlings instead of two- year-olds are: heifers mated as yearlings produce an extra calf during their life in the herd.
What happens if you breed a heifer too early? ›
1. Increased costs associated with breeding heifers at younger ages. 2. Increased calf losses due to dystocia (calving difficulty) and related problems including the necessary management inputs for dealing with dystocia.
What are two disadvantages of Brahman cattle? ›
What are the pros and cons of Brahman cattle? A. Heat tolerance, longer years in productions, and the added performance they give in crossbreeding are the three biggest pros to Brahman cattle. Lack of cold tolerance, a need for carcass improvement, and disposition are some of the common concerns about Brahman cattle.
Can you breed Angus and Brahman? ›
However, when crossing these two breeds – ranchers can get one of the best combinations for maximum hybrid vigor. Brahman x Angus is one of the most popular crosses for producing F-1 cattle and commercial cattle that will work anywhere in the USA.
Why are Brahman cattle so expensive? ›
Why are Brahman cattle considered valuable? Brahman cattle are prized for their heat tolerance, durability, long lifespan, gentle nature (when handled right), and strong genetics. Females generally exhibit strong maternal instincts, high milk production, and good fertility.
What to look for in a Brahman show heifer? ›
Massive, long, broad, moderate depth, balanced, straight back with a slightly rounding rump. Any appreciable dropping off from hips to region of crops or hump is undesirable.
The Brangus breed was developed to utilise the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle. Their genetics are stabilised at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus.
What makes Brahman cattle desirable? ›
Environmental Adaptability. Perhaps the Brahman breed's greatest trademark is its ability to adapt and thrive in any given environment. Structurally, Brahmans have dark skin pigmentation that filters the sun's intense rays and keeps the breed free of cancer eye.
Can Brahman cows be milked? ›
Yes, you can drink milk from Brahman cows, just like you can drink milk from other breeds of cows. However, that's not usually what they're known for or bred for. There are several popular dairy cow breeds that have been selectively bred over generations to maximize milk yield and quality.
What is the lifespan of Brahman? ›
Brahma's lifespan is 311.04 trillion solar years, and we are in the 28th Kali Yuga of the 51st year of the current Brahma's life.
What is a Brahman cow mixed with? ›
The Brahman breed originated in the USA in the early 1800s where it was developed from the progeny of four Indian Zebu breeds. Some infusion of local British breed (Bos taurus) cattle also occurred during its development.
At what age can a Brahma bull breed? ›
So, a 20-month old Brahman bull can breed 20 cows in a breeding season. Once they mature, usually 20 to 25 cows per bull.
What age and weight do you breed heifers? ›
Puberty at 12 months of age
As stated by Troxel and Gadberry, “The most critical point is that heifers be at the desired weight for breeding, which is approximately 65% of their mature weight.” British breeds (Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, etc.)
What is the ideal breeding heifer? ›
a Ideal breeding heifers or bulls should: G Be well balanced. G Have ample size and scale. G Show meat-type characteristics. G Have sound feet and legs.
