Breeding and Uses
American Brahman cattle was the first breed of beef cattle developed in the United States in the early 1900s as a result of crossing four different Indian cattle breeds (Gyr, Gujarat, Nelore and Krishna Valley). The original American Brahman cattle originated from a nucleus of approximately 266 bulls and 22 females of several Bos indicus (cattle of India) types imported into the United States between 1854 and 1926.
The American Brahman Breeders Association was formed in 1924 as the official herd registry in the United States to track and verify bloodlines of cattle. This organization is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The name "Brahman" was created by the American Brahman Breeder's Association first secretary, Mr. J. W. Sartwelle.
The Brahman is mainly used for breeding and the meat industry; it has been crossbred extensively with Bos taurus (European) beef breeds of cattle. The Brahman is one of the most popular breeds of cattle intended for meat processing and is widely used in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, United States, Colombia and northern Australia (especially in Queensland, the Kimberley (Western Australia) and the Northern Territory) among many other places. It has been used to develop numerous other U.S. beef breeds including Brangus, Beefmaster, Simbrah, and Santa Gertrudis.
Brahman cattle are known for their extreme tolerance to heat conditions, and therefore are used in many tropical regions. They are also resistant to insects due to their thick layer of skin. Brahman cattle live longer than many other breeds, often still producing calves at ages 15 and older.
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