Brahman: a legacy of adaptability and strength in South Africa

Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to Wayne Porter, president of the Brahman Breeders' Society of South Africa, about the history of Brahman cattle in the country and their role in commercial and communal farming.

- Wayne Porter

The history of the Brahman Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa is a tale that spans continents, beginning in India, finding momentum in South America, and reaching its full potential on the southern tip of Africa.

Since their first arrival more than six decades ago, Brahman cattle have established themselves as one of the most resilient and economically valuable breeds in South Africa's livestock sector.

HISTORIC JOURNEY TO SOUTHERN AFRICA

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Wayne Porter, president of the Brahman Breeders' Society of South Africa, says the journey of Brahman cattle to local soil started in 1954 when Jürgen Krantz travelled to Texas, US, to investigate this hardy breed.

"He imported 10 heifers and seven bulls from Edgar Hudgins, and two additional bulls from Vernon Frost. These animals arrived by sea in Cape Town and were then transported to Namibia, where Krantz farmed," Porter explains.

Soon after, two of the bulls were sold to South African breeders, a historic transaction that marked the formal introduction of Brahman cattle to the country.

BRED FOR HARSH CLIMATES

Porter says the main reason for importing Brahman cattle was their suitability for tough climates. "They are from Zebu origin, known for their ability to withstand harsh, hot, tick- and fly-infested environments that made them an excellent choice for Southern African regions like Namibia, the Kalahari, and Limpopo," he says.

According to Porter, the early imports came from well-known US breeders such as JD Hudgins Inc, JT Garrett, Afton Burke, Norris Cattle Company, Gerry Stack, WH Stuart, and Andy Duda & Sons.

These foundation animals laid the genetic base for a thriving Brahman population in the region.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE LOCALLY