Why the Brahman?

The Brahman is known as the 'king of crossbreeding' and demonstrates a range of economically important traits that make it an ideal beef breed.

- Janine Ryan

The Brahman was recognised as a distinct breed in 1924 with the formation of the American Brahman Breeders' Association. The breed as we know it today was developed in the US, but its genetic roots trace back thousands of years to Bos indicus cattle breeds from India (like the Gyr, Guzerat, Nellore and Krishna Valley).

Since the establishment of the breed in the 1920s, the Brahman has become one of the most popular breeds worldwide, with its global popularity seemingly on the increase.

The breed can be found in 55 countries, with an estimated global population of 1,8 million head of registered cattle. While this number is seemingly small, particularly compared to breeds like the Angus, the Brahman has influenced many cattle breeds in crossbreeding programmes, and so the influence of the Brahman on the global cattle population cannot be understated. For example, it's estimated that around 70% of all cattle in Namibia have Brahman genetics, while 80% of all cattle in Zimbabwe have Brahman genetics. In South Africa, it's estimated that around 55% of all cattle have some type of Brahman influence, according to AgriOrbit.

The Brahman is one of the most numerous cattle breeds in Australia, particularly in Queensland. In key beef-producing countries including Brazil and Argentina, the Brahman has a significant presence. While its rise in the US was initially slow, the Brahman is now widely found throughout that country.

'KINGS OF CROSSBREEDING'

One of the reasons for the breed's influence on global beef production is its ability to generate maximum hybrid vigour (heterosis) when crossed with other breeds, particularly B. taurus (European) breeds.

Hybrid vigour is the phenomenon in which the offspring of two genetically diverse parents show superior performance in certain traits compared to the average of those parents.