The Brahman cattle is a very popular breed in it’s native area and some other countries around the world. It is a multi-purpose breed which is raised for many different purposes. It is good and raised for meat, milk and draught purposes.
This is actually an Indian breed of cattle. But the modern Brahman cattle was bred in the United States from 1885 from cattle originating in India, imported at various times from the United Kingdom, from India and from Brazil (these included Gir, Guzera, Indu-Brasil and Ongole stock).
These cattle are very strong and hardy animals. They have a high tolerance of heat, sunlight and humidity. They also have good resistance to parasites. The breed has been exported to many countries around the world, especially in the tropics.
Currently, this is the most numerous breed of cattle in Australia. The breed has been used in the creation of many taurine-indicine hybrids (some of which are Brahmous, which is established as a separate breed).
The Indian-origin Brahman cattle breed is named after the Brahmins (Hindu priests), who themselves are named after the Hindu deity Brahma. However, read some more information about this cattle breed below.
Brahman Cattle Characteristics
The Brahman cattle are medium to large sized animals. They have a high hunchback, and their head become long in size. Their dewlap is very thick and covered with skin.
Their ears are long and hanging. They are found mainly in gray and red colors. But brown, black and white colored animals are also common.
These animals are classified as a medium to large sized animals. Average body weight of the mature bulls is around 800-1100 kg. And average body weight of the mature cows is between 500 and 700 kg.
Uses
The Brahman cattle are multi-purpose animals. They are raised for many different purposes. They are raised and good for meat, milk and draught purposes.
Special Notes
The Brahman cattle are extremely strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to a variety of agro-climatic conditions. They are known for their extreme tolerance to heat and are widespread in tropical regions. They are also resistant to insects due to their thick skin.
The Brahman bulls are used in the traditional sport of bull-butting in Oman and Fujairah. The Brahman cattle live longer than many other domestic cattle breeds (often producing calves at ages 15 and older). Review full breed profile of the Brahman cattle in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Brahman |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, milk, draught |
| Special Notes | Very strong and hardy, known for their extreme tolerance to heat and are widespread in tropical regions. They are also resistant to insects due to their thick skin. |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Bull’s Weight | 800-100 kg |
| Cow’s Weight | 500-700 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Mainly gray and red. Other colors also available |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Good |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | India |
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Brahman cattle. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this breed of domestic cattle. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Is raising Brahman cattle profitable?
Yes, commercial Brahman cattle farming is a very profitable business. You can make good profits from this business.
How to start commercial Brahman cattle farming business?
Starting a commercial production of these cattle is relatively easy and simple. You just have to purchase cattle, make a good house for your animal, feed them with nutritious food and always try to take good care of them.
Why do Brahman cattle have a hump?
The Brahman’s hump has evolved over time to help the animal survive in hot, arid conditions. It is made up of tissue that stores water. These cattle are known for the hump over the withers at the back of their necks.
Do Brahman cows produce milk?
Yes, sure! But these cows are not good for commercial milk production.
What are the disadvantages of Brahman cattle?
Brahman cattle generally don’t do well in cold climates.
Are Brahman cattle gentle?
Yes, they are very gentle when treated and managed correctly. This breed is actually one of the most intelligent breed of cattle.
Do Brahman cattle grow fast?
Yes, these cattle grow very fast as compared to many other cattle breeds. The calves are small at birth (weighing 60 to 65 pounds), but grow rapidly.
What is a Brahman cow mixed with?
The Brahman is an American breed of zebuine-taurine hybrid beef cattle.
Are Brahman bulls friendly?
No, the bulls are not among the friendliest cattle breeds. They are generally very protective of their offspring, their herd and even their ‘humans’ that have shown them kindness.
How cold is too cold for Brahman cattle?
Studies at the University of Missouri found that Brahman and European cattle thrive equally well at temperatures down to 8° F.
How much is a Brahman cow worth?
Exact price of a Brahman cow depends on numerous factors. But average price of a Brahman cow can be around or up to $800 per head.
How long are Brahman cows pregnant?
Average gestation period of a Brahman cow is between 279 and 292 days.
What do you feed a Brahman cow?
Feeding a Brahman cow is just like feeding any other cattle breeds. You can feed them anything what other cattle breeds prefer. You can feed them hay, grains, greens, grass etc.
Can you breed Angus and Brahman?
Yes, sure! Actually, the Brangus breed was developed in the 1930s and 1940s by crossing Brahman and Angus cattle.
What state has the most Brahman cow?
Southeastern Texas has become the major breeding center for the American Brahman.
How much milk does a Brahman cow produce in a day?
A high-yielding Brahman cow may produce as much as 50 liters of milk per day during peak lactation.
Are Brahman bulls mean?
Yes, the Brahman bulls are often criticized for their negative and aggressive reactions to humans.
How big do Brahman cattle get?
Average body weight of the mature bulls is around 800-1100 kg.
Do Brahman bulls get horns?
Yes, they have horns.
At what age can a Brahman bull breed?
Generally, a Brahman bull reach puberty within their 15 months of age.
Are Brahman cattle very heat tolerant?
Yes, these cattle are very heat tolerant.
What is the characteristics of Brahman cattle?
The Brahman cattle are easily characterized by a hump above the shoulders and a pronounced dewlap. They are actually medium to large sized animals with very beautiful look. They have a high hunchback, and their head become long in size. Their dewlap is very thick and covered with skin. Their ears are long and hanging. They are found mainly in gray and red colors. But brown, black and white colored animals are also common. Average body weight of the mature bulls is around 800-1100 kg. And average body weight of the mature cows is between 500 and 700 kg.
