Brahmans have a higher density of sweat glands per sq. cm of hide, and a low respiratory rate. An abundance of loose skin aids in its ability to withstand warm weather by increasing the body surface area exposed to cooling. In cold weather the skin is contracted, increasing the thickness of the hide and density of the hair, which aids in retaining body heat. A special feature of the Brahman breed is their ability over other breeds to sweat freely, which contributes greatly to their heat tolerance. On the hottest days, one can find them resting in the full sun, without any signs of stress. 2. Brahmans are resistance to ticks and disease They have an oily skin texture, a short hair coat, and the ability to jerk their hides when they feel irritations on their bodies. This all helps in making the Brahman and its crossbreds remarkably resistant to ticks and other biting insects. A capability that probably also accounts to a large extent, for their being able to withstand diseases as well. Brahmans also have dark skin pigmentation which keeps the breed free of cancer eye. 3. Brahmans are Excellent Mothers Maternal instinct in Brahman cows is very strong They are well-known for their mothering abilities. Cows will go to extreme lengths to protect their calves. Never, ever get between a Brahma Mama and her calf! 4. Brahmans are adaptable and hardy Brahmans very adaptive in extreme and often harsh environments. The breed is known for its longevity as well it is not strange to come upon cows still producing at 15 years of age and sometimes even longer. They are survivors. 5. Brahmans are avid Foragers Brahman will not stand at the gate waiting for hand outs! They forage actively and make the best use of the available grazing. 6. Brahmans are Movers Due to their efficient mobility, Brahmans can cover great distances in search of grazing. This is a huge plus factor in dry extensive regions. In times of drought when it becomes necessary to move cattle over long distances, breeders have reported in amazement at the Brahmans ability to walk. 7. Brahmans are Drought Resistance During times of extreme drought, Brahman cattle have repeatedly shown a marked resistance to hostile changes that then occur in the environment. They are diligent grazers and will work hard for you. 8. Brahmans are intelligent Cattle breeders notice the extraordinary level of intelligence that Brahman cattle exhibit. They cleverly turn this to their advantage, when handling their animals. Sensible use of this characteristic, can be a great help. 9. Brahmans are friendly Handle Brahmans gently and with patience. If you treat them well, they will treat you well! Good temperament in Brahman is up to us not to them! They are very responsive to kindness and are quite gentle when handled properly. 10. Brahmans are great sources of Hybrid vigor Brahmans excel in adding hybrid vigor to their offspring when crossed with other breeds. But my personal #1 reason for having Brahmans… The calves are so stinkin’ cute! 🙂 What do you love about Brahmans? |
Why Brahmans? Brahmans are…
January 2, 2012
Trivia & Tidbits brahman, cattle, facts 24 Comments
judi @ farmnwife.com
Jan 02, 2012 @ 10:55:47
Excellent post. I would be interested to see what they look like when crossed with the different breeds.
jmjlaurent
Jan 02, 2012 @ 11:04:42
Great idea for a Wordless Wednesday post-pics of Brahman Crosses! Thanks!
Ryan Goodman
Jan 02, 2012 @ 14:53:10
My personal favorite is the F1 hereford cross – some pretty awesome brindle white faces.
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:35:17
There are a lot of F1 Hereford x Brahman momma cows here in our part of East Texas. They make excellent Mommas. Brindle white faced ones are my fav!
Hannah
Jan 03, 2012 @ 10:49:14
Beefmasters are one of the breeds crossed with Brahmans! They are extrememly hardy animals!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:36:06
That they are and quite beautiful! I just love all Brahman influenced cattle.
RachelKenya
Jan 02, 2012 @ 11:45:49
Fabulous blog! I learned something today about Brahamans. Did you know this is variety raised by traditional Maasai herdsmen in Kenya? Farming brings the world together. And yes, the babies are cute!
jmjlaurent
Jan 02, 2012 @ 12:05:04
Thanks Rachel! I’m learning as I go but I’m determined to learn all about this blogging business!
Robyn
Jan 02, 2012 @ 12:05:43
Melissa
Good post. Very informative and I like you last line. It adds a personal touch that is important to connecting with your readers.
jmjlaurent
Jan 02, 2012 @ 15:04:33
Thanks Robyn, that is a good tip to remember!
The Dairy Mom
Jan 02, 2012 @ 12:42:01
Great job. It was easy to read and I learned so much!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:31:24
Thank you very much. We had a few Holsteins and a Jersey in the mix here for many years as the daughter started showing dairy heifers at a young age. We are in what once was a large dairy area but most have sold out, moved to west Texas or gone under. It is a tough business, but there is a large Dutch dairy across the highway from us and he milked our cows for us after they calved.
pearlsnapsponderings
Jan 02, 2012 @ 15:30:43
I’m gonna have to agree with you on the #1 reason. The calves are so stinkin’ cute! It seems having floppy ears makes just about any animal 10x cuter 🙂
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:33:29
Expect lots of floppy eared calf pics soon. I have a heifer that looks like she will go next month and the rest of the herd will follow. I get just giddy during calving season!!
Lisa Claessen
Jan 02, 2012 @ 16:47:53
Northern Australia have these floppy eared beauties to thank for their incredible adaptability – very little else can make such productivity gains on harsh environments. I think they have a graceful presence and they make darn good mums! They’d have to feature in my alternative beauty pageant any day!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:27:56
Thanks Lisa. My daughter took an Ag trip to Australia last summer. She loved seeing the Brahmans there. Even got to see her first Brahman get processed at the harvest facility and she was so excited about it the Plant manager presented her with a Brahman “Hump” in a cooler when they left. They later had a famous Japanese chef there cook it for them. He kept asking through the interpreter what cut the beef was but apparently there is no Japanese translation for ‘Hump”!
funwithbulls
Jan 03, 2012 @ 07:52:39
Congrats on your first post! Very informative! Look forward to more post!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:24:23
Thanks! We have quite a lot of “funwithbulls” around here too-stay tuned.
Hannah
Jan 03, 2012 @ 10:50:00
Great post! Love to see another awesome lady join the bloggin’ world!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:23:18
Thanks Hannah! I’m just learning, but I’m determined!
eburnsthompson
Jan 04, 2012 @ 14:18:17
Great post. Make me think back to my trip down to Panama last year. Lots of Brahmans down there!
jmjlaurent
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:38:31
Thanks! I’ve always wanted to go on a “Brahman Tour” down that way! I love looking at the pictures posted on Facebook by the breeders down there. They have some really colorful cattle and HUGE ears!
Jaime
Jan 04, 2012 @ 23:24:20
I came across your blog after searching for the Problogger hashtag. I’m trying the 31 day challenge this month too. I enjoyed the post. Keep up the good work.
jmjlaurent
Jan 05, 2012 @ 17:03:43
Thanks Jamie! I’m in a group of 16 Ag Bloggers going through the 31 day challenge-so far so good! Good luck with your blog!