One of the most popular breeds among cow ranchers is Brahman cattle. Their versatility and high tolerance make them a good choice for crossbreeding.
This breed is not free from certain cons. They have their share of disadvantages, ranging from temperament and quality to reproduction. Understanding these disadvantages can help cow producers to handle them in the best possible way. Also, such information can assist one in deciding if they want Brahman in their pen.
Keeping this in mind, here, we have presented a post that will discuss some interesting facts about Brahman cattle disadvantages. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of this breed and be able to determine whether or not you want one in your barn.
This post is fully educational, and we do not intend to prescribe any scientific or medical data to the readers. You can always conduct your study to learn more. So, let’s begin our Brahman journey!
Brahman cattle origin
There’s no denying that Brahman cattle are adaptable and popular. First, however, we need to focus on their origin to understand them better.
Brahman cattle or Brahma are descended from Indian Bos indicus cattle. The Guzerat, Nelore, and Gir were the three main strains of Indian cattle transported to the US and employed in the genesis of the Brahman breed. On the other hand, the American Brahman was the first beef cattle breed to be produced in the US.
Some of the traits of Brahman cattle are as follows:
| Breed name | Brahman |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Up to 700 kg |
| Purpose | Breeding and meat |
| Highlights | High tolerance, adaptability, and resistance to insects |
| Coat color | Primarily grey and red |
| Hump | Yes, pronounced |
| Milking Capacity | Moderate to high |
| Beef quality | Low |
Are Brahman cattle good pets?
Brahman cattle can be used for a variety of purposes. They are raised for a variety of reasons. Are they, however, good pets?
Because they are obedient, they would make a terrific pet. The Brahmans, however, must be kept outside in a shed due to their bodily odor. Although Brahman cattle are not wild, they must be treated with respect and care. It is also preferable to keep this breed in herds.
Here, it is essential to note that someone with experience in cattle rearing would better handle brahman cattle. We say so because this breed does not tolerate infrequent handling. So, some experience in the same field would add up in terms of providing the best ambiance to Brahman cows and bulls.
Are Brahman cattle gentle?
There is no doubt that Brahman cattle have a vast look, making one feel intimidated. But how far is it right to judge their temperament by their look?
Well, much opposite to their muscular appearance, Brahman cattle tend to be shy, curious, and pretty intelligent. However, they do not generally show any intimidating behavior and can be quite gentle if tackled with care. In addition, Brahman cattle have kind personalities and may learn to obey fast.
That being said, if you want your Brahman bull or cow to be gentle, you must manage them positively. Keep in mind that this breed quickly responds to the handling it receives- good or bad. Hence, what you will give, you will receive.
Why are Brahman cattle good?
Brahman cattle are often found in tropical areas and are noted for their exceptional heat tolerance. They’re mostly raised for breeding and beef.
Apart from these, Brahman cattle are popular for being easy to be trained. In addition, this breed is pretty intelligent and tends to have good memory power. As a result, they will remember whatever you train or teach them. And since they have high heat tolerance ability, they are ideal to be reared in warmer regions like Texas.
Another perk of this breed is that it is frequently crossbred to generate a variety of customized hybrids in order to improve meat quality.
Are Brahman bulls aggressive?
Tropically adapted Brahman cattle are seeing a surge in their demand as the global temperature increases. Thanks to their innate adaptive abilities, this breed can stand even the harshest of situations.
However, it does not make Brahman bulls aggressive. Do not go by their muscular and humpy look, as these bulls can be pretty gentle if handled with care. Nonetheless, the bulls can be quite alert and smart with good memory power.
On the other hand, a Brahman bull will react with intense uneasiness or hostility if he is touched violently or sporadically. While most Brahmans who have been treated well are kind, newbies should be wary of the infrequent, unpredictable animal.
Why are brahman cattle so aggressive?
Brahman cattle are sometimes chastised for their adverse and violent responses to people despite their ability to adapt to hot, humid settings.
Several bovine studies have found that prenatally stressed male calves tend to be more impulsive, aggressive, and hostile toward people. That said, bulls exposed to prenatal stress create high cortisol levels, a hormone released in reaction to a challenging circumstance that can lead to violent behavior.
However, this should not make one biased against Brahman bulls, as these are special cases. And this breed overall does not display an aggressive demeanor often.
Why are Brahman cows go aggressive?
Fear, experience, and endocrine condition all play a role in cattle aggression. Therefore, every time a Brahman cow acts aggressively, there is a plausible cause for it.
One will find a Brahman cow showing aggression due to her protective behavior towards her newborn calf. Hence, it is advisable just to stay away from a new mother if it is not that essential to go near her. We say this because you never know when a protective Brahman cow with a new baby would come after you.
Summary
So to wrap up, we would like to state that Brahman cattle have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Do not get intimidated by their looks, as they are basically shy and curious animals. Nonetheless, they can show you their aggressive side if not handled with care. Read our blog and do your research to learn more about their cons and make an informed decision if you want this breed on your ranch.
