Brangus

Brangus is a hardy and popular breed of beef cattle, a cross between an Angus and a Brahman. Animals eligible for registration as Brangus cattle are 5/8 Angus and 3/8 Brahman. Brangus is a registered trademark of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA).

History

The effort to develop the Brangus breed had begun by 1932, and the first organization of Brangus breeders was chartered in 1949. Registered Brangus descend from the foundation animals recorded that year or registered Brahman and Angus cattle enrolled since then.

Much of the early work in crossing Brahman and Angus cattle was done at the USDA Experiment Station in Jeanerette, Louisiana. According to the USDA 1935 Yearbook in Agriculture, the research with these crosses started about 1932. During the same period, Clear Creek Ranch (of Welch, Oklahoma and Grenada, Mississippi), Raymond Pope (of Vinita, Oklahoma), the Essar Ranch (of San Antonio, Texas), and a few individual breeders in other parts of the United States and Canada were also carrying on private experimental breeding programs. They were looking for a beef-type animal that would retain the Brahman's natural ability to thrive under adverse conditions.

The early breeders from 16 states and Canada met in Vinita, Oklahoma, on July 2, 1949, and organized the American Brangus Breeders Association, with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. The breed association, now named the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), has been headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, since January, 1973. There are now members in nearly every one of the United States, and also in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Central America, Mexico, and Zimbabwe.

Uses

The Brangus breed was developed to the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle. Their genetics are stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. The combination results in a breed which unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds. The Brahman, through rigorous natural selection, developed disease resistance, overall hardiness and outstanding maternal instincts. Angus are known for their superior carcass qualities. Angus cows are also extremely functional females excelling in fertility and ability to be milked.

Registered Brangus must be 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus, solid black or red, and polled. Both sire and dam must be recorded with the International Brangus Breeders Association. Foundation Angus and Brahman cattle must be registered in their respective breed associations prior to being enrolled with the IBBA. Intermediate crosses necessary to reach the 3/8 - 5/8 percentage are certified by the IBBA.

In recent years, the major portion of the Brangus registered are from Brangus parents, but an increasing number of foundation Brahman and Angus are being enrolled as the breed achieves greater recognition. Interest in developing breeds of cattle carrying some percentage of Brahman breeding for the general improvement of the commercial cattle of the United States speaks well for the apparent advantages that Bos indicus cattle have in areas of high heat and humidity.

Research at Louisiana has indicated that Brangus cows increased their weights during the summer months while Angus cows lost weight, indicating that they were more adapted to coastal climates. Calves from Brangus were heavier at birth and weaning and for total pounds produced per cow. The Angus had an advantage in conception rate and calved earlier, and the calves were more vigorous at birth and survived better to weaning.

The breed have proven resistant to heat and high humidity. Under conditions of cool and cold climate they seem to produce enough hair for adequate protection. The cows are good mothers, and the calves are usually of medium size at birth. The cattle respond well to conditions of abundant feed, but have exhibited hardiness under conditions of stress.

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References
  • Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs. Modern Breeds of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co. 1980
  • International Brangus Breeders Association, San Antonio, TX.

See also
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