Brangus facts for kids

The Brangus is a strong and popular type of cattle raised for beef. It's a special mix of two other cattle breeds: the Angus and the Brahman. To be officially called a Brangus, an animal must be 5/8 Angus and 3/8 Brahman. The name "Brangus" is a registered trademark of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA).

How Brangus Cattle Were Developed

People started working to create the Brangus breed way back in 1932. The first group for Brangus breeders was formed in 1949. All registered Brangus cattle today come from those original animals or from registered Brahman and Angus cattle added later.

Much of the early work mixing Brahman and Angus cattle happened at a USDA research station in Jeanerette, Louisiana. This research began around 1932. At the same time, some ranches and individual breeders in places like Oklahoma and Texas were also trying out their own breeding programs. They wanted a beef cattle that could handle tough conditions, just like the Brahman.

In 1949, breeders from 16 states and Canada met in Vinita, Oklahoma. They created the American Brangus Breeders Association. This group is now called the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) and is based in San Antonio, Texas. Today, you can find members in almost every U.S. state, and also in countries like Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Zimbabwe.

What Makes Brangus Special

The Brangus breed was created to combine the best qualities of Angus and Brahman cattle. Their genes are set at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. This mix brings together the good traits of both parent breeds.

• The Brahman cattle are known for being tough. They have a natural resistance to diseases and are great mothers.
• Angus cattle are famous for their excellent meat quality. Angus cows are also very fertile and produce good milk for their calves.

For a Brangus to be registered, it must be 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. They are usually solid black or red and do not have horns (this is called "polled"). Both the mother and father must be registered with the International Brangus Breeders Association.

In recent years, most registered Brangus come from two Brangus parents. However, more and more original Brahman and Angus cattle are being added to the breed. This shows how popular Brangus are becoming. People are interested in cattle with some Brahman genes because Bos indicus cattle (like Brahman) do very well in hot and humid places.

Research in Louisiana showed that Brangus cows actually gained weight during the summer, while Angus cows lost weight. This means Brangus are better suited for warm, coastal areas. Brangus calves were also heavier at birth and when they were weaned. The Angus cows had more calves and calved earlier, and their calves were stronger at birth.

Brangus cattle can handle heat and high humidity very well. They also grow enough hair to stay warm in cool or cold weather. The cows are good mothers, and their calves are usually a medium size when born. These cattle do well when they have plenty of food, but they are also tough and can survive in difficult conditions.

See also

In Spanish: Angus-Brangus para niños