About Brangus Cattle

The Brangus is a breed of cattle produced from two other breeds: the Angus and the Brahman. The breeds from which it descends are both well-prized for various desirable traits that have been maintained in the cross-breeding process. The Brangus is a relatively new cattle breed, having been created during the early 20th century.

  1. Angus Cattle

    • The Angus cattle breed originates from the fertile coastal regions of northern Scotland. The beginnings of the breed date back to the late 18th century and two local ancestor breeds. The Angus Doodies and the Buchan Humlies are the parent breeds for the Angus, both of which are hornless cattle. Modern-day Angus cattle are resistant to harsh weather, mature fast, offer a high meat yield, offer a high milk yield and have good mothering ability. The breed also does not need to be dehorned as it naturally does not grow them.

    Brahman Cattle

    • Brahman cattle originate from India, where the harsh conditions have led to a highly resilient animal. Bulls brought from India were crossed with various European breeds to produce a more-robust animal. The standout characteristic of the breed is its large, muscular shoulder hump. The breed is prized for its resistance to high temperatures and ability to thrive on almost any kind of feed. The breed also has a calm temperament. Like the Angus, Brahmans are good mothers, which produce plentiful milk when conditions are good.

    Brangus Cattle

    • The Brangus cattle are genetically 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. The United States Department of Agriculture places the origins of the breed at around 1932 when the USDA itself began experimenting with the breed. Physically, Brangus bulls have the muscular hump and loose skin of their Brahman ancestors, with the red and black coloring of the Angus. Also, like the Angus, they lack horns, which the Brahman breed naturally possess. The breed possesses the weather resistance from both its ancestors, doing well in heat like the Brahman and also the cold like the Angus.

    Brangus Uses

    • As both its sire breeds are good milk producers, the Brangus is also highly prized for this purpose. It is a fast-maturing breed, which produces a high meat yield and is also prized for its carcass. In tests, the meat has been shown to be more tender on average than what the Angus produces.