Instructions
Look at the height and size of the Brahman. Bulls and steers grow to an average height of 4.5 feet while cows grow to 4 feet. The Brahman cattle weigh an average of 2,090 lbs. for males, and an average of 1,320 lbs. for females. The Brahman stands out due to its most identifying feature: a large hump on the back above the shoulders. Its long body has a sloping rump with long legs.
Note the large amount of excess skin that turns into multiple folds; the hanging saggy throatlatch and dewlap exemplifies the Brahman cattle and separates the breed from others. The Brahman's smooth shiny coat helps reflect the rays of the sun while the excess skin provides additional surface area to increase heat loss. These adaptations enable the Brahman cattle to thrive in extreme heat.
Examine the head featuring a long dished face. The Brahman's long, large ears are set on the sides of the head and appear droopy or floppy. The large, dark eyes are wide set.
Observe the color ranges. Although best known as being grey or red, Brahman cattle can be black, white, brown and spotted. The color starts with darker shades on the top of the Brahman and lightens in color underneath.
Listen to the Brahman cattle. Notice that instead of making a "moo" sound the breed will grunt.
Compare the Brahman cattle to other cattle breeds in the field. Note that besides the other cattle not presenting the signature hump of the Brahman, insects appear to gravitate to the other breeds. The Brahman breed is naturally insect repellent due to an ability to produce an oily sebum secretion through the skin.
How to Identify Brahman Cattle
The Brahman breed of cattle is very adaptable to heat and flourishes in hot climates where other breeds fail to thrive. India's high temperatures developed the strong characteristics that sets the Brahman apart from other breeds. Due to the ability of Brahman cattle to survive drought, extreme heat and insects, the breed is popular in the southwest United States.