The Braford is a cross between a Hereford bull or cow and a Brahman bull or cow. They possess the characteristics of both of these breeds. The result is a stocky breed, like the Brahman, with the coloring of the Hereford.
Due to their size, strength, and sometimes aggressive nature, Braford cattle are used in rodeos, but their primary function is to produce meat. They are an easy breed to manage.
Australian Brafords were first developed in 1946. In 1947, American Brafords were developed in Florida. Today, the breed can be found mainly in the United States, Mexico, and Australia.
Quick Facts About Braford Cattle
Breed Name:
Australian Braford
Place of Origin:
Australia
Uses:
Meat
Bull Size:
1,000 kg (2,205 pounds)
Cow Size:
750 kg (1,653 pounds)
Color:
Red and white
Lifespan:
15–20 years
Climate Tolerance:
Warm climates
Care Level:
Easy
Production:
High meat production; average milk production
Rarity:
Common
Braford Cattle Origins
In Queensland in 1946, Brahman cattle were bred with Hereford cattle in an effort to produce a breed that would be resistant to ticks and more tolerant of heat. The Australian cattle industry was suffering losses due to tick-borne diseases and eye cancer. This breed was further developed until 1952, when it became stabilized.
In 1947, a Brahman breeder named Alto Adams, Jr. started to develop the breed in Florida by crossing Hereford bulls with Brahman cows. The calves were more fitting for his needs because they were heat tolerant and withstood the Florida humidity better than Herefords.
Image Credit: Mifotodigital.club, Shutterstock
Braford Cattle Characteristics
The Braford has hooded eyes with pigmentation that helps make them resistant to eye cancer.
These cows make excellent mothers. They have strong maternal instincts and give birth easily, supplying enough milk for their calves.
Selective breeding has also made the Brafords bloat resistant. While bloat may still occur, it’s often not fatal.
The Braford is usually horned but can be polled. Their strong legs and feet help them travel long distances between water points, even across rocky or uneven ground.
They have a long lifespan, outliving other breeds. Their Brahman heritage helps them survive periods of drought and extremely harsh weather conditions, either hot or cold. They adapt well to any environment and management system.
Uses
Braford cattle are used for meat production. They produce a poor to an average amount of milk, but the cows make good mothers and can adequately feed their calves. They are used in areas of high-heat humidity because of their tolerance.
The breed is occasionally used in the rodeo due to their size and strength.
Image Credit: Mifotodigital.club, Shutterstock
Appearance & Varieties
Braford cattle, whether Australian or American, are typically red with white faces, bellies, feet, and heads. They have smooth coats that are typically thin but grow thicker in cool climates. They get this coloring from their Hereford parents. Due to their Brahman parentage, Brafords can have loose skin and humps on their backs between the shoulders. They’re stocky and strong.
Their skin is oily, and they have extra sweat glands that help them tolerate hot climates.
Distribution/Habitat
While the Braford breed was developed in Australia and Florida, its reputation soon spread. The cattle have been exported to Malaysia, China, New Guinea, New Zealand, South America, and South Africa.
Brafords can do well in cold climates, but their heat tolerance makes them desirable for warm climates. They can tolerate heat more than some other breeds.
Are Braford Cattle Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Braford cattle are good for small-scale farming because they’re easy to manage. They can tolerate periods of drought and extreme heat and humidity. If you have adequate space, knowledge, and the budget to raise cattle, Brafords can be a viable option for you to help diversify your farm and increase profits.
Braford cattle are crosses of Brahman and Hereford cattle. They’re easy to care for, tolerant of heat, resistant to many tick-borne diseases, and produce high-quality meat. This is an ideal breed for beginners due to their adaptability. Since the meat is well-known, it already has a good reputation in the market. If you purchase healthy cattle and raise them with care, you can have a profitable operation.
