In our efforts to continually provide honest, accurate data for our customers, we are proud to present this visual chart that categorizes our current Brahman AI sires by birthweight.
This data is a compilation of actual birthweight of these bulls and their progeny EPD data. We have taken that data and grouped the bulls into the following categories:
- Low birthweight Brahman bulls – Bulls that would be predicted to produce calves 79 pounds or less. Our lightest birthweight bull – who also has a very high EPD accuracy confirming this – is 259. Many of these bulls are bulls we offer 365 days a year through our online store because they offer versatility and work well in every scenario – purebred or crossbreeding.
- Moderate birthweight Brahman bulls – Bulls that would be predicted to produce calves in the 80-89 pound range. Bulls like Captain, Johnny Brahman 299, 230, Dutton, and others fall into this category.
- High Birthweight Brahman Bulls – Bulls that are predicted to produce calves weighing 90 pounds or more. Bulls like 160, anything typically with the Noble bloodline, fall into this category.
Other Factors That Impact Birthweight in Brahmans
It is important to note that there are other factors that can effect birthweight in Brahman cattle. Some of these include:
- Birthweight of the dam – The bull is only half of the equation. Breeders should also be knowledgeable about the birthweight of the dam and the overall birthweight trend of the bloodline the dam comes from.
- Feeding / Condition – Overfeeding females (especially first calf show heifers) can greatly increase birthweight. Feeding cows also can increase the birthweight of the calf.
- Age of the cow
- Breed of the cow
- Sex of the calf – Bull calves tend to be heavier.
- Gestation length – Longer gestation length often means heavier birthweights.
Why Birthweight Matters in Brahman Cattle
Birthweight is one of the most important traits to consider when selecting Brahman bulls for breeding. While Brahman cattle are known for calving ease thanks to their natural conformation and adaptation through the years, birthweight still plays a critical role in herd management and profitability. This is especially important when breeding first calf heifers. It is recommended to only use low birthweight bulls on Brahman heifers, or in a crossbreeding scenario.
Once a Brahman cow has her first calf, you can use moderate birthweight bulls with little concern. If you are in a crossbreeding scenario, you always want to choose low birthweight Brahman bulls. Calving ease translates to healthier calves, fewer veterinary interventions, lower labor costs, and better overall reproductive efficiency in the herd.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rule out using heavier birthweight bulls. But, you need to take in all factors into consideration, such as frame size of the cow, pelvic area of the cow, age of the cow, and sex of the calf.
By using accurate data, ranchers can make informed management decisions. The goal isn’t always to select for the very lowest birthweights, but rather for consistency and suitability for the cow herd they’ll be bred to.
At its core, birthweight matters because it sets the stage for both the cow’s well-being at calving and the calf’s potential to grow efficiently to weaning. Responsible breeders prioritize this trait to deliver bulls that work in the real world—producing live, vigorous calves with minimal hassle, season after season.
We hope this data is useful in helping our customers find the best Brahman AI sire for their program needs. As always we are here to help. You can call us at 979-532-9141 or email office@brcutrer.com with any questions.
