Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which breed serves as the genetic base for American breeds of beef cattle?

1. Brahman

2. Hereford

3. Angus

4. Charolais

The correct answer is: Brahman

The Brahman breed serves as the genetic base for many American breeds of beef cattle primarily because of its adaptability, hardiness, and resistance to various environmental challenges. Originating from the Zebu cattle of India, Brahman cattle are well-suited for the hot and humid climates found in many parts of the United States, particularly in the southern regions. Their unique physiological traits, such as excess skin and a large hump over the shoulders, contribute to their ability to cope with heat through increased surface area and sweat gland efficiency. As they were crossed with other breeds to develop hybrids suited for beef production in America, the Brahman’s influence is evident in many popular breeds, including Brangus (a cross of Brahman and Angus) and other composite breeds. The other breeds mentioned, such as Hereford, Angus, and Charolais, while significant in their own right, do not serve as the foundational genetic base for the development of American beef cattle breeds. Rather, they have been utilized in crossbreeding programs alongside Brahman to enhance specific traits, like marbling or growth rates, but they do not possess the same level of foundational genetic influence.