ABBA continues efforts to improve the Brahman breed

The American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) continues its efforts to improve and advance the Brahman breed. Although Brahmans are the no. 1 beef breed for hybrid vigor, heat tolerance and efficiency, it’s the traits that Brahmans aren’t as highly recognized for that the ABBA has vigorously worked to improve. Beef tenderness is at the top of that list.   

An especially hot topic as of late is the ABBA's launch of a Genomically Enhanced Expected Progeny Difference (GE-EPD) for tenderness with Pfizer Animal Genetics. Brahmans are the first breed in the U.S. to launch this GE-EPD, making a monumental step toward tenderness improvement. The ABBA is dedicated to enhancing tenderness in Brahman beef while combating any associated negative perceptions.

This subject was of high importance at the recent Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) conference. Not only was tenderness a highlight, but the wide scope of the value of Bos indicus genetics in the U.S. was also an important theme. Not only were Brahmans recognized for their value in terms of heat tolerance and adaptability in the southern U.S., they were also acknowledged for their value in terms of feed efficiency and hybrid vigor, each of which proves valuable in today’s beef industry.  

In the following video, posted by Drover's Cattle Network at www.cattlenetwork.com, ABBA Executive Vice President Chris Shivers outlines the role of Brahman cattle in the U.S. beef industry and the ABBA's continuous efforts in the breed’s advancement.