The Brahman or Zebu, the most numerous
cattle type on earth, contributes heat and insect tolerance, hardiness
and excellent foraging ability, as well as maternal calving ease and
longevity.
The Simmental complements these excellent traits
with early sexual maturity, fertility, milking ability, rapid growth
and good beef characteristics.
The very docile disposition of most Simmental
is also a plus for this composite. These two cattle breeds have been
used in cooperation to produce Simbrah, superior in many ways to the
parent breeds.
Simbrah has been described as "The All Purpose
American Breed". Developed in America, Simbrah genetics may be called
on to infuse superior maternal traits into a herd.
Or, due to their rapid growth, vigor, and heat
tolerance, Simbrah may be the answer in a terminal cross program.
In the final analysis, Simbrah will produce a lean, high quality beef
product.
Originally developed in the hot, humid areas
of the Gulf Coast, Simbrah have shown they can Thrive in the Northwest
and Northeast regions of the United States where temperatures may
range 115 degrees in the summer to 25 degrees below zero in the winter.
There is great interest in the breed worldwide.
Simbrah are being developed in many areas where Zebu breeding predominates
as well as other areas where Simbrah’s unique blend of features is
desired.
Breeds of Simbrah know the importance of producing
practical cattle with economic advantages. Simbrah have been developed
to be as functional and trouble free as possible.
Breeders stress structurally sound underlines,
i.e. a clean sheath teamed with large scrotal size on the bulls and
a well-attached udder with small teats on the cows. Many also put
emphasis on pigmented eyes, thick muscling, and reasonable dispositions.
Some programs produce polled Simbrah.
Commercial operators appreciate the long and
productive life span of Simbrah cattle. Frequently, well beyond 10
years of age, unpampered cows are still weaning heavy calves and bulls
are still breeding. This can mean a significant savings in replacement
costs for the rancher.
After weaning, most Simbrah calves will perform
well if placed directly in the feedlot. At this phase in their lives,
they are growing rapidly and will gain very efficiently. They can
produce a very desirable carcass at 12-15 months of age.
Enthusiastic Simbrah breeders are utilizing
all the tools, animal science and technology available to modern animal
breeders. They have a broad genetic base in which to work and a sophisticated
evaluation program for performance and progeny information. The Simbrah
Registry is kept by the American Simmental Association.
Information and photographs provided by the
American Simmental Association, One Simmental Way, Bozeman, MT 59715
