By A.J. Knowles – Consulting Geneticist, Bos Sires
Brahman cattle are widely known for their heat tolerance, disease resistance, and maternal longevity. However, one trait where they consistently underperform compared to Bos taurus breeds is intramuscular fat deposition, or marbling — a key determinant of beef tenderness, flavor, and perhaps most importantly, carcass value.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that Brahman cattle produce beef with significantly lower marbling scores. Purebred Brahman steers tend to average around 3% intramuscular fat, corresponding to Select or Low Choice, whereas Red Angus steers often exceed 5%, qualifying for Choice or Prime grades. The genetic basis for this disparity lies in lower expression of genes regulating adipogenesis in Brahman cattle (Park et al., 2018; Tan & Jiang, 2024). Simply put, lower rates of fat creation lead to lower accumulation of marbling.
In most instances, crossbreeding is a common strategy to blend desirable traits and overcome limitations of a single breed; Brahman-influenced composites like Brangus and Beefmaster show improvements in fertility, adaptability, and weaning weights. However, marbling remains a stubborn exception. Studies (Pringle et. al, 1997) show that marbling scores trend downward with increasing Brahman content, and heterosis effects on marbling are minimal.
Because of this, producers should focus on identifying cattle that produce well-marbled carcasses by using EPDs to make selection decisions, and submitting ultrasound and carcass data when possible, to improve predictions for the next generation. At Bos Sires, we don’t expect you to take our word for it, the proof is in the pudding. Mr. Kallion 1352 (# 925514) and many of his relatives rank in the top 1% of the Brahman breed for marbling and have been backed by hundreds of progeny ultrasounds. These same genetics are known for exceptional fertility and docility, making him one of the most attractive sires for Brahman breeders focused on productive effi ciency and profitability.
For more insights or to learn more about the sires offered, please visit bossires.com or contact Bos Sires CEO and Founder Grant Vassberg at grantvassberg@gmail.com.
