+SCHNEIDER BRAHMANS, LLC. FREDERICKSBURG, TX
When did you obtain your first Polled Brahman genetics?
We obtained our first Polled Brahman genetics in 2004 when we purchased 25 head of Brahman females from Wayne Foster. Those females came bred to CWF MR. REXCRATA 495 (P) and he was part of the purchase. CWF MR. REXCRATA 495 (P) currently ranks in the top 3% of the breed for tenderness and top 10% for marbling.
Why are you continuing with a Polled Brahman breeding program?
We continue to see increased interest from buyers in Polled Brahman genetics and feel there is a significant future upside for Polled Brahman genetics.
What % of your herd is Polled?
50% of the 200 head +S Brahman herd is either Polled or has 50% Polled breeding in their pedigree.
What are the goals of your Polled breeding program?
It is our goal to produce phenotypically correct moderate Polled Brahman cattle with strong genotype carcass performance for today’s beef industry expectations.
What is your greatest challenge reaching these goals?
Finding strong phenotype Polled sires possessing birth weight, docility, tenderness, rib eye area and marbling scores all within the top 25% of the breed.
How does the +S Polled program differ from most other Polled programs?
The +S Brahman retail beef program provides us hanging carcass data. This allows us to validate the actual real world carcass performance of each Polled sire in our breeding program.
If you could give new Polled Brahman breeders only two areas to focus on in their breeding decisions ……What would they be?
Strongly prioritize phenotype and carcass merit when making breeding decisions.
CANDLER CATTLE OKEECHOBEE, FL
Just in the last year or so, there has been a rapid increase in interest and demand for polled cattle. The quality of cattle is increasing just as well. The ability to identify homozygous animals allows for much more out-crossing, and thus will create a more diverse, improved polled gene pool.
Homozygous cattle are in demand, and the price usually reflects that. If your resources don’t allow for that, you can still add polled genetics to your herd.
One thing that I feel is often overlooked is the value of a scurred bull. Some think that a scurred bull won’t produce many polled calves, but we have had good success with scurred bulls.
When mated to horned cows, of course some calves will be horned and scurred, but quite a few are polled.
When mated to polled cows, success is even better, and some calves will even be homozygous. The homozygous calves that we have raised have come from a bull with significant scurs.
Regarding the show ring, we have had a fair amount of success with polled cattle. We have put two polled bulls in the Register of Renown. That was done with all natural born, homeraised calves—no use of A.I. or E.T. and limited showing.
Our cattle often get outsized in the calf division, but by the second year, things have usually evened out some.
If the cattle are of excellent quality, correct and balanced, they can hold their own and get some wins.
We recently had a home-raised, homozygous bull that was Reserve Champion at the EBBA Christmas Classic Open Show. The Champion Natural Produce of Dam was a pair of homozygous, home-raised calves. Most of our cattle are built for the real world, practical production, not necessarily for show ring appeal, so it is rewarding to see when they do have success in the ring as well. As quality and numbers increase, I expect polled cattle will become even more competitive.
E3 BRAHMANS ELGIN, TX
I have both polled and horned genetics. The pricing of the animals depends entirely upon the quality of the animal. I would prefer gray on gray and red on red for polled genetics.
I believe that Carlos Guerra has led the charge for promoting and breeding polled genetics. I’m happy to have contributed a small part to that. And there are many other breeders who have been very successful with polled.
If I were just beginning breeding a herd, I would certainly become familiar with both polled and horned. If you wanted a polled herd, then concentrate on those genetics with quality in mind.
I purchased half interest in LMC Polled Madison 133/0 from Carlos Guerra when I lost my horned herd bull. Although Madison was scurred, he brought out the polled genetics that obviously were hiding in my cows, and the first year produced the best calves I have ever had from my herd as far as quality. Among those animals produced was Polled Pathfinder 24.
The future for polled cattle is good, and I would increase polled cattle in my herd if quality were the key measurement. Right now, I have used Polled Pecos 40/9 on my horned cows, red and gray. He is homozygous polled, and I am wanting to see if he will pass on the performance and quality of Madison 133/0 along with smooth polled.
Someone asked me my thoughts on the possibility of genetically modifying cattle to be polled. I really don’t appreciate genetically modified anything.
HM CATTLE COMPANY LINN, TX
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
In order to keep our genetics diverse, we do have and use horned genetics. It is important to not limit your gene pool and continue using horned genetics to enhance our polled cattle.
Generally speaking, our polled cattle are more expensive, especially those that are homozygous polled. Polled and homozygous polled is in very high demand. The issue of quantity remains our biggest challenge, as the polled animals sell out quickly. Due to the booming market, the polled cattle generally are priced higher based on quality, genetics and age.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for? Which color do you think is more popular and what reason do you think customers prefer one color over the other?
Primarily we are breeding Polled Gray Brahmans. Although, we often get calls from people looking for Polled Reds. This is a market we would love to enter and look forward to the day when we have a uniform set of Polled Gray Brahmans and dark Red Polled Brahmans. Color seems to be a matter of preference for the breeder and customers.
People often call with specifications about what color gray or wanting red genetics. So color is very much breeder specific! We appreciate that everyone has an eye for something different and we strive to produce diversity for our customers.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned or what should they focus on?
Genetics is oftentimes like a Tetris game and multi-generational feat. I think any seasoned breeder would advise against putting all of your eggs in one basket (polled or horned). It is important to breed for quality. While we have a focus on polled due to the convenience and cost effectiveness, we still appreciate and utilize horned genetics to enhance our polled animals. It’s about checks and balances and not compromising quality for quantity.
Was there a specific animal that started your polled program?
As we have advertised many times before, we purchased a group of young polled cows from Sam Sparks and La Muneca Cattle 8 or 9 years ago. In that group was Miss SRS Polled Katie 161/4 (P), who genetically was a huge asset to us and our polled breeding program. While we sold Katie a few years ago, we recently acquired her mother, and we are excited about reintegrating these genetics in our herd in a new way. Another foundation cow we purchased in 2015 was Miss LMC Polled Muneca 152/4 (P).
The cow family produced from 152/4 has taken us above and beyond the last few years. She is the mother of Miss HMC Polled 56/1 (P) and Mr. HMC 184/1 (P) “All American”, as well as Miss HMC Polled 129/1 (P) “Lily” owned by V8 Ranch. She is also the grandmother of Miss HMC 128/1 (P) “Kay”. Not to mention, all of the other prodigy we have sold in the last 8 years that have been show ring favorites and foundation females. By investing in a few quality foundation females years ago, this has secured our donor power that keeps getting better with every generation we breed!
What encouraged you to buy/breed your first polled Brahmans?
Breeding cattle without horns makes sense to us. It’s very easy to say why: decrease in death loss, less stress and injury on cattle, and cost reduction in operating expenses. It’s one less thing to worry about. I don’t think anyone enjoys the day they process their calves and having to deal with all of the blood and stress of dehorning calves. Not to mention horned cattle can injure each other. Many feedlots prefer to buy cattle without horns because of this reason.
Genetically taking the horns off is easier and cheaper. So, the decision to implement polled is not only for ourselves but for the market and our buyers down the line (cattlemen or feedlots).
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
It seems pretty obvious that polled is no longer a “trend” or “niche” but a necessity as related to the demands of the market and how it helps our cattle. Brahmans are a little behind when it comes to capitalizing and progressing the polled gene, but it seems we’re finally catching up and acknowledging the value. With breeders big and small breeding for polled genetics the last few years, our breed is certainly breeding UP and progressing a very valuable trait.
What % of your herd is polled?
At this point, our current breed stock is probably less than 50% polled. However, almost all of the calves we are producing via ET are polled or scurred. In our natural breeding program, most of the cows are horned, but we are breeding them to polled or scurred bulls to produce mostly polled calves. We keep a very diverse set of genetics from breeders we admire and appreciate their genetic value, so for us its important to balance horned and polled in producing the most quality animal possible for all of our customers.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing? If so, which test do you use and how accurate has it been?
We DNA test all of our registered Brahman calves through Zoetis to validate horned, polled or scurred, as well as homozygous polled animals. This gives our customers confirmation on the genetics they’re buying, and it helps us know how to breed the next generation. DNA testing has become relatively easy and cost eff ective, so we appreciate this tool in advancing our operation to accurately advertise and breed our animals.
The sample has become a part of our routine when we initially process a newborn calf including birth weight, medications for infection prevention, ear tagging, and pulling tail hair for their DNA sample. It also helps with herd management to have as much DNA on fi le so that down the road for our customers and for ourselves, genetics are on file and accessible.
Tell us about a polled bull that you own or have utilized that has impacted your polled program in a positive way.
Mr. HMC Polled 44/1 “Magnum” has been very infl uential for not only our breeding program but for local and international breeders as well. We have used him in our ET and natural breeding program and produced many consistent quality polled calves. We are also looking forward to the potential of our young bull “All American”, Mr. HMC Polled 184/1 (P). He has impressed us since he was a newborn.
Having used these genetics in successfully producing heifers and cows, we are ecstatic to put that on a herd sire. We look forward to seeing where he takes us next!
Do you show your polled cattle and if so, what have been the results showing against horned cattle?
We take great pride in showing our polled cattle and putting them on the international stage in consignment sales.
Showcasing our polled genetics and how they have changed our program is so important and valuable for us. Our polled show animals have showed very well and out placed many horned animals along the way! While the show string is a small part of what breeding cattle is about, it is a very fun and competitive scenario to put your cattle up against your peers and longtime breeders!
HOLLOW OAK BRAHMANS CROSS HILL, SC
Do you have both polled and horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned?
Yes, we do raise both polled and horned Brahman. We have genetics on both that are valuable to the breed. We have sold polled cattle for more than horned, but both have been profitably integrated in our program.
The reason polled genetics are extra valuable is that there is less stress at weaning (which equals higher weights) since you don’t have to dehorn them, and it saves the farmer time.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for? Which color do you think is more popular?
We breed predominantly for red but also have gray. We believe color is a preference. My wife prefers gray and I prefer red.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of polled genetics?
Carlos Guerra
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned or what should they focus on?
We believe a breeder’s focus should be on the quality of cattle they breed. And whether they breed for either polled or horned they can be integrated for the best quality.
When did you get your first polled Brahman cattle?
We purchased our first polled Brahman cattle in 2000.
Was there a specific animal that started your polled program?
LMC LN POLLED CARLA 177/9(S) was the heifer that gave us a leaping start to our polled program. She’s a super fertile heifer, making 30+ embryos on first aspiration! Her fertility was not the only thing she had going her way – her maternal granddam is the great 8/9 cow!
What encouraged you to buy/breed polled Brahmans?
The first time I spent most of the day dehorning calves, I knew there had to be a better and more profitable solution to raising Brahman cattle.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
I think with careful genetic selection and integration, polled genetics are the future of the Brahman breed as well as the beef industry. If we want the Brahman breed to be the cattle of the future beef market, we have to eliminate horns.
What % of your herd is polled?
We are getting close to 50% of our herd being polled or possessing polled genetics. We have about 25 head of some of the best polled genetics available.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
If so, which test do you use and how accurate has it been? We have just started DNA testing and our target is to have our herd 100% tested by 2024.
Do you breed specifi cally for polled cattle?
We integrate horned with polled genetics specifi cally for improving polled genetics.
Tell us about a polled bull that you own or have utilized that has impacted your polled program in a positive way.
Our first polled bull was LMC LF POLLED BULLE’ 113/0(PP). He was bred to horned and polled cows. His first calves were born in 2022 with all having positively impacted our polled program. We have 12 smooth polled calves, two scurred and zero horned calves – that’s positive polled genetics!
Do you show your polled cattle and what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
We show polled and horned genetics. Our polled cattle do as well in the show ring as horned. The polled genetics are constantly changing in a progressive way.
LA MUÑECA CATTLE LINN, TX
What % of your herd is polled?
We have 95% Polled Brahman.
Do you have both polled and horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned?
Our Polled Cattle sell for more due to supply and demand.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for and if both which color is more popular with buyers?
We breed for both Red and Gray Brahmans. Our red herd makes up less than 10%, and the demand for both is very good.
If one color is more popular, what reason do you think customers prefer one color over the other?
The red breeders feel that their cattle have more eye appeal, and the gray breeders feel that their cattle are beefier and produce a higher % of tiger stripes in the commercial world.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top Polled genetics?
I respect all progressive breeders, both old and new, who can think outside the box and utilize new genetics with proven genetics in an eff ort to improve our Polled genetic base.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd?
Do your homework before investing. Visit several breeders, decide what you like, who you feel will help you in the future, and what you feel confident you can sell.
Should they focus on polled or horned genetics?
I recommend Polled due to supply and demand.
Or what should they focus on if not polled or horned?
Pedigree, brand market demand, docility, structural integrity, conformation, eye appeal, performance, EPD’s and TOTALITY!
Who encouraged you to breed polled Brahmans and when?
My family. We introduced them in the ‘70s to add new blood to our Red Brangus cattle.
What encouraged you to buy/breed polled Brahmans?
A lifetime of breeding Polled beef cattle since my Dad bought me my first 4-H Project, a Red Angus bull calf in 1963.
Was there a specific animal that started your polled program?
DW’S MISS DALLAS 707, who was the dam of LMC WFF PISTOLERO.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
Fast as more and more prominent breeders are realizing that these cattle are good, are here to stay and that over 80% of all commercial bulls bought in the USA are Polled. Just like what has happened with Herefords, the day will come sooner than you expect when there will be more Polled Brahmans registered than horned.
Do you utilize polled DNA testing and which test do you use and how accurate has it been?
Yes, we use Zoetis and it is very accurate.
What Polled Brahman bull(s) do you own that have impacted your polled program in a positive way and what % of polled progeny results from mating with polled females and what % with horned females?
LMC LF AMBASSADOR – 95%; LMC LN POLLED PAPPO – 100%; With horned +LMC LF AMBASSADOR – 75%; LMC LN POLLED PAPPO – 100%
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
Being old school, I have some concerns as to where this will lead us and where will it stop. Just like with cloning, the cost will be a big determining factor as to how quick this new technology is utilized and its impact on the market.
Do you show your polled cattle and if so, what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
We are very proud of our show ring results as we consistently place in the top of our classes in the majors, largest junior shows and smaller shows plus have won our share of division and overall championships. We are even prouder of how well our bulls have done on the ABBA Performance Bull Test and Sales. I recommend this to all breeders over the show ring as this is more economical, provides valuable data very useful in your breeding decisions and in creating a Commercial Bull Market.
J PARKER FARMS & MOSS FARMS SOSO, MS
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
We breed for both Red and Gray Polled Brahman cattle.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top polled genetics?
We think that La Muñeca Cattle, 4F Cattle, and La Negra Cattle Company are some of the top breeders of Polled Brahman cattle in the USA.
Who was the person that most influenced you to start your own polled program?
We would have to say Carlos Guerra of La Muñeca Cattle.
What % of your herd is polled?
Currently 90% of our Brahman herd is polled. When you show your polled cattle have you had successful results when showing against horned cattle? Yes, we have been pleased with our results and have had good success showing against horned cattle.
BRILES FARM BRAHMANS TRINITY, NC
We are a small operation located in Central North Carolina breeding seedstock Brahman cattle for the past ten years, having raised commercial cattle for twenty years prior to switching to registered Brahmans. We got started with a bull, a cow and a few heifers, and every year we added a few more females to our herd, growing to around twenty breeding cows around our seventh year.
It was at this time, we became interested in breeding Polled Brahman genetics, but we had already poured so much time, money, sweat and heart into our small herd, it wasn’t feasible to start over and besides we loved the horned cows we had invested in. I told my husband I wanted to start breeding polled Brahman cattle, and he asked me what my plan was. I told him I was going to dehorn all my calves before they were born! That’s where the expression “Dehorn Before They are Born” came from.
We were blessed to purchase a nicely bred young homozygous polled bull with great phenotype and temperament. He just finished breeding his first set of cows, and we are excited to see all his Polled calves.
I understand that breeding for one trait is not smart, and that if you’re interested in homozygous Polled genetics the quality must be there or your breeding program will be going backwards.
The quickly growing Polled movement has so many great homozygous animals with superior quality, and the beauty is we can breed them back to the best horned genetics creating even better polled animals.
TARRAMBA RED BRAHMANS ADAM & TRACY GUNTHORPE OF BANANA, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Established in 1979, the Brahman stud herd now consists of 450 registered females and 300 commercial Brangus females with approximately 60% of the Brahman herd being polled and joined to all but 2 polled sires. All bulls are genetically tested for the polled gene.
We are selecting homozygous polled home bred bulls to use heavily in our breeding program such as the homozygous Polled Tarramba Topshelf 4174 (IVF) (PP) whose semen we have exported to the USA via Rocky Repro and Brushy Creek. The demand for quality polled sires in Australia is huge with Topshelf himself selling for $70,000 AUD, and the Gunthorpe’s retaining full semen rights to market the bull worldwide. The demand for this bull has been evident with over 600 straws sold in his first season on the market.
Our focus has turned predominantly towards using polled genetics in the last eight years. We aim to breed 40-80 IVF calves annually and all our IVF crosses are created with polled genetics. About 120 herd bulls are sold into the Northern Australian pastoral stations each year with purchasers showing a preference for polled bulls.
My parents Wallace and Kate have had the biggest influence on our breeding program, they established a very functional cow herd that had a lot of polled genetics in it so we could select superior females to IVF and expand our polled vision on the back of their years of hard work.
We annually market polled females through our own sale and other sales, we are seeing an increase in demand for polled females from countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
SALINAS RANCH CARMINE, TX
Do you have both polled and horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
There is some diff erence in price between horned and polled sale cattle mostly due to the demand of polled cattle. We have been fortunate to pretty much sell out every year of our available polled heifers and bulls we market.
Most of our customers are seeking out polled genetics to eliminate the need for dehorning which also assists in keeping the cattle docile. Some horned calves are not so forgiving after being dehorned then you add the challenge of possible infection and weight loss due to the pain and stress of dehorning, well naturally taking the horns off makes a lot of economic sense.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for and what reason do you think customers prefer one color over the other?
Our herd is all gray in color. I think the F1 producer still prefers a good gray colored bull. The international market has definitely increased the demand for Red Brahman.
What advice would you give a young breeder starting their herd?
A new breeder should breed with what they have in mind is good cattle. They as new breeders will put in the hard work and financial investment in their respective herd, so they should breed what they think is an asset going forth in the Brahman breed. Selecting certain traits can be a slippery slope including breeding strictly for polled cattle. The end product still must be the complete animal with fertility, sound structure, docility, muscle and bone to name a few traits. Also, the old saying ‘don’t try keep up with the Jones’ applies to breeding cattle, at the end of the day set your goals and breed cattle that please your eye and your pocketbook.
When did you get your first polled Brahman cattle?
We purchased our first polled bull MR JME Esto 176 (P) in 2009 from Edwards Brahman (JME), he was the last of the Mohicans so to speak being a 100% Sugarland bull. We then needed another polled bull to cross with the Esto 176 bull. We found an exceptional polled bull to use in MR US Lexor Manso 71 (P). Lexor would become one of the early polled bulls who had success against horned bulls in the show ring being crowned the Junior Reserve National Champion bull in the open show. As they say the rest is history.
Those two bulls along with some added polled genetics from the JME herd became the foundation of the Salinas Ranch polled herd. We have been fortunate to develop exceptional polled cattle with carcass merit, fertility, and marketability from those early polled lines and are thankful for it.
What made you start breeding and/or encouraged you to buy your first polled Brahmans?
We saw a need early on to breed and develop polled cattle as there where very few in the Brahman breed. You could walk the Houston Livestock Show stalls 10-15 years ago and maybe fi nd two or three polled cattle in the entire barn.
Polled cattle are no longer a novelty with their numbers increasing every year in pastures and the show ring.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
Polled cattle have made leaps and bounds in the last decade. The quality of polled cattle in reference to bone, muscle and size has improved tremendously. Polled cattle are rapidly gaining ground and acceptance in the Brahman breed and other breeds.
How many polled cattle do you have in your herd?
Between breeding age stock and prospects, we have approximately 100 head of polled cattle in our herd.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
We use Zoetis to test for the polled gene. However, I don’t think they have discovered all the polled genes within the Brahman breed. I think most polled breeders can attest, it can be a little confusing and frustrating when you test smooth polled cattle and the results come back as indeterminate which means the polled variant cannot be found. Yet Zoetis can find the polled gene in other similarly bred calves.
Do you breed specifically for polled cattle?
We don’t breed specially for polled cattle. We still utilize horned genetics to increase bone, muscle and size. However, with a large percentage of our cattle being polled we are getting further and further into an exclusive polled herd. We are now commencing to wind up our polled lines. We are proud to state we will probably be a 100% polled Brahman herd in the next few years.
Do you show your polled cattle and what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
We have shown polled cattle in the past with success, having calf champion, class winners and even Junior Reserve National Champion in the open shows. Though we will show cattle every now and then, our focus has never been on breeding cattle for the show ring. Our main goal is to develop fertile, docile, good footed cattle exhibiting carcass merit with the betterment of the breed in mind. We pride ourselves in producing fertile females with multiple females being awarded Maternal Merit status this year and more to come next year.
Females doing their most important job of giving you a marketable calf every year is much more gratifying than any ribbon awarded by one judge’s opinion on any given day.
Do you think Polled cattle are here to stay or a fad?
I think Polled Brahman cattle are the genetic future of the Brahman breed,and in the next decade polled Brahman cattle will become the norm. The world we know is changing every year. Animal husbandry practices like dehorning will become more of a target for groups like PETA. At the end of the day who likes dehorning.
Are your customers new breeders or established breeders looking to inject Polled genetics into their herd?
Our buyer base is pretty diverse between established breeders looking to diversify their genetic base and injecting polled genes, new Brahman breeders looking to start in polled Brahman genetics and Fl producers looking to eliminate having to dehorn their calves.
ROCKLEY BRAHMANS UNGARRA, MOURA QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
Yes, 95% polled cattle, with a very high percentage of homozygous polled sires, mated to homozygous females. Elmo Picasso 1023/7 (PP) sons averaged 100% clearance (9 bulls) and averaged $66,444 AUD in Brahman Week, the largest bull sale in the Southern Hemisphere. Four homozygous bulls in the draft averaged $96,250 AUD. A massive demand for elite homozygous polled Brahmans in Australia.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
We breed Red Brahmans. However, Red and Gray crosses have been utilized well in Australia, to improve the polled genetics.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top polled genetics?
Elmo Brahmans have had a huge impact on our polled rise to fame.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd?
Focus heavily on the commercially relevant traits, temperament, udders, structure, etc. Set out breeding objectives and stick to them. Choose breeders with similar breeding objectives and visit those herds to build a relationship and get to know their genetics.
Should they focus on polled or horned genetics? And what should they focus on if not polled or horned?
I believe polled genetics are the right direction going forward for the cattle industry. To the second part, it is important to stick to your breeding objectives when selecting polled cattle. Polled cattle have strengths and weaknesses; it is vital you understand them when making selection decisions.
Who was the person(s) that most infl uenced you to start your own polled program?
Rockley has been breeding Polled Red Brahmans since 1954. We started with a strong polled base so the most influence on me would have been my grandfather Arnie and my father Chris.
When did you get your fi rst polled Brahman cattle?
Early on, many American Red Brahman genetics were imported by us to use over our Polled Shorthorn female base. We have always had polled genetics but have focused more heavily on them in the last 10 years.
Was there a specific animal that started your polled program?
A bull called TARTRUS REDMOUNT 2365 (PS) had a huge impact earlier on for us, and in recent times, ELMO PICASSO 1023/7(PP) has really ignited our passion for Polled Red Brahmans.
What made you start breeding and/or encouraged you to buy your first polled Brahmans?
Our polled bulls have generally been our highest sellers, and with the use of IVF, we have been able to accelerate the genetic gain of polled cattle without sacrificing desirable traits, such as growth and bone.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
It will continue to go from strength to strength – we don’t see a need to use horned genetics to continue our progress. We have seen a huge improvement of polled genetics in Australia, and I am always eager to see what is available worldwide, especially America.
What percentage of your herd is polled or how many polled cattle do you have in your herd?
95% with 75 naturally mated stud females, and we produce about 75 IVF Polled Red Brahmans calves annually.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
Yes, all our cattle are tested for polled markers and parent verified.
Which test do you use and how accurate has it been?
In Australia we use the standard bundle, which also includes genomics testing which is related to Breedplan (EPD’s).
What Polled Brahman bull(s) do you own that have impacted your polled program in a positive way and what % of polled progeny results from mating with polled females and what % with horned females?
Elmo Picasso 1023/7 (PP) – 100% polled progeny; With horned Elmo Picasso 1023/7 (PP) – 99% polled/scurred progeny.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
Certainly, a space I am interested in but a subject I need to explore further.
Do you show your polled cattle and if so, what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
No, we don’t show cattle, but we get plenty of interest when we display cattle at Beef Australia, held every three years in Rockhampton, The BEEF Capital. With a surge of polled cattle hitting the show rings in Australia, they are very competitive with horned cattle. Polled cattle may not necessarily get the ribbon when compared to horned cattle, but can generally sell for a higher value, come market time.
SANDGLASS RANCH ARGYLE, TX
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics? If yes, then generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
Yes, we do have both Polled and Horned cattle. On average, our polled cattle do bring more than our horned cattle. We attribute this to there being fewer polled cattle in the breed and an increased demand for these genetics.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for? If you breed for both Red and Gray which color is more popular with buyers?
We are primarily Gray Brahman breeders but have purchased a few top-quality red females over the past two years. We expect that the Polled Gray Brahmans will be more popular but do see a potential for superior Polled Red Brahmans.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top Polled genetics?
When we started, we purchased polled cattle from La Muñeca Cattle Company, England Cattle Company and Jim Bob Trant. These breeders all assisted us and helped us get where we are today. Since being in the breed we have formed partnerships with other polled Brahman breeders to include 4F Cattle Co., K-K Cattle Company, Simpson Brahmans, Nieschwietz 7N Ranch, Circle F Farms and Rocking SMH Ranch. We have learned something from all of these breeders as well as many others.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned or what should they focus on?
QUALITY!!! When we started, we didn’t know as much as we probably should have and purchased quantities of cows. After developing a plan, we purchased some of the most proven cows in the breed, and today, 90% of the registered Brahmans that we sell are out of our ten best cows. We think it is important to have diversity in the herd which provides more options for our customers. As a result, we would recommend that everyone have a combination of Polled and Horned Brahmans.
Who was the person or breeding program that most influenced you to start your own polled program?
We started with horned cattle that were primarily to be used to produce F1s but fi rst built our registered operation around polled cattle. We first saw England Cattle Company at the Fort Worth Stock Show and made our initial purchases from them. As indicated in the previous response, we now have genetics from most of the Polled breeders in the country.
Was there a specific animal that started your polled program?
We purchased some show heifers and replacement females in the beginning. In the Spring of 2020, we purchased 1/3 interest in LMC +S POLLED MADONNA 274/1 (P) and that really propelled our program due to her notoriety. Soon after getting Madonna we added LMC LF POLLED ELMA 214/4 (P), and then the many time show winner MISS 4F POLLED ELEGANCE 72/9 (PP). These have all been very influential in the development of our program.
What encouraged you to buy your first polled Brahmans?
Our initial purchases of polled Brahmans were due to the convenience of not having to dehorn. We still see this as a benefit but today’s demand for polled cattle is why we continue to invest and breed polled Brahmans.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
We think that the future for polled Brahmans is bright due to less stress on the cattle and the lack of dehorning being more accepted by the public. It appears that most breeders are now purchasing polled cattle to provide additional options to their customers. The quality of polled cattle has vastly improved over the past 15 years and with the continued use of better genetics you would expect that this improvement would continue.
What % of your herd is polled?
Currently our herd consists of 60% horned and 40% polled genetics. It should be noted that our registrations are roughly 60% polled and 40% horned due to the number of polled embryo calves that we produce.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing and how accurate has it been?
We do utilize the Zoetis Horned/Polled Test to identify cattle that are homozygous. The results seem to be accurate.
Do you breed specifically for polled cattle?
Like many breeders we initially crossed our horned & polled cattle to increase polled genetics in our herd. We have found that unless homozygous cattle are used this method is not highly successful thus, we have gone to only breeding polled to polled which results in a higher percentage of polled off spring.
If you were to name one polled animal that you own and that has impacted your polled program in a positive way, what % of polled progeny would you say results from that animal?
We have used a number of different sires that have all bred well. Our success has been due to the females that we use. An example would be MISS 4F POLLED ELEGANCE 72/9 (PP) who is homozygous polled. We mated this female to two horned sires which resulted in 3 polled calves that averaged $33,000 and one replacement. The average price of calves out of LMC +S POLLED MADONNA 274/ 1(P) is close to $18,000 on over 20 progeny that are by multiple sires. We have taken a different approach than many breeders by focusing on our females.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
We have heard of this and think it can be used as a tool. The cost will prohibit many from being able to use it currently but long term it would be expected that genetically modifying will be used to create the “perfect animal”.
Do you show your polled cattle and if so, what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
Some of our polled cattle have been shown. Of course, most will remember when we showed MISS 4F POLLED ELEGANCE 72/9 (PP) and she was an International Show Reserve Division Champion. The polled genetics are good enough today to compete with the horned cattle and many times are even genetically related. When we select
show cattle, they are all evaluated on quality and not if they are polled.
Currently we have 5 head being shown with 3 of them being polled and 2 horned, and they are all competitive.
SAN MIGUEL CATTLE COMPANY STOCKDALE, TX
We bought a bunch of heifers from Jack Keel in about 1990, and there were two Fred Minter heifers in the group. One of those heifers was polled and went back to the Sherry line of polled cattle. At that time there was still some stigma attached to polled cattle thanks to discrimination against polled Herefords. But I liked this cow and her off spring. Bred to MR. LEGEND MANSO 222/3 a polled granddaughter of hers produced LV MARBLEHEAD 69 (P) 886530 in 2009. He started San Miguel Cattle Company down the polled road. He was followed by the scurred red bull, DB SOUTHERN STYLE 834/0 900672 (S) and his son LV MOCHO RED 661 (P) 952335. The black polled bull, LV SAN MIGUEL BLACK 577(P) 960311 by JME MR. SUVA CRAT 225 (P) 819957 produced a number of good polled animals. RSB SILVER WINGS (PP) 104991 produced two nice PP bull prospects in 2022. Looking forward to seeing his off spring on a homozygous Polled Gray cow. I am using a polled red bull, PRIMIER OF A2 (P) 1000682, on my red polled cows that was bred by Jim-Bob Trant. He has a high IMF score.
I was drawn to polled animals because I dislike the dehorning process, and as it has become more expensive, the cost was another reason. Polled is not the only trait I breed for, but it has become easier to find good polled genes to include in my overall goal of an animal that has good beef traits while being gentle, fertile and fi ts an environment that is ever changing. The quickest way to introduce the trait to any herd is with a homozygous PP bull. Genetics are simple.
Advice? Know your cattle, flaws are reproduced just as fast as positive traits, maybe faster.
SANTA ELENA RANCH MADISONVILLE, TX
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
Yes, we do. Most of our cattle are horned, but we have a few elite polled animals. They are about the same sale price, depending more on quality, breed characteristic and pedigree.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
We only breed Red Polled cattle. Polled cattle are very popular in the USA at present time, and there is interest internationally in countries like Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia where they breed Brahmans to polled European bloodlines.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned or what should they focus on?
They should focus on the best cattle to begin with, and then put in place the correct practices a true cattle breeder applies to their cattle herd. If they want to breed polled cattle, they should ask for their DNA to be checked when making seedstock purchases.
When did you get your first polled Brahman cattle?
The polled genetics in our herd were fi rst purchased by my Grandfather when he acquired the Fondren Estate cattle around 65 years ago in 1957.
What made you start breeding and/or encouraged you to buy your first polled Brahmans?
About ten years ago we made the decision to breed more polled cattle, and we produced VL ROJO MOCHO 5/140, who is doing an excellent job breeding red polled cattle with great performance and carcass traits.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
Due to the lack of labor, cost and animal rights issues, the polled cattle movement will continue to move forward as long as we breed the right cattle.
What percentage of your herd is polled or how many polled cattle do you have in your herd?
It is increasing. The bull VL ROJO MOCHO 5/140 has sired nice calves with our best genetics. We will bring a few to the Houston Show.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
Yes, we do.
Do you breed specifically for polled cattle?
No, but we will keep breeding a few polled each year.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
I won’t do it. We plan to accomplish our polled goals with a natural breeding program.
Do you show your polled cattle and if so, what have been the results when showing against horned cattle?
We haven’t shown polled cattle, and I believe our horned cattle will do much better because of the many years breeding them. Polled is a new trend in our herd since the 2000s, which needs to be improved to be able to regularly compete in the show ring.
SIGNATURE RANCH HALLETTSVILLE, TX
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics?
We strive to produce the best Polled Gray Brahman cattle we can. We have some horned cows to provide specific traits that we breed to PP bulls and use these calves as building blocks to meet our goal. We do not confuse polled with scurred so we never have to use the term smooth polled.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
We prefer Gray Brahman, yet some of our herd is dark or red tinted. We haven’t registered any reds, because they are not dark enough.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top polled genetics?
We respect LMC, ECC, HMC, but there’s always a surprise in the next Brahman Journal!
Who was the person or breeding program that most influenced you to start your own polled program?
We sold our Brangus cattle and down sized. We decided to run a few Brahman and applied our learnings from our past. There are no advantages to horns. Every breed is working to do away with horns, and dehorning is never fun.
Do you utilize any Polled DNA testing?
We test every animal to see if they have a chance of being Homozygous polled, and we DNA test every animal for parentage. We would like to use Genomics, but that is still a work in progress.
What Polled Brahman bull(s) do you own that have impacted your polled program in a positive way and what percentage of polled progeny would you say results from mating him with polled females?
We use LMC ECC POLLED PATRIOT 1/9. He is homozygous polled, and every polled cow we’ve bred him to has produced a polled calf. The horned cows he has covered produce a polled or scurred calf. We found that the cow makes the difference, if she has any polled genetics, she has a better chance of producing polled calves.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
I think the positives would be far reaching and may try this myself. It is hard for us that have spent too many dollars on polled genetics, to watch this shortcut fill our customer pool before we can recoup our cost.
Do you show your polled cattle?
No, we haven’t gotten into the show ring just yet. However, we do enjoy going to the shows, as it gives us the chance to see the cattle and meet new and old friends.
What percentage of your herd is polled?
Our herd is about 75% polled, which includes both polled and homozygous polled.
OOLINE BRAHMANS CENTRAL QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and generally speaking are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
Yes we have both horned and polled cattle. Generally speaking the elite end of polled genetics are more expensive as they are less widely available.
What color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
Both red and gray, however we have more red polled cattle.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top polled genetics?
This is a difficult question as we believe the polled cattle are improving all the time and as breeders we have a challenge to keep trying to improve the polled cattle by injecting horned genetics in a bid to achieve constant improvement. We have to keep trying to increase the carcass traits because if we fall into the trap of single trait selection just for polled cattle other desirable traits will invariably be lost.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned or what should they focus on?
Our advice would be to strive to breed the best possible cattle and work on polled selection gradually.
Who was the person or breeding program that most influenced you to start your own polled program?
There were a lot of successful breeders who have inspired us over the last 40 years from the big US ranches like Hudgins & V8 to the very successful Australian breeders too numerous to mention. People like Arnie Kirk, Lionel De Landelles and many many more.
Who did you get your first polled Brahman cattle from?
Tartrus & Rockley studs.
What made you start breeding and/or encouraged you to buy your first polled Brahmans?
We have always bought cattle on phenotype and genetics, and if they were polled that was a bonus.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
Polled cattle are a work in progress and we will see them continue to develop with the use of both polled and horned genetics and like all cattle we shouldn’t ever stop trying to improve. Now with DNA profi ling we can use PP individuals over horned cows and all progeny will be polled so we will be able to continue trying to improve with the input of horned genetics and over time we will be able to breed more PP cattle with constant improvement.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
Yes, we do.
What Polled Brahman bull(s) do you own that have impacted your polled program in a positive way and what % of polled progeny results from mating with polled females and what % with horned females?
Jomanda El Toro breeds around 70 % polled calves out of either horned or polled cows.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
Genetic modification is not a fashionable thing in a world that is constantly demanding clean green and natural products.
Do you show your polled cattle?
So far we haven’t shown many polled cattle as we stepped away from showing some years ago.
BUTLER FARMS MOUNT VERNON, TX
Butler Farms raises both horned and polled and Red and Gray Brahman cattle. We were among the first to see the “It Just Makes Cents” value of breeding polled cattle. The world is changing and there is more concern not only for profi t and sustainability, but also for animal welfare. As the polled market has developed it has been increasingly easier to sell polled vs horned genetics. There is a tremendous economic advantage to breeding polled cattle.
The dehorning process is hard on an animal and increases the chance of infection and prolonged medical care. Our polled cattle in general bring more money, however, there is always a market for a good animal of either.
The red polled cattle have seen a tremendous surge in interest in the past few years and tend to be our higher selling animals. Both foreign and domestic markets catapulted the red cattle market recently.
I feel like there are a lot of great polled breeders that I look up to. All one has to do is look at the pedigrees and you can see that the good breeders always come to the top. In no particular order – V8 Ranch, LMC Ranch, Salinas Brahmans, BRC Brahmans, Candlers Brahmans, Shep Batson and many more. A number of red breeders are starting to put together some really good polled cattle. The advice I would give to new breeders would be to first and foremost determine the market for the cattle that you are going to produce.
I feel like the polled cattle market will only get better going forward purely on economics. I would encourage them to identify the market and determine the type of cattle that they can sell. Many people get discouraged after putting money into a project and then not be able to fit into a market to sell their product. Also, dehorning is one thing that you will not have to worry about and it will make things less labor intensive.
I first became interested in polled cattle when doing the photos for Mr Walker Wilson of the cattle imported from Brazil in the early 80’s. I got to know John Underwood that was at the time manager of Billy Powell’s 5P Ranch. The imported Polled Nelore genetics were crossed with traditional Brahman pedigrees and the resulting cattle were some of the most fertile, easy doing cattle I had seen. I purchased a polled bull from 5P that was one half Polled Nelore and one half Brahman that we then sold to South Africa before I took possession of him. I have loved the polled cattle ever since. There are some phenomenal Polled Brahman Cattle today and the breeders are to be commended for their efforts to increase the quality.
I bought my first Polled bull from La Muneca and Carlos Guerra. He was a bull named Maestro and I still have daughters of his today. I chose him because of the 5P genetics in his background and the possibility he might have some of the imported nelore genetics. I always felt like he had some nelore due to his color. He did a great job for us and his daughters proved to be some our greatest cows.
We now have grand daughters of Maestro that carry the same traits of small teats and good feet that caused us to buy him in the first place. The future of polled cattle has the most potential for sustainability and long term success in my opinion. That is why we have transitioned the majority of our herd to polled genetics. We are not focusing exclusively on the polled trait.
We want to breed the very best animal that we can and I assure you it will be a tremendous bonus if it happens to be polled. There is a need for horned genetics to be continually introduced to the polled gene pool. I feel like there is a day coming very soon where there will be more polled cattle registered each year than there are horned. We are developing new Polled Brahman bloodlines by utilizing the top horned and polled Brahman genetics and infusing new imported polled genetics.
Our research has taken us to a point where we now have a limited number of Complete Outcross animals that are polled and can be used to move polled genetics ahead. Our most functionally efficient cattle have hybrid vigor and provide fertility. I love Brahman cattle and they are the best tool that I have to produce the kind of cattle that I want to produce.
BLACK SHEEP BRAHMAN CROCKETT, TX
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and what color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
I have polled and horned genetics available. I breed mostly gray, polled and horned. I have a handful of red and they are currently horned but looking to bring in polled on the reds too.
Who do you look up to as a breeder of top polled genetics?
I feel like LMC has progressed the furthest in the polled and I also enjoy seeing the polled cattle out of Australia.
What advice would you give a young breeder just starting their herd? Should they focus on polled or horned genetics? Or what should they focus on if not polled or horned.
I think that a young breeder should focus on what they love. The polled genetics have a long way to go and I don’t see it being a fad. There is a lot of room to grow and contribute to the polled breed. I heard “breed what you love” awhile back and it changed my entire breeding program. I personally love a thick, beefy, big boned, moderate framed Brahman. Gentle temperament is a must and females also need a feminine look but built the same. That’s what I breed for and I love it.
Who was the person or breeding program that most influenced you to start your own polled program and when did you purchase your fi rst Polled Brahman?
I actually accidentally fell into it! I was looking for a new herd sire and the one I found that I loved happened to be scurred. I’m not willing to sacrifice all the other traits for polled cattle and I found everything I was looking for in a perfect package. I purchased Mr. V8 620/8 “Charlie” in 2019.
How do you see the future of polled cattle progressing?
I think the possibilities are endless! There is lots of room for improvement but we finally have some amazing foundation sires to work with.
What percentage of your herd is polled?
Probably about 25% are polled. All of my cows are horned but I have retained almost all of the heifers out of Charlie and they will be staying with the herd. With Mr V8 620/8 “Charlie” when we breed him to horned females, I would say about 85% are polled.
Do you show your polled cattle?
We have not stepped off into showing yet, not for lack of wanting to, just not enough hours in the day. However, Hondo Martinez and others have and have had great success. Hondo has a donor out of Charlie!
SXC RANCH ITALY, TX
When I started buying Brahman cattle to breed I purposely looked for quality Polled genetics to start out with. I got my first pair of red Polled Brahman cattle in 2018.
I found Polled Brahmans were more expensive initially because they were harder to come by. The reason I started breeding Polled is that I wanted to try my hand at breeding Polled Brahmans that were as good as the horned Brahmans.
The two colors of Brahman that I am currently focusing on are black and red. Red has been a popular color among buyers over the last few years, but now that more breeders are producing black Polled Brahmans, I have seen the interest and price go up on those as well. I believe that people select the color of Brahmans that they want based on what they like and will do the best in the climate that they are raising them in.
As for someone that I look up to as a breeder of Polled Brahmans, for me, it has been several breeders of top Polled genetics that I have gained knowledge from along the way. I learned quite a bit from talking to Jody Youngblood, Carlos Guerra, Kay Love, Jimmy Palmore, Melissa Laurent, Rick Butler, David Meduna, and Hondo Martinez.
I appreciate the time each of these individuals took to share their knowledge with me and to answer my questions to help make my Polled genetic program better. The best advice I could give a young breeder is to talk to other breeders that have been doing it for a while. Learning from other people can save you time in your program because they know what works and what doesn’t. If you are wanting to breed Polled cattle, then find good Polled cattle to buy and breed.
Keep in mind that you do want to have other favorable characteristics than just being Polled. Whenever I first started out I had many conversations with and would go visit Jody Youngblood of Robinson, Texas. He has been raising quality Polled gray Brahman cattle for several years and a lot of people have bought cattle from him to start or add to their Polled programs.
In 2019 I was fortunate enough to purchase a red Polled heifer from MJ Brahmans named M-J MA FERGUSON (PP). She has become one of the key foundation cows of my red Polled program. As for the progression of the Polled breed, I think the number of Polled Brahman will increase in the next few years. A lot of the larger breeders are using Polled genetics in their breeding program. With more countries wanting to get away from dehorning, Polled cattle will become more prevalent.
Polled is a top characteristic that I breed for, but not the only one. Currently 100% of my herd is Polled. I use Zoetis for DNA testing and it has been accurate so far.
I was able to add a good Polled red Brahman bull to my herd last year named MR JP POLLED 165 (PP). Everything that has been registered to him at the time of this article has been Polled. That is out of three Polled and eleven horned cows.
I am just now getting to the point where I have some calves that I would consider showing. My plan is to start showing some of them this year.
DETERING RED BRAHMANS HEMPSTEAD, TX
Years ago we started looking through our pedigrees and saw several animals in our Red Brahman herd carried Polled or Scurred genes. Some of them were our top animals from Smith Brahmans, HK Cattle and Hudson line genetics. The prospect of not having to dehorn an animal seemed enticing to us, so we started using a young bull on those females with a strong Polled influence. That is how our concentration of Polled genetics began.
We have AI’d to Polled and Scurred bulls since then, having good success in breeding some top Polled animals. We have had several National and International Red Brahman Champions with our Polled Brahmans. We have also exported many Polled Red Brahmans to our international clientele.
At this time we are showing two Polled animals that are progeny of DB SOUTHERN STYLE 1/196 (P), who was the 2022 ABBA National Reserve Grand Champion Natural Produce of Dam, DB SOUTHERN STYLE 1/812 “Darq Velvet” and DB SOUTHERN STYLE 1/958 “Novoa”. Both of these animals have been to the winner’s circle on their own and we are excited about “Novoa” as a future herd bull.
Today our polled cows are mixed in our cowherd and either AI’d to Polled Red Brahman sires or bred naturally to horned or scurred bulls. We produce a few Polled and Scurred Brahman calves every year to satisfy a limited but enthusiastic Red Polled Brahman clientele.
ENGLAND CATTLE COMPANY MERCEDES, TX
A Brahman Tradition, four generations strong, England Cattle Company, LLC has registered more Polled Brahman progeny in the last five years than any other ranch in the USA. Co-owned by Michael and Elizabeth England, along with their son Benton England and wife Brooke, the England’s Polled Brahman legacy is built on the foundation of four generations of South Texas cattle ranching. With roots in the Brahman business dating back to the early 1950s, the England family’s passion and commitment to this breed runs deep! England Cattle Co. strives to produce superior, progressive Polled Brahmans that are functional, sound and fertile with a good disposition.
England Cattle Co. is home to more than 100 Polled cows and herd sires that carry the “Bar E” brand. A herd developed over the course of the past 12 years, the England’s Polled Brahman herd is backed by some of the most proven genetics in the breed, including world-renown donor cows and herd sires. Aside from proven pedigrees, the England herd is performance-focused and Zoetis horn/poll tested. All progeny born on the ranch carry the Polled gene and are tested to verify Homozygous Polled, Heterozygous Polled and Polled Scurred status. In 2023, the England’s will be implementing a DNA protocol to further enhance the performance value of their herd.
The birthplace of some of the most exciting Polled herd sires on the market, including ECC Polled Maverick 302/9, ECC Polled Comandante 749, ECC Polled Rio King 620 and ECC Polled Chief 719. In addition to donor cows, ECC Polled Fancy 114/8, ECC K-K Kylie 733, ECC Polled Madison 360/9, ECC Polled Dora 359/9 and ECC Polled Oprah 464/0. Be on the lookout for exciting genetic and progeny opportunities to debut in Spring 2023.
Visitors always welcome to visit the ranch in Mercedes, Texas where you will find the largest selection of elite, Polled Brahman cattle on the market, today!
CIRCLE T CATTLE COMPANY CHURCHPOINT, LA
Do you have both Polled and Horned Brahman genetics and what color Polled Brahman do you breed for?
Circle T Cattle Company has both horned and Polled Brahman genetics. We do have both Red and Gray Polled Brahman cattle, however we have more Red Brahman cattle.
Are your polled genetics more expensive than your horned genetics?
We typically do not have a price difference from our horned and Polled Brahman cattle, as we determine pricing based off of quality. At Circle T we focus on breeding our RHINEAUX GENETICS to Polled bulls, which has been the reason we have mainly Red Polled genetics.
What are some of the outside Polled genetics you have used?
Some of the Polled bulls we are currently using are bulls like Nioka Pablo (PP), Nioka Radar (S), Nioka Sanchez (PP), NCC Red Odyssey, and El Torro. We typically do not focus on breeding for Polled, but rather we breed for good cattle and if they are Polled that is a plus!
What was the first Polled animal you showed?
Our first polled female that Circle T showed was CT MS BUTLER RHINEAUX 78/5 who was actually a division champion in the 2017 National Show. We have had great success with our horned Brahmans in the show ring, and since our first Polled show female we have continued to have success with our Polled cattle too.
Do you utilize any polled DNA testing?
We typically do not breed polled to polled so we are going to start DNA testing our polled off spring this year.
Have you heard of the possibility of genetically modified cattle so they can be polled and what do you think about it?
If genetically modifying cattle to be polled were to get approved, we would definitely be open to using that especially for cloning our famous +CT LADY RHINEAUX RAY 8/9 female. We do see polled cattle going in the right direction and are happy to be a part of this!
MORENO RANCHES FLORIDA AND TEXAS
The Polled Program at Moreno Ranches started about 15 years ago when Kelvin Moreno was a student at the University Of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
On the weekends of his college days, he would sometimes visit a dear friend, Betty Edwards, a lifelong Brahman breeder in North Florida. During one of his visits, Betty off ered Kelvin to buy out her herd as she was getting older and wanting to retire. The Edwards had a long line of polled cattle influx in the herd with bulls like +JME MR. SUVA CRAT 225 (P), who recently sired a V8 top selling heifer for over $105K, and +JME US LEXOR MANSO 71 (P), a bull whose sister and mother were a part of the Moreno acquisition from Edwards, helping to build the current line of polled cattle in the prestigious Moreno herd today.
One of those is Moreno Ranches’ leading polled herd sire, MORENO MR. POLLED KYROS 571, the number one polled producing bull in the US for 2022. Kelvin believes MORENO MR. POLLED KYROS 571 is one of the most exciting sires in the breed today. Not only was he the favorite of judges during his show career, he has drawn the interest of some of the most recognized breeders in the USA and abroad. This structurally sound, moderately framed, beefy sire is polled and provides an outcross pedigree to many of today’s popular polled lines.
Polled Kyros is sired by a proven herd sire, +JDH MR. KABRAM MANSO 434/8. The dam to Polled Kyros comes from the foundation line of polled animals that was purchased from Edwards Brahman Ranch and contains +JME US LEXOR MANSO 71, the polled sire who won numerous titles before his accidental death. Kelvin says that the calves by Polled Kyros are amazing with several of them already earning wins in many ABBA Open Shows and countless others continuing to impress many as they are highlighted throughout the breed.
Some of the top sons of Kyros that Kelvin thinks you should keep an eye on are MORENO MR. POLLED KOBRAM 991, a young bull whose mother was an Australian imported pedigree mated over a proven Moreno cow family, as well as MORENO MR. POLLED PRADA 193/1, a young bull currently in their show string and undefeated in his class for all fall shows in 2022 and so far in 2023.
According to Kelvin the top attributes of MORENO MR. POLLED KYROS 571 are that he sires 85% polled on horned cows, is a calving easy bull (64.5 lbs at birth average for 2021 2022), his calves are very docile, he produces fertile and functional females, and he is one of only a few polled bulls in the US that has proven his fertility with FEMALE SEXED SEMEN. Additionally, Kelvin said that he was on of the top USA Polled bulls in semen sales in Australia for 2022.
