| The first and formal adoption of the world | | | | RELH Hunt, the Code Brahman Stud of Mr AJ |
| Brahman originated with the inception of the | | | | Coetzer and Mr BJ Maritz. |
| American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) | | | | The remarkable growth and demand for the |
| in 1924. Cattlemen attending their organizational | | | | breed: |
| meeting wrestled with the question of what to | | | | The contribution Brahmans have made towards |
| name this American Bos Indicus breed that Mr JW | | | | the South African stud and commercial industry |
| Startwelle called "... an entirely new breed of beef | | | | can be described as remarkable, especially during |
| cattle". Mr Startwelle, however the first Secretary | | | | the first three decades starting in 1960. The |
| of ABBA and early driving force of their | | | | distinctive appearance of the Brahman during the |
| association, was indeed historically instrumental, | | | | coming decade sets them apart from any other |
| when he suggested the word Brahman. | | | | traditional beef breed in South Africa. The hump |
| The Early History in Southern Africa: | | | | on top of its shoulders, large pendulous ears, |
| The introduction of the Brahman to the South | | | | abundant folds of skin and distinctive colour has |
| African beef cattle scene originated back in 1954 | | | | contributed towards the phenomenal growth being |
| when Mr Jurgen Crantz, of Windhoek, in South | | | | recorded in those days. |
| West Africa as they knew it in those days, initially | | | | The membership of 41 in 1960 increased by |
| imported eight males and ten females from | | | | 465.85 % within the first ten years, births during |
| Texas, USA, to be landed at Cape Town harbour. | | | | the same period by 1 296.64 %, registrations |
| Five of these bulls originated from Mr JD Hudgins, | | | | 581.63 % and transfers by 1 542,64 %. This |
| Texas, while one came from Mr Albert B Fay, | | | | brought the Brahman into the limelight after only |
| Texas, another one from Mr VW Frost, Texas, | | | | 10 years and remarks by the press such as the |
| as one from Laxy 3 Ranch, Texas. All ten | | | | "Brahman is like a Chameleon because he adapts |
| females were from the famous JD Hudgins Ranch. | | | | everywhere" were made in those days. The use |
| We today salute the inspirations and motivations | | | | of the Brahman as a maternal line has become |
| of Mr Jurgen Crantz of Namibië as the | | | | significant due to the dramatic changes in the |
| pioneer who unknowingly laid the foundation of | | | | composition of our national beef population in |
| what would have become a major breed in the | | | | South Africa. |
| production of red meat in Southern Africa. | | | | Official figures show that where the Afrikaner |
| Mr W Woker of Windhoek, South West Africa, | | | | represented almost 45 % of the market share in |
| Nuanetzi Ranch Ltd., the Normar stud of Mr AI | | | | 1965, the situation changed dramatically in 1985 to |
| Marais and Mr C Scheepers, all from South Africa | | | | retain only 7.0 % of the registrations at the SA |
| made other early imports in 1954. Breeders who | | | | Stud Book and Livestock Improvement |
| were particularly prominent by importing many | | | | Association. Brahman registrations on the other |
| animals between 1954 and 1971 were, among | | | | hand increased from 4.4 % to almost 57.0 % |
| others, JFW Herbst and son, JB Orpen of the Bar | | | | during the same period. Currently there are 572 |
| Circle Stud, Sisal Brahmans of Mr Eric Bilse, Ban | | | | members with a total number of +60 000 |
| Cattle Co. of Mr Louis Bosman, D Terblanche, | | | | enrolled animals. |