The Australian Braford breed was developed north of Rockhampton in Queensland in 1946. Breeders infused Brahman bloodlines into Hereford stock in order to improve tick resistance and create a breed that could perform better in times of drought. Brafords possess characteristics and traits from both parent breeds.
Brafords are known to perform well in all climatic conditions. They are either polled or horned and coat colour is typically red and white and colour, with similar markings to Herefords and Poll Herefords. Brafords are particularly resistant to eye cancer due to their highly pigmented, hooded eyes. Heat and tick resistance, early puberty and fine milk production are also characteristic.
Females are recognised for their high fertility, easy calving and their excellent capacity to rear quality vealers. Calves are born small in size and weight at weaning time is optimum. Bulls can work in a commercial environment as early as 18 months old. In particular, Brafords have an excellent reputation with commercial breeders. Their supreme hybrid vigour means that direct crossing with a broad range of breeds is possible. Braford females may help to improve milking and mothering abilities in some European breeds such as Simmental, Limousin and Charolais. Also, this breed is known for its efficient conversions of roughage into weight gain. Ultimately, the meat produced is bright red with even fat distribution.
The Australian Braford Society was established in 1962 in Rockhampton. The society is a member of the World Braford Confederation.
Brafords have been developed in both the United States and Australia and are distributed throughout Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Malaysia, New Guinea, China, South America and South Africa.
