Manso, the bull that sparked Brahman breeding in Texas

On a 4,050-hectare tract in Texas, the J.D. Ranch Hudgins is home to more than 1,800 Brahman cows, descendants of Manso, the bull that began breeding the Brahman breed here at the beginning of the last century. This family has been raising American Brahmans for meat production for over 100 years.

Manso’s story is emblematic: acquired in 1933, this bull left a legacy of 316 offspring before passing away in 1943. His influence on the quality and standards of the Brahman breed is unquestionable, with approximately 75% of registered Brahman cattle carrying some of their genes.

The industry faced challenges, particularly the mad cow disease crisis in 2003 that disrupted the international market for the Hudgins ranch. However, they strategically expanded their domestic market and, over time, managed to regain international connections, including the recently reopened Chinese market.

Chinese demand represents a significant opportunity for the ranch, as increased meat consumption in China could have a positive impact on local prices, demonstrating how the globalized economy influences the U.S. livestock industry.