Droughtmaster is an Australian breed of beef cattle that is characterized by superior drought tolerance in dry environments. They can thrive where other cattle cannot, producing a high-quality carcass in low input systems. Droughtmaster is a breed of “Tempranillo” cattle that originated in Australia’s arid southwest, specifically within the areas of the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Droughtmaster was created using the crossing of Brahman cattle with Brahman-Zebus. These cross broods were selected for their superior carcass quality in dry environments, with a particularly high percentage of marbling within the muscle. The development of Droughtmaster has been a long and sometimes difficult process, involving many failed attempts.
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Droughtmaster weight:
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How to identify Droughtmaster?
Droughtmaster is identified by their yellow or red coat color or bib and white udder. They have a red, wavy coat at birth but it fades with age to become a dull yellow. The bib and udder are white, although the bib is often tinged with pink and there may be discolored patches around the eyelids or on the ears. The horns are long, with a heavy base and thickened tips.
Behavioral characteristics
The breed is widespread but has been most severely affected by the drought in the 1980s and 1990s. It was included in the Cattle of Australia register in 1961. Droughtmaster is generally very docile and easy to handle. They have a distinctive appearance but they are hardy and have a distinctive black-and-white coloring. This breed is a good mother and is particularly good at producing sturdy calves. They are attractive and have an attractive carcasses.
Droughtmaster breed
The breed is not purebred. It is the result of a cross between Brahman cattle and Zebus. The breed was created by Dr. Harold C. Beck in 1929.
At the time, Zebus were being used as a breed of draught cattle throughout Australia, and Beck had an interest in their characteristics for use as cattle for meat production. He also had a keen interest in artificial breeding and made attempts to achieve his desired result through artificial selection methods.
Uses:
The breed was developed mainly for use as a beef breed and is used in many different climates. It has been used in general crossbreeding programs with other breeds, but some producers will market themselves specifically as specializing in “Droughtmaster beef”.
Special Considerations:
The breed is not usually taken to shows. But the Angus breeders club in Australia recognized the draught master in 1963, and began exhibiting them in 1985 under the name “Southern reds”. Droughtmaster is a good mother and is particularly good at producing sturdy calves. They are attractive and have an attractive carcasses.
The breed was developed mainly for use as a beef breed and is used in many different climates. However, review the full breed profile of the Droughtmaster in the following table.
Best 10+ information:
| Breed Name | Droughtmaster |
| Other Name | Red wattles |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Discipline | Beef cattle and dairy cattle |
| Color of Coat | Red or yellow (can change to black by adulthood) |
| Weight | 500-1000 lbs |
| Climate Tolerance | Drought-resistant, heat |
| Uses | Beef cattle and dairy cattle |
| Rarity | Common |
| As Pets | Not Yet |
| Life Span | 10 years for females, and 14 years for males. |
