Brahman Cattle, Bull (Farm Time by CollectA)

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that cattle were domesticated more than once from the same ancestor. Most cattle breeds that we’re familiar with are known as taurine, or European cattle (Bos taurus) but there are also the zebu, or humped cattle (Bos indicus). Both cattle were domesticated from the now extinct aurochs (Bos primigenius) and are sometimes classified as subspecies of it. While B. taurus originated in the Near East, B. indicus originated in the Indian sub-continent, and both appear to be domesticated from different subspecies of B. primigenius. It’s complicated and fascinating but that’s about as far into as I’m willing to go in a toy review. I had to mention it though, because the toy we’re looking at today is of an American brahman, a breed of beef cattle that is the result of breeding various breeds of B. indicus together.

The American brahman originated in the United States between 1854 and 1924 as the first breed of cattle developed in the country. It’s a hardy breed that tolerates extreme sunlight, heat, and humidity, and has a high resistance to insect parasites thanks to the sebum it excretes from its skin. All these factors make it a popular breed in warm climates like the American south and many cattle reared in hotter climates today are the result of hybridization with the brahman breed, in order to pass on some of its hardy characteristics. The meat from brahman cattle is said to be of poor quality, another reason for hybridization with other breeds, although the milk is said to be rich.

This figure is the 2012 CollectA brahman bull, it is the red variant of the figure, but the same figure is also produced in gray. The figure measures 5” (12.7 cm) long and stands 3.5” (8.89 cm) tall to the top of its hump. Brahman bulls stand 4.5’ (1.37 meters) at the shoulder, excluding the hump, and this puts the CollectA figure at 1/20 in scale. Bulls typically weigh 2,090 lbs. (948 kg) while cows weigh 1,320 lbs. (598 kg).

All the hallmarks of the brahman breed are beautifully displayed on this figure. Droopy ears, saggy skin, prominent dewlap and sheath, long concave face, and of course, the hump over the shoulders. All these features make the brahman a visually interesting and unique breed and so the toy too stands out especially well among other cattle breed figures.

Fine details abound on this figure, exemplifying CollectA’s mastery of ungulates both wild and domestic. I particularly like the wavy creases of skin running down the dewlap. The dewlap and droopy ears of the brahman functions like an African elephant’s ears, to dissipate excess heat and cool the animal. The hump on the toy has a somewhat awkward collapsed and floppy look about it with creases sculpted where it rests along the back. In life the hump is used for storing nutrients and is edible and rich in protein.

The midsection of the toy sags downward somewhat and the hips are visible under the skin. Although brahmans can grow horns they are not sculpted on this toy. The toy is anatomically male, but CollectA also makes a brahman cow and calf, and both come in red and gray varieties. The figure is sculpted with a stippled texture that conveys the short, thick coat of the breed which in life is effective at reflecting the sun’s rays.

The figure is predominantly brownish red in color with the back and hump being a darker shade, and the underside white. The ears, sheath, testicles, and tail are tipped in black, and the hooves are gray. The eyes and nose are black and painted with a shiny finish that makes them appear wet and lifelike. Brahman cattle can be red or gray, like the CollectA toys, or black, brown, or white, and can be either spotted or unspotted.

The CollectA brahman bull (and/or cow) is a must have for cattle breed fanciers. Safari also made a brahman bull, but it is now retired, so CollectA’s is your best bet for this specific breed. Other companies have also made other B. indicus figures that represent different breeds. The CollectA brahman bull is still in production and retails for about $8-15 depending on where you look.