Discover the Brahman breed, mascot of the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show. A majestic and resilient cow representing the diversity of French livestock.
A herd of Brahman cows on a hillside

Discovering the Brahman Breed

For its 2026 edition, the Paris International Agricultural Show is making headlines by highlighting a cattle breed still little-known in mainland France: the Brahman.
A majestic and hardy cow that perfectly embodies the resilience and diversity of French livestock farming.

A Bit of History

A proud descendant of Indian zebu cattle, the Brahman breed was first developed in the United States in the 19th century. It set foot in Martinique for the first time in the 1950s. At that time, the sugarcane industry was in decline, and beef cattle farming was on the rise.

The Martinique Brahman Cattle Breeders’ Union was founded in 2000 to organize and develop the sector. It later expanded to French Guiana and became the Brahman Cattle Breeders’ Union (UEBB) in 2008.

Through crossbreeding and careful selection, the breed has become perfectly adapted to the Caribbean climate. In 2022, just over 11,000 cows were recorded — a small number compared to the roughly 2 million Prim’Holsteins or 1.4 million Charolais in France!
A herd of Brahman cows on a hillside
Did you know?

The name Brahman echoes the word Brahmin, a traditional Indian caste — a charming nod to the breed’s origins.

An Unmistakable Look

The Brahman is instantly recognizable, with its prominent hump above the shoulders, long drooping ears, dark muzzle, and loose skin around the chest. In Martinique, most animals are horned and grey in color. Elsewhere in the world, the breed can appear white, black, or even red.

A Hardy Breed

The Brahman’s greatest strength lies in its remarkable adaptability. Resistant to heat, humidity, and tropical parasites, it thrives in challenging environments. Most herds are grass-fed and particularly skilled at making the most of coarse forage, allowing them to recover quickly after periods of scarcity.

Although the first calf often arrives relatively late — around three years of age — Brahman cows can produce until they’re about fifteen, showcasing impressive longevity.

A Unique Opportunity

The Brahman breed remains rare in mainland France. So, if you’re eager to learn more about its story, its strengths, and to see the mascot cow straight from Martinique up close, visit Pavilion 1 at the Paris International Agricultural Show, from February 21 to March 1, 2026!
Did you know?

The Brahman is bred in pure form but is also crossbred with beef breeds such as Charolais or Limousin to combine hardiness with excellent meat conformation. Such herds are often referred to as “Brahmanized.”

Sources: UEBB / Races de France
The former mascot cows