With the goal of producing cattle that have “Enough Ear, But Not Too Much”, Angus Plus was created by Brangus breeders who wanted to maximize the Angus influence in their cattle and include only enough Brahman influence to meet the needs of their customers’ ranch environments. Angus Plus became a part of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) Registry in 2001. At that time, cattle qualifying as Angus Plus were defined as Angus/Brahman derivatives with a minimum of 50 percent Angus (red or black). With the floating percentage of Brahman, typically lower than traditional Brangus, the resulting Angus Plus cattle are more efficient, have improved carcass merit, and are more industry acceptable.

Cattlemen throughout the country are expressing interest in Angus Plus. Due to this success, Angus Plus breeders and the RAAA Board of Directors feel that it is increasingly important to promote the performance aspect of Angus Plus and to differentiate the cattle from other Brahman derivatives.

Effective July 1, 2004, Angus Plus cattle will be defined as those cattle that are Brahman/Angus derivatives that have been derived from purebred lines (Red Angus, Angus, Brahman, Red Brangus, and/ or Brangus) between 65 percent and 96 percent registered red or black Angus and a minimum of four percent registered Brahman. Those Angus Plus cattle that have been bred-up, i.e. with commercial cattle in their pedigree or contain a purebred breed other than the previously mentioned breeds will be differentiated by having an “X” appear at the end of Angus Plus (i.e. Angus Plus X) on the registration certificate. In addition, birth date, weaning date and weaning weight will be required in order to be registered as Angus Plus or Angus Plus X. All cattle currently registered with the RAAA as Angus Plus will be grandfathered in.

The RAAA feels that these changes will positively affect the marketability and demand for Angus Plus genetics. For a further explanation of these changes log on to www.angusplus.net and click on Frequently Asked Questions or call the National Office (940) 387-3502. Producers interested in registering their Angus/Brahman derivatives with the RAAA are encouraged to call the National Office. ©