Brahmin

Brahmin or brahma are mutated cattle with two heads found all over the post-War United States of America.

Background
Brahmin serve a vital environmental niche in the Fallout world -- they form the foundation of survival for many species; most notably, humans. They also form the backbone of the New California Republic economy and of the New Reno "NCR brahmin rustling" economy.

Brahmin can pull carts, old cars, plows, and dead bodies. Brahmin can be driven into herds then used as stampedes on rival tribal villages. Brahmin hair can be woven into bags and ropes. Brahmin sinew can be used for bowstrings or thread for stitching. Brahmin droppings are great fertilizer and fuel for campfires - the fumes from their feces are also used to synthesize jet.

Brahmin bones can be used as clubs, knives, arrowheads, eating utensils, hoes, or even dice, and their skulls are dotted all over the desert landscape. Their hide can be used to make tents (or teepees), clothing, belts, saddle bags, shoes, leather armor, leather jackets, or a bizarre brahmin-looking disguise.

Biology
Brahmin are the mutated descendants of Pre War cattle. The cows that survived gave birth to mutated offspring. They've attained a second head, and abnormal growths. They also have eight stomach compartments, twice as many as normal cows. Brahmin Bulls have four testicles, and the udders of female brahmin have increased in size. They are of a toasted brown/orange colour, and attack by head-butting or trying to gore someone with their horns.

Brahmin meat is delicious - if only when compared to other post-armageddon food. Brahmin are a source of milk similar to real-world milk, yet strangely different, it has even been said that brahmin milk may help cure radiation sickness.

Occasionally, a brahmin is born with a single head - essentially, a regular cow. Ironically, these single-headed brahmin are considered to be "mutated".

Behind the scenes

 * One brahmin appears as an easter egg in Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, shown in a freak show and described as coming from "a far away wasteland".
 * The use of the name brahmin was banned in India from Fallout 3, due to its also having a religious meaning in Hinduism.