It sounds from what little you have said, that you bought exactly what he said. They were exposed. Not guaranteed bred right? Then he said to run them with your bull also. First BIG RED FLAG. But okay, maybe one or 2 might have been short bred or didn't take.
M-5 is right on. Don't think you have much recourse.... And I would make sure I never bought from him again.....But if he didn't guarantee them, you probably don't have much to go on.
Obviously, this is going to do one of several things...Really p*** you off and decided to not have cattle....make you distrust all cattle people...tell everyone that this guy took you for a ride....Or kick you in the teeth and say OKAY I learned from this a VERY VALUABLE LESSON.
Was there a reason that you bought these high dollar heifers? Liked the breeding behind them? Liked their color? Something else?
I do not have any experience with Brahman cattle as they are frowned upon here in this area...and I think they are kinda neat but there is no market for them. I have heard they may take a little longer to mature and cycle but then are around for as long as most peoples kids are.....longevity....
That said, I don't think you have any recourse. And that I would not buy any high dollar animal without some kind of guarantee. At the least, all confirmed as cycling if they are only exposed. When we buy any cattle, they are confirmed pregnant or as opens, some may be exposed. But a heifer, I want a little more assurance that they will breed. Even preg cattle can lose a pregnancy from transporting etc. Bought 10 breds and saw a dead premie about 2 weeks later, and don't know who lost it, no udders, nothing. So as soon as this group is done, someone will obviously not have a calf and Will get checked to be absolutely sure, then the open one shipped.