Their development started during the
1600's at the Benedictine Abbey of Aubrac in the south of France,
where the controlled breeding was practised until the Abbey was
destroyed during the French Revolution.
Selective breeding was promoted between 1840
and 1880, with Brown Swiss blood used to improve the breed.
They are used primarily for meat production
although, historically, they were also used as draft animals and
for milk. They are usually fawn to brown in color.
The females average 125 cm in height and
weigh 580 kg. The average bull stands 130 cm and weighs 825
kg. Lactation averages 2,180 kg at 4.13% fat in 248 days.
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World,
1985, MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of
Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
Pierre Bonard, Ch. des Brulees 54, CH -
1093 La Conversion, Switzerland.
