Breed History
The Blonde d'Aquitaine trace to cattle that
were in the area in the middle ages, when blonde cattle were used
to pull carts carrying weapons and goods. There have been infusions
of Shorthorn, Charolais and Limousin breeding but this was followed
by selection back toward the original type. The cattle were valued
as draft oxen and for their meat and milk.
The Blonde d'Aquitaine breed exhibits a history
of selective breeding pressures that have resulted in the economically
valuable breed that we know today. Its muscle development, hardiness
and docility are products of its early development as a draft animal.
In the 1960's, the French Blonde d'Aquitaine
herd book was formed. The first Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle were imported
into the United States in 1972.
The Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle are fine to moderate
framed for a larger breed. Most mature Blonde bulls weigh from 1700
to 2300 lbs. with females ranging from 1100 to 1500 lbs. Steers at
slaughter - 14 months - weigh 1200 to 1350 lbs.
This well-muscled breed is covered with short,
light colored hair. The head of the Blonde d'Aquitaine is long from
poll to muzzle. The forehead and muzzle are broad, the face triangular.
Horns are light in color and thick at the base, darkening at the tip.
References:
Promotional materials. American Blonde d'Aquitaine
Association, Kansas City, MO
Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs. Modern Breeds
of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co. 1980
Photographs:
American Blonde d'Aquitaine Association, Kansas
City, MO
Registries and Breed Associations
Australia and New Zealand
Blonde d'Aquitaine Society of
Australia and New Zealand Inc.
c/o ABRI
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
Australia
Phone: (02) 6773 2393
Canada
Canadian Blonde d'Aquitaine Association
c/o Canadian Livestock Records Corporation
2417 Holly Lane
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1V 0M7
Phone: 613-731-7110 Fax: 613-731-0704
E-Mail cbda@clrc.ca
www.canadianblondeassociation.ca
United Kingdom
United States
American Blonde d'Aquitaine Association
P.O. Box 12341
Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 421-1305