Canadienne cattle were developed in Canada primarily
from animals imported from Normandy and Brittany during the 16th and
17th century. This stock was blended on this continent and selected
for hardiness and productivity in the New World.
The first regular importations of cattle into
Canada were in 1608-1610 from Normandy in France. Later importations
came from Brittany and Gascony. The population remained largely closed
to other breeds and eventually became known as the Canadienne.
Unfortunately, the breed's characteristics were
not highly valued and by the mid-1800's a number of influential farmers
were encouraging the crossing of the native Canadienne with bigger imported
breeds less adapted to local environmental conditions. In 1895 a small
group of concerned breeders and academics joined to form the Canadienne
Cattle Breeders Association.
In recent years the Quebec government has initiated
several programs aimed at conserving the breed and encouraging the breeders
to continue. Most breeders and their cattle continue to be found in
the province of Quebec.
The Canadienne is well adapted to the Canadian
climate, soil and herbage and does not require the importation of expensive
foods or intensive management. It is small (cows weigh 1000-1100 pounds),
long-lived and has an exceptionally docile temperament.
Canadiennes produce good quantities of quality
milk in relation to their own body size and food requirements. The meat
tends to be lean, and the light bone results in a high percentage of
usable meat in relation to total body weight
|
|
| Born pale, Canadienne
cattle become black or dark brown, often with paler muzzle, side,
and udder or scrotum. There may occasionally be white on the udder,
stomach and chest. |
Status:
Minor
Reference:
American Livestock Breeds Notebook. 1989. The
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Pittsboro, NC.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
Alan Ross, Three Creek Farm, Arrington, VA
Société des Éleveurs de
Bovins Canadiens, 172, rue St-Jean-Baptiste app. 2, Sherbrooke, Québec
