Aubrac Cattle

Aubrac cattle are a domestic breed commonly raised for their high-quality beef.

This breed originates from the Aubrac region in southern France, where it has been carefully bred for centuries to thrive in the harsh mountainous climate.

The history of the Aubrac cattle dates back to the Middle Ages when monks developed the breed for its strength, hardiness, and ability to adapt to difficult grazing conditions. Over time, the breed became valued for its beef and simple calving process, earning the trust of farmers.

In terms of conservation, the Aubrac is not considered endangered and has a stable population.

It is primarily raised in France, but its adaptability has allowed it to spread to other countries, including parts of Europe, the UK, and even North America.

Characteristics

Color

The color of this cattle is light brown, ranging from wheat to pale grey, with darker areas on the shoulders and back.

Skin

The skin color is black, contrasting with its fawn coat.

Head

The cattle’s head is expressive with a black muzzle, black eyelids bordered by white, and a slate-colored tongue. Its eyes are gentle with black outlines, and the forehead is flat and straight.

Horns

Both males and females of this cattle breed have horns.

The horns point diagonally forward, rise upwards, and twist back at the ends. The tips are black, and the base is white.

Body

This cattle’s body features a short neck and flanks, a deep chest, and broad loins. The pelvis is well-formed and level, with a muscular croup and long, thick thighs.

Legs

The legs are short, slim, and powerful, with black hooves. The wide and strong hocks of the hind legs make this cattle well-suited for rough mountain areas.

Tail

The tail is long and slender, well attached without being too noticeable, and ends with a black tuft.

Reproductive traits

The extremities of this cattle are black, including the mucous membranes, the edge of the anus, the vulva lips, the tail tuft, the hooves, the horn tips, and the ear rims. In males, the tip of the scrotum is also black.

Size

The Aubrac cattle is classified as a breed of medium size.

Male stand at approximately 55 inches (140 cm) in height, while females are slightly shorter at 51 inches (129 cm).

Their body length ranges from 63 to 64 inches (160 to 163 cm) for bulls and 62 to 63 inches (157 to 159 cm) for females, highlighting their balanced and medium-sized build.

Lifespan

These cattle have a good lifespan, living between 15 and 20 years.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

Aubrac cattle have a moderate growth rate, especially when raised exclusively on forage-based diets such as grass and hay.

While they are efficient at converting forage-based diets into weight gain, their growth rate is not as rapid as some specialized beef breeds like Charolais or Limousin.

They can gain an average of 2.2 to 2.54 lbs (1.0 to 1.15 kg) per day, showcasing their ability to grow steadily even with minimal feed inputs.

By 120 days of age, male calves typically weigh between 365 and 370 lbs (166 to 168 kg). By 210 days, their weight increases to around 606 to 613 lbs (275 to 278 kg).

Weight

An average adult bull weighs 1,984 to 2,645 lbs (900 to 1,200 kg), and an average cow weighs 1,213 to 1,764 lbs (550 to 800 kg).

Newborn calves weigh around 77 to 88 lbs (35 to 40 kg).

Slaughtered Time

Male calves can be slaughtered at 8 to 10 months, weighing approximately 838 to 882 lbs (380 to 400 kg) when grass-fed and naturally weaned. Semi-finished male calves, raised on rough forage such as grass or hay after weaning, can be slaughtered at 13 to 15 months, reaching a live weight of about 1,102 lbs (500 kg).

Female calves that are grass-fed and naturally weaned can also be slaughtered at around 8 to 10 months, weighing approximately 617 to 750 lbs (280 to 340 kg).

Fattened heifers intended for the beef market are typically slaughtered at 2 to 3 years of age. These females, mostly fattened on grass or hay, produce carcasses weighing between 661 to 992 lbs (300 to 450 kg).

The dressing percentage of this cattle breed is around 60%.

Temperament

These cattle have a reputation for being calm and gentle, which makes them easy to handle in farming environments.

They are well-behaved and work well with farmers who provide consistent care.

Their grazing behavior is great, allowing them to make the most of poor-quality forage and rugged grazing areas.

While they are cooperative and respond well to handling, they may occasionally show a bit of stubbornness when confined.

Despite this, their reliable nature and efficient grazing abilities make them a valuable addition to farms focused on sustainable, grass-fed systems.

Meat

Aubrac meat has a composition of 22-23% protein and 1-1.5% fat, making it a lean and nutritious choice.

Its bright red appearance and tenderness make it a sought-after choice for both chefs and consumers. The breed’s high meat-to-bone ratio ensures minimal waste, making it practical and cost-effective for butchering.

Thanks to their efficient feed conversion and adaptability to diverse conditions, Aubrac cattle produce lean and flavorful beef, appealing to those who prefer healthier meat options.

On the European grading system, the carcasses consistently score U grades, with some achieving E grades, reflecting their strong muscular conformation. In the USDA grading system, the beef would generally range between Select and Choice, depending on the feeding and finishing methods used.

Milk

A few cows of this breed are dairy-oriented and produce milk only if their calf remains with them.

During a lactation period of 248 days, they produce about 575.9 gallons (2,180 liters) of milk, reflecting their productivity while actively milking. On average, this means approximately 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of milk per day.

Some say that they are capable of even greater quantities, with this breed producing up to 2.4 gallons (9 liters) of milk per day.

The milk has a fat content of 4.13% and a protein level of 3.46%. Some of the milk is used to make Laguiole cheese, and there are efforts to increase its contribution to the production of this traditional cheese to 10%.

Raising

Feeding

You can feed these cattle a diet based on rough forage, including grass, hay, and other low-cost fibrous feeds.

They grow and finish well even on simple diets.

Grains are neither necessary nor recommended for this breed unless specific circumstances require them. Grains can be introduced during the finishing phase (the final few months before slaughter) to enhance marbling and improve meat quality.

In addition to their forage-based diet, it is essential to provide them with mineral blocks to meet their nutritional needs and ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Proper nutrition and hydration are key to maintaining their health and productivity.

Due to their efficient feed conversion, it is crucial not to overfeed Aubrac cows. Overfeeding can lead to excessive fat buildup, particularly in the ovaries and udder, which can negatively impact their reproduction and milk production. To ensure long-term health and fertility, it is essential to allow them periods of natural weight adjustment, where they can utilize any extra fat reserves. Proper feeding management ensures they remain productive for many years.

Environment

These cattle are well-adapted to extensive grazing, excelling on pasture and efficiently converting rough forage, like grass, in hilly or remote environments with little need for intervention. These systems are ideal for sustainable, low-input farming.

Climate

These cattle are well-suited for cooler and temperate climates, especially in hilly or mountainous regions.

Their thick skin and dense coat help them stay warm and protected in cold or windy conditions.

In the region where this breed originated, winter temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, and such extreme cold is common. This breed was developed to withstand these harsh conditions and adapts very well to freezing temperatures.

They can also adapt to warmer climates, although they are not as well-suited as breeds specifically developed for tropical or arid areas.

In hot regions, they require proper care, such as access to shade and clean water, to prevent heat stress. Their ability to thrive on a forage-based diet also makes them suitable for dry grasslands, provided they have enough water and shelter.

Shelter

Shelter is essential for these cattle in harsh conditions, such as freezing winters, heavy rains, or hot summers.

In cold climates, windbreaks or enclosed spaces provide warmth and protection. In hot areas, shade from trees or purpose-built shelters helps avoid heat stress. In temperate climates, a simple shelter is enough for occasional weather extremes.

How many cattle per acre?

You need 4 to 5 acres for an Aubrac cattle in conditions of high-quality pasture with adequate precipitation and 5 to 6 acres in moderate conditions. In areas with less fertile soil or limited rainfall, you may need up to 10 acres per cattle.

Breeding

The Aubrac cattle are a breed that reaches early maturity, with some heifers beginning to breed as early as 15 months of age.

Known for their good fertility, they can be bred naturally through mating or via artificial insemination for selective breeding programs.

For over a decade, the breed has been exporting its genetics in the form of semen (1,110 doses in 2000), reproducers (160 registered in 2000), and embryos to more than 15 countries, including Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Canada, the United States, and Morocco, among others.

Aubrac cows have a short gestation period of 283 days, with some cases as short as 281 days, allowing for a short breeding cycle that ensures one calf per cow each year.

Twins are rare, and the breed is known for easy calving with a low calf mortality rate.

Most cows remain productive until the age of 11, during which they give birth to an average of 8-9 calves.

The breed is also recognized for its very good maternal qualities. Aubrac cows produce sufficient milk to ensure the growth of their calves with minimal need for supplements, thanks to their strong breastfeeding capacity.

They are naturally protective and attentive mothers, providing good care for their young. These traits make the Aubrac an efficient, reliable, and valuable breed for both meat and breeding programs.

Terminal vs. Maternal

These cattle are considered a terminal breed when used in crossbreeding programs due to their desirable carcass traits and weight for beef production.

It is important to note that Aubrac cattle are versatile and not solely terminal. In certain systems, particularly in their native regions, they are also kept for breeding, milk production, and sustainable grazing systems.

Health Issues

These cattle carry the myostatin gene ^{(see refs.)}, which influences how muscles develop. The F94L variant, commonly found in Aubrac cattle, increases muscle size without causing problems like calving difficulties, infertility, or a shorter lifespan.

Other variants, including C313Y, E226X, E291X, and NT419, can result in too much muscle growth and may lead to calving problems.

To maintain the breed’s desirable traits, breeders exclude cattle with two copies of these harmful genes from breeding programs.

Why should you raise it?

For homesteaders, these cattle provide a significant amount of lean meat to meet a family’s dietary needs.

Their balanced milk production supplies enough to raise calves while also leaving extra for household use, making them a practical choice for a homestead.

The only major requirement is access to pasture, as these cattle thrive on grass and hay. Additionally, their hardy, low-maintenance nature and adaptability to various climates make them cost-effective and easy to manage for smaller-scale operations.

From a business perspective, this breed offers a good opportunity for profit, whether on a small or large scale. Aubrac cattle are valued in the beef industry for their dense, lean meat, and demand for their beef is growing. Their ability to do well on grass-fed systems makes them a good option for farmers aiming to produce quality beef with low feed costs.

Male Cattle Market

• 97% of males born each year are exported, primarily to Italy, as grass-fed animals, creating a lucrative market for calves.
• 3% of males are kept for reproduction as purebreds, offering another opportunity for income through breeding programs.

Female Cattle Market

• 50% of females born each year are used for beef production in France or exported as grass-fed calves, contributing to consistent revenue streams.
• One-quarter of grass-fed cows are sold to fattening operations, generating additional income.

Genetics and Reproduction

• The breed’s genetics are highly sought after, with semen, embryos, and live animals exported to more than 15 countries worldwide, offering another avenue for profit.

Advantages

• High quality meat
• Longevity
• Adaptability
• Early maturity
• Good fertility
• Ease of calving
• Maternal qualities
• Rising Demand

Disadvantages

• Heat sensitivity
• Moderate growth rate
• Lower marbling
• Genetic defect
• Requires good management

References

• Myostatin gene ^link
• La race Aubrac ^link
• Fox Creek Ranch ^link