Blonde d'Aquitaine Cattle
Three strains of cattle comprise the Blonde d'Aquitaine. The are the Garonnais strain,
the Quercy, and the Blonde des Pyrenees. These cattle are from the southwest part
of France: from the plains of Garonne, the hills of Garonne, and the Pyrenees Mountains.
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.
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
2417 Holly Lane
Ottawa, Ontario KIV 0M7
Phone: (613) 731-7110
Email: cbda@clrc.ca
United Kingdom
Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Phone: 44 (0)2476 419058
Email: secretary@britishblondesociety.co.uk
United States
American Blonde d'Aquitaine Association
10655 N 310 Road
Morris OK 74445
Phone: (918) 683-2222
References
American Blonde d'Aquitaine Association
10655 N 310 Road
Morris OK 74445
Phone: (918) 683-2222
Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs. Modern Breeds of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co. 1980