Cattle breeds
Maine-Anjou
Maine-Anjou or Rouge des Prés – the red cattle from the meadows of western France
Originating from a local breed in western France
Maine-Anjou cattle originate from the former province of Anjou (Pays de la Loire) in France, situated on the lower Loire, south-west of Paris. In the 19th century, animals of the local light-red-and-white pied breed Mancelle were crossed with Durham/Shorthorn cattle imported from England. This resulted in the large, robust dual-purpose breed Maine-Anjou – named after the river valleys of Maine and Anjou.
For many years, the Maine-Anjou was one of the most important beef-cattle breeds in western France. However, the intensification of agriculture from the 1970s onwards saw other breeds gain in importance. The Maine-Anjou shows its potential when kept on pasture. It is very undemanding and even performs well in summers that are so dry that hardly anything grows on the meadows or pastures.
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The white heart on the red forehead is a very common coat pattern in Maine-Anjou cattle. | Photo: www.rougedespres.fr
New name due to the designation of origin
When a protected designation of origin for the breed’s meat became necessary, a name change was required: ‘AOP Maine-Anjou’ meat cannot bear the same name as the breed from which it comes. Thus, in 2003, the Maine-Anjou became the ‘Rouge des Prés’, meaning ‘red from the meadows’.
To this day, around 90% of Rouge des Prés cattle graze in their region of origin and the surrounding areas. However, this calm undemanding breed also has admirers in Switzerland and many other parts of the world.
Coat colour
Reddish brown with lighter patches on the belly, mouth and legs
Build
700-900 kg
Wither height: Ø 142cm
Origin
Western France (Pays de la Loire)
Sources: www.parthenaise.fr
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