Canadienne Cow

The canadienne is one of the few historic breeds of livestock developed in canada.

Canadienne cow. A cow annually produces about 3800 kg of 4 4 butterfat 3 6 protein milk. The canadienne is a dairy breed developed in french canada from cattle imported back in the xviith century from brittany and normandy. Brought here by the first settlers the natural and progressive inbreeding led to an appearance and conformation specific to a new breed of cow called the canadienne.

All of it s unique attributes that provided the family with a reliable source of protein and calcium during the hardships of the region s brutal winters have become obsolete. Canadienne cattle are dairy cattle much like ayrshires dutch belted jerseys and holsteins. The canadienne is the only breed of dairy cow native to north america.

With global markets getting more and more competitive canadian food products need to be able to stand out and agriculture and agri food canada s aafc scientists have been instrumental in making this happen. It is also known by some other names such as black canadienne black jersey and french canadienne. For example as a result of their work an official trademark term canadienne cow cheese was granted for a set.

This stock was blended on this continent and selected for hardiness and productivity in the new world. This was the first cattle breed to be developed in north america primarily from animals imported from normandy and brittany. The canadienne cattle are a dual purpose animal but they are raised mainly for milk production.

The canadienne cow has gone from being the family s essential dairy cow to a speciality breed needed only for exclusive artisan cheeses. Canadienne cattle also known as black canadienne french canadienne and black jersey are the only breed of dairy cattle developed in canada they originated in the 16th century when french settlers brought cattle over for foundation stock to settle canada the canadienne were the most common breed of domestic cattle in canada until the late 19th century when other breeds began to displace them. Body type and characteristics.

This population was shaped by natural selection in the rugged environment of eastern canada and the resulting breed became known as the canadienne. It descends from cattle of normandy and brittany which were brought to canada between 1601 and 1660. Canadienne cattle arrived in quebec between 1608 and 1660.

It is the only breed of dairy cattle developed in canada. They are angular in body with the cows having large udders but are more rugged and adapted to the rougher canadian environment than the imported breeds like holsteins are. Very hardy cattle adapts well to many dairy management systems they will thrive in pasture rather than on expensive imported grain.

It was originated in the 16th century when french settlers brought cattle over for foundation stock to settle canada.