Charolais Cattle Breed Origins

The Charolais cattle breed is one of the oldest of the French cattle breeds. Considered of Jurassic origin, the breed was developed in the district around Charolais in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. With new historical evidence, these cattle may have been around as early as 878 A.D.

After World War I, a young Mexican industrialist of French ancestry brought his Charolais cattle to a ranch in Mexico. From there, they were brought to the US in 1934. The breed gained popularity for its size and beauty, leading to a demand for purebred Charolais.

Charolais Cattle Breed Characteristics

Charolais cattle are among the heaviest of cattle breeds. Bulls may weigh between 2,200 and 3,600 pounds, while the cows weigh between 1,500 and 2,600 pounds. Most Charolais cattle are massive and have horns, though selective breeding has created hornless individuals. They usually have a docile temperament.

Though crossbreeding may produce dark or red coloration, the typical Charolais bull or cow will be white or cream-colored with a pale pink nose and hooves. While light cattle are harder to keep clean for showing, it offers an advantage in hot, sunny weather. These cattle are less affected by the sun and heat and continue to eat and gain weight better than darker cattle.

Charolais Cattle Breed Uses

Like other continental and European breeds, Charolais cattle are raised for beef, dairy, and draft uses. The muscular cattle are capable of hauling heavy load and serving farm work needs, though they’re most valuable for beef production and breeding purposes.

With the crossbreeding potential, Charolais may be used as a terminal crossbreed. A bull or cow can breed with another beef cattle breed and produce calves with significant growth and muscularity.

Charolais Cattle Breed Appearance & Varieties

The typical Charolais is white with a pale muzzle and hooves, horns, and a long body. Some breeders produce black or red animals, however. The cattle are medium- to large-framed with a short, broad head and body.

Prized for its muscularity, the Charolais is an excellent beef cow and demonstrates impressive growth capabilities and cut-out values. Ideal cuts are well-suited to fattening up.

Are Charolais Cattle Good for Small-Scale Farming?

Charolais cattle have better longevity and growth potential than other beef cattle breeds. With good genes, a Charolais cow will produce impressive calves. Charolais are also suitable for crossbreeding with Angus and other cattle breeds.

In addition, Charolais last longer thank other breeds. Some bulls are regarded as disposable and only have a few good breeding years. A solid Charolais bull can breed for 8-9 years before retirement. Because of these traits, Charolais can be used for both small-scale free-range farming and large-scale feedlot farming.

The Charolais cattle breed arose out of France in the 16^th and 17^th centuries but quickly rose to popularity for its size, coloring, and hardiness. Now found in every cattle-producing country, the Charolais breed is raised for beef and dairy, but offers a lot of value as a terminal crossbreeding animal that can add growth potential to high-maintenance herds.