Charolais cattle originate from the provinces of Charolles and Nievre in central France. The Charolais is one of the oldest French breeds.
History of Charolais cattle
While Charolais cattle were popular in France for hundreds of years, it was only after World War II that the breed started to appear in other parts of the world. The Charolais was the first European breed to be introduced into Australia and the first continental breed to be introduced into Britain.
The beef of Charolais cattle
Charolais cattle have had a profound impact on Britain’s beef industry. Unrivalled as a terminal sire, the breed has a super growth rate, excellent muscle development and high killing-out percentage. Charolais crossbred cattle produce meat favoured by both butchers and processors.
Charolais can be taken through to finishing from 12 months old. Little wonder that Charolais crossbreeds usually command a premium over other continental crossbred cattle on a weight for age basis.
Charolais cattle can play a major role as a beef sire within a dairy herd and are very popular here in Ireland.
Charolais characteristics
The breed is creamy white to light tan and naturally horned. Charolais are medium to large framed with a deep and broad body. Bulls are well-muscled with excellent loins and good hindquarters.
Cows weigh around 900 kilos. Bulls usually weigh around 1,100 kilos.
Charolais cattle demonstrate growth ability and efficient feedlot gains. They have any easy-going temperament and the ability to fit into any system; grass based or intensive. Ease of calving and a superior live weight gain make this breed a popular choice across the globe.
It is a breed which thrives in changeable weather. Charolais cattle keep a thick coat in winter which is shed as the weather warms. If you are interested in buying Charolais cattle, please get in touch.
Charolais cattle for sale and other breeds
David Clarke Livestock supply Charolais cattle to farms across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Other beef cattle and dual purpose cattle breeds available. These include Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Fleckvieh, Hereford and Salers. Dairy cattle are a speciality of ours. Breeds include British Friesian, Brown Swiss, Holstein, and Jersey
