The Canadienne cows are a dual-purpose animal, however, they are raised chiefly for milk production. It is the only breed of dairy cows produced in Canada.
It is also recognized by several other names such as Black Canadienne, Black Jersey, and French Canadienne.
It was originated from the 16th century when early settlers attracted cows over for base stock to settle Canada.
Canadienne Cattle Characteristics
Canadienne cattle are small to medium sized creatures. They usually have dark or black brown coats using udder, topline and lighter coloured muzzle.
They could be either horned or polled. If horns are found, those will probably be upturned and long with colored tips. Many creatures have a lighter colored stripe across the back.
The average dwell body weight of the mature cows is approximately 500 kg. And the mature bulls on average weight around 725 kg.
Canadienne Cattle benefits
The Canadienne cows are primarily increased as a milk cattle breed for milk production. However, they are good for meat manufacturing and good for using for work.
The Canadienne cows are very hardy and energetic creatures. They were developed to a hardy, powerful and compact dairy breed that could endure the harsh surroundings of Quebec. The Canadienne cows are milkers.
On average a cow can produce about 6800 liters of milk per lactation. They can even produce milk that is lucrative in conditions. Their milk is of excellent quality comprising approximately 4.35 percent butterfat and approximately 3.7 per protein.
Their silent nature and hardiness made them animals to utilize for plantation work. Along with milk production, the strain has been used for meat consumption. The breed was once used for work.
Canadienne Cattle Facts
The Canadienne cows would be the most popular domestic cattle breed in Canada until the late 19th century.
At the time other cattle breeds began to revive them. It’s believed that the Canadienne cows come in the exact general ancestry since the Kerry, Jersey and Guernsey cattle.
The Canadian Parliament discovered that the vast majority of cattle in Quebec have been Canadienne at 1850. So they the strain received competition and started to dissuade the strain.
A couple men made a herdbook in 1886 and subsequently French Cattle Breeder’s Association was formed in the year of 1895 for preventing the breed.
Subsequently recognition was gained by the Canadienne cows afterwards in 1901 for being the most lucrative dairy breed at the series in Buffalo, New York. Currently, the Holstein and Hereford cattle are becoming the popular and most common type of dairy cows in Canada.
Although the Canadienne cows are still found on ranches and farms but are now completely rare except in certain parts of Quebec Province.
Canadienne Cattle Breed Information
| Breed Name | Canadienne |
| Other Name | Black Canadienne, Black Jersey and French Canadienne |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly milk |
| Special Notes | Hardy, strong, good for milk production, good milk quality, good for meat, for for draught work |
| Breed Size | Small to medium |
| Weight Bulls | Around 725 kg |
| Cows | Around 500 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Coat Color | Usually black or dark brown |
| Horned | Yes or polled |
| Milk Yield | Good |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Canada |
