Breed History
Early Development
The history of Limousin cattle may very well be as old as the European
continent itself. Cattle found in cave drawings estimated to be 20
000 years old in the Lascaux Caves near Montignac, France have a striking
resemblance to today's Limousin.
These golden-red cattle originated in the West of the Massif Central
between Central and South West France, a rather rainy region with harsh
climatic conditions and poor granite soil. It was in these unfavourable
conditions that the breed developed. As a result of their environment
Limousin cattle evolved into a breed of unusual sturdiness, health
and adaptability. This lack of natural resources also enabled the region
to remain relatively isolated and the farmers free to develop their
cattle with little outside genetic interference.
Since those early days the breed has developed from a working meat
animal into a highly specialised beef producing animal with a well
muscled carcase without excessive fat cover. Today, Limousin cattle
are still referred to as the "butcher's animal" in France. Increasing
demand for quality beef production has witnessed the breed becoming
established all around the world including Spain, Portugal, Italy,
Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Hungary, Russia,
South Africa, USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay and
Zimbabwe.
Development in the United Kingdom
In February 1971, 179 pure-bred bulls and heifers arrived at Leith
Docks in Edinburgh. The excellent qualities of the breed such as easy
calving, hardiness and their ability to produce well marbled quality
meat with a low proportion of bone and fat was so impressive that demand
grew rapidly. By 1986, only fifteen years after the breed was first
introduced to the country the Limousin took the number one beef A.I.
position nationally and knocked the traditional Hereford into second
place. The Limousin still holds this position today.
Meat and Livestock Commission carcase evaluation figures confirmed
that of all the main beef breeds in this country, the Limousin has
the ability to produce more saleable meat in the high price cuts along
with the top killing out percentage. The breed is well suited to the
market, which demands a consistent, quality, lean beef product.
Limousin bulls have proved to be extremely fertile and their conformation
is passed on to all progeny whilst their lighter frame ensures ease
of calving. Limousin females pure and cross-bred have demonstrated
high fertility, a good milking ability, high conception rate and ease
of calving. Naturally hardy and thrifty the females are smaller than
most continental suckler dams allowing for increased stocking rates.
Limousin cattle can be seen at all the major agricultural shows in
the UK. At the Royal Smithfield Show, the UK's Premier Fatstock event
the Limousin cattle and carcases have dominated the catalogue and the
competition, re-enforcing its claims as the Carcase Breed. Similarly
the breed has enjoyed considerable success at the Scottish Winter Fair,
the Birmingham Primestock Show, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and the
Ulster Beef and Lamb Championship winning the Grand Slam in five out
of the last eight years.
In December 1998, figures released from the
British Cattle Movement Service confirmed that the Limousin is now
the largest numerical beef breed in the UK.
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