Origins: The French Parthenais Herdbook, established in 1893, is one of the oldest in France. Parthenais were originally a three-fold use breed, used for “oxen”, meat and milk. The first embryos were imported to Canada in 1991.

Quality traits: Calving difficulties are minimal. Animals have an excellent rate of gain and have high cutability carcass qualities. They are very docile and cross well with other breeds.

Weight of bulls: 1800 to 2200 lbs.

Weight of cows: 1300 to 1600 lbs.

Appearance: Tan/buckskin colour and must have black pigmentation around the eyes, ears, nose, tail, hooves and genitals for full-blood status. They are also a heavily muscled breed.