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Charolais is a beef breed of cattle originated in France. They are raised for their meat and are known for their composite qualities when crossed with other breeds, most notably Angus and Hereford cattle. The breed tends to be large muscled, with bulls weighing up to 1,100 kilograms (2,400 lb) and cows up to 900 kilograms (2,000 lb).
The Charolais breed has changed the nation’s thinking regarding efficient beef production standards. Charolais cattle have demonstrated a definite superiority in growth ability, efficient feedlot gains and carcass cut-out values. Today, Charolais top all breeds in nearly every category of performance in the records of beef performance testing organizations.
The first Charolais came into the United States from Mexico in 1934. From that beginning, the breed grew rapidly. Wherever they were shown, the big white cattle commanded instant attention. Cattlemen admired both Charolais bulls and females for their muscling, correctness and size.
They were also very impressed with their calves. An ever-expanding demand for purebred Charolais seedstock kept an active market for both bulls and females. Livestock producers across the country were searching for animals who would improve their profit picture.
Charolais is a naturally horned beef animal, but through the breeding-up program, using other breeds carrying the polled gene, polled Charolais emerged. Some of the breed’s strongest herds and leading breeders specialize in the production of high-performing polled Charolais.
