The Limousin Cattle: A Great Beef Cattle Breed.
History
Limousin cattle are a popular breed raised in over 70 countries and are the second most famous beef breed in France.
The Limousin originated in the center-west Limousin region of France. They are believed to be an ancient cattle breed, even as ancient as the European continent. A 20,000-year-old cave drawing of a Limousin cow was found in Lascaux, France, indicating their ancient presence.
DNA studies suggest genetic correlation between Limousin and other south-west European cow breeds. They are classified within the “blond group” of the European cattle breed.
The Limousin region of France is mountainous and rugged, and its soil is not suitable for cereals production. As a result, early farmers in the region focused on cattle husbandry. Limousin cows were primarily used as drought animals, and at the end of their working lives, they were fattened for slaughter.
since limousin evolved through challenging climates, they are well-adapted, sturdy, and healthy cows.
To preserve the breed’s characteristics and lineage, a herd book was established in France in 1886.
Limousin At a Glance
Color: Light wheat to darker golden red.
Weight: Females weigh 650-850 kg (1433-1873 lb.), and Bulls weigh 1000-1300 kg (2204-2865 lb.)
Temperament: Docile and calm.
Horn: Genetically horned, but polled version has been developed.
Adaptability: Can adapt to various climates.
Meat Quality: Lean, tender, and well marbled.
Feed conversion: Very efficient at feed to saleable meat conversion.
Characteristics
The Limousin cattle are mostly light wheat to darker golden red. They are medium-sized cattle, female Limousin weigh 650-850 kg (1433-1873 lb.), and Bulls weigh between 1000-1300 kg (2204-2865 lb.).
Initially, they were known as ‘wild/aggressive’ cattle breed. But, since 1995 breeders have invested a lot of effort to improve their disposition via Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) method. And now the Limousin cows are docile and calm—thanks to the dedicated efforts of the breeder.
Naturally, the Limousin are horned animals. However, due to increasing demand for polled Limousin, a genetically polled version of Limousin has also been introduced.
The Limousin can adapt to various climates, as its ancestor lived through challenging climates. Besides, they calve easily—give birth to low-weight calves.
Additionally, their meat is tender, well-marbled, and contains low fat. One of the main reasons for their popularity as beef cattle is their efficiency in converting feed into salable meat. They have superior feed conversion ability, even more than the British and European breeds.
(Note: Crossbreed Limousin characteristics like color, weight, temperament, etc. may differ from purebred Limousin).
Meat Production Efficiency of Limousin cattle.
- Though Limousin live weight gain is slow, they are very efficient at converting feed into salable meat. (More efficient than British and European breed.)
- Limousin takes more time to reach market endpoint.
- Their meat contains lower marbling and fat than the British breed.
- Crossbreeding programs often combine Limousin with British breeds to balance efficiency.
Genetic Basis for their Production Efficiency
The Limousin cow carries a specific variant of the myostatin gene (F94L). The myostatin gene regulates muscle growth in cattle. A complete mutation of this gene can result in extreme muscling, like we see in Belgian blue cows. The F94L variant of the myostatin gene in Limousin cattle partially reduces the work of the myostatin gene, which leads to moderate muscling and high meat yield without the need for additional feed.
Geographical presence
Since Limousin cattle are adaptable and efficient at beef production, they have made their way into over 70 countries’ Agriculture, including Spain, Germany, Russia, the USA, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa.
The Limousin cattle stand out as a remarkable beef breed with ancient roots, strong adaptability, and impressive meat production efficiency. From their rugged beginnings in France to their presence in over 70 countries, Limousins continue to win over farmers.
