It originates from the cross of three breeds: the Fémeline and the Taurache or Comtoise, two « multi-purpose breeds » used in Franche-Comté during the XVIIIth century and the Berne breed from Switzerland.
The Montbéliarde breed developed in its cradle, in Franche-Comté, then spread very widely in all the French massifs. Today it represents the 2nd French dairy breed in terms of numbers, with 18,4%.
The main asset of the Montbéliarde lies in the balance of its productions. It has the best fat / protein ratio of the main French dairy breeds, and thus produces high quality cheese milk. This asset has enabled Montbéliarde to establish itself in many specifications for AOP cheeses.
Thanks to its dairy qualities and its breeding facilities (fertility, longevity, resistance to large thermal amplitudes), the breed is exported to many countries. Crossed with local breeds, Montbéliarde reinforces their dairy and butcher's potential. On specialized dairy breeds, it brings its functional qualities of resistance and fertility.
The Montbeliarde, with its charming look, is famous for its red spots in a white coat. Its head and legs also remain white most of the time, making it easy to recognize. It belongs to Pie-Rouge breeds family, along with the Simmental and the Fleckvieh cattle.
This big, robust and elegant cow is about 1.45 meters at the shoulder and weighs from 600 to 750kg.