You don’t see Charolais cattle
On my recent trip to Western Nebraska a Charolais bull got into my father in laws pasture with some other cows. He obviously thought me and my camera were worth checking out.
Don’t worry, I stayed in my car and it was with the help of my 70-200mm Tamron lens that I was able to get an up close and personal portrait of this great animal. Isn’t he magnificent?
I’ve often told people I don’t take pictures of people or animals. Landscapes are more my style. But once in a while , find a subject who is patient and this bovine posed quite nicely in the evening golden hour sun.
Charolais are a popular breed in Colorado due to their strong legs on open range and the mountains. We saw several cross breeds on our Colorado trip a few years ago and quite a few Charolais bulls out in the pastures.
Facts about Charolais Cattle (source Oklahoma State Breeds website)
- Originated in southern France and legend has it white cattle were noticed in the region as early as 878 AD
- Were used for milk, meat and draft animals.
- Know for large bone and power with a superior mothering and milking ability.
- Introduced into the United States after the First World War by Jean Pugibet.
- First bulls imported through Mexico to the King Ranch. Their names were Neptune and Ortolan.
- Influenced the American cattle industry by introducing size and a larger frame than the typical British breeds of the time (Herefords)
- Charolais are white or creamy white in color and bulls weigh from 2,000 lbs to over 2,500 lbs with cows weighing between 1,200-2,000 lbs.
Information about Breeds of Cattle
A Field Guide to Cows: How to Identify and Appreciate America’s 52
Cattle: A Handbook to the Breeds of the WorldRaising Beef Cattle For DummiesKnow Your CowsThe Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals: Choose the Best BreedsSmall Cattle for Small Farms (Landlinks Press)
omg..so noble..and the reason i’m a vegetarian since 1977..how can anyone admire an animal then be part of the abuse and suffering that goes on in their slaughter? pics are great but on the second one the face is cut by frame..unforgivable..: )
what do you mean “he never, never left me”..mean as long as you were watching him or parked there? ..aww..it breaks my heart…they like interacting and attention just like most mammals…but too bad humans discriminate among whom to share love and affection…these, they can be eaten..(maybe not right away but when they get olf they are DRAGGED by one leg or bulldozed onto truck like much trash..it’s HORRIBLE..the bulls and cows rescued and living at sanctuaries, THEY can enjoy their life and petting, and humans talking to them, even playing ball when they are young!
I was parked on the road and never went up to the fence. If I had I’m sure he would of charged me, these bulls can be very dangerous, in the plains states they don’t get handled very often and often just roam with the cows. They get very protective of their herd and their property. Cattle have a place in the circle of life. They were meant to be raised for meat for humans and have been developed to provide nutrition for humans. Thank you for visiting I appreciate your comments.
Very neat! Where do you find the time? You’re a multi-tasker extraordinaire!
Lol, it helps to have ADD, many things i will write all at once and schedule for the future. But I rarely sit down and do nothing.
It helps to have ADD, but I really enjoy it