bovine

You don’t see Charolais cattle very often, but when you do, they are impressive. Most beef breeds are crossed with Angus for that desirable black color.

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.