Breed Basics
Hardiness
Adaptation to extreme climates and temperatures
Black hooves, sound feet and legs for excellent walking ability
Optimum conversion of rough, abrasive forage
Black pigmentation of the mucous membranes avoiding parasitic infection and cancers of the eye
Resistance to periods of feed shortages
Adaptability
The Aubrac was created to resist bitterly cold conditions. In the birthplace of the breed, winter temperatures can be extreme with frequent periods below 0 degrees. Summer months bring high temperatures and the coat color reduces sensitivity to heat. It adapts perfectly to these changes.
Performance
Early maturing
Optimum feed conversion
Robust daily gains
High meat to bone ratio
Parasite and disease resistance
Superior fertility, 1 calf yearly
Maternal Qualities
Moderate frame
Highly developed maternal instinct
Excellent milk production
Excellent calving ease at 97%
Early sexual maturity
Unfailing longevity: 12% of cows are more than 10 years old and still calving
Breed Standards
Body
While the neck and flanks are somewhat short, the chest and loins are wide. The pelvis and hips are well developed and flat. The top line is straight; the chest is deep and the ribs well sprung. The dewlap is less developed. The croup is muscular, leading to hindquarters that are thick, without being heavy, and are well-fleshed down to the hocks. Udders are well-developed, symmetrical, securely attached, and functional, with teats of normal size, shape and position.
Color
The coat is fawn colored to fawn-pale grey. The shade of the coat may be darker on the shoulder and on the croup; this characteristic is accentuated in non-castrated males.
Extremities
The mucous membranes, the rim of the anus, the lips of the vulva, the tassel of the tail, the hooves, and the tips of the horns are black. In the bull, the edge of the scrotum is black.
Head
The muzzle, the rim of the eyelids, and the eyelashes are black; surrounded by a white halo. The tongue is slate in color. The forehead is square; the forelock wide, often curly. The ears are medium-sized, fine edged with black hair. The head is expressive and the muzzle is short and wide.
Horns
Pointing obliquely and slightly toward the front, they then straighten out and then spiral back, the tip pointing back. As far as the color, the tips are black and the base must be as white as possible. Full blood cattle will be genetically horned. Purebred cattle may be horned, scurred or polled. Any animal with horns or scurs may be registered if their horns or scurs have been manually removed.
Legs
Short and fine, the legs are strong. Shoed with black hooves, the hind legs have wide and strong hocks.
Tail
The tail is fine and long, not rising at the root of the tail. It blends smoothly into the body and ends in a black tassel.
Overall balance and harmony
Standing on four perfect legs, the Aubrac is a medium sized breed, solid and thick, that shows all the characteristics of a robust, densely made, animal. Proven docility is a must.