Gascon

Origin

The Gascon is officially classed as a medium-sized, hardy suckler cattle breed and was born and bred in the Pyrenees mountain region of France as early as the 16th century.

Climate Resistant Coat

The Gascon demonstrated itself to be the animal with the best resistance to heat in an experimental study carried out by the INRA in France on cows from several hardy breeds, specialized beef breeds and dairy breeds.   In addition to it’s heat resistance, the hardness of the Gascon fur enables the breed to tolerate cold weather better than other breeds.

Long Walking Capability

The strong black hooves of the Gascon breed enable it to endure long winter months spent confined in traditional stalls.  The quality of these hooves has produced a sure-footed animal that can sustain long treks up the mountains for high summer pastures. They have strong, sound legs and can endure long periods of standing for both transport in cattle trucks or on gratings during fattening.

Short Calving Interval

Despite the rough living conditions of the breed, the Gascon cows produce one calf each year. (75% of the Gascon cows have a calving interval of less that 380 days)   In addition to this outstanding production, one-third of the cows have shown and interval between 2 calvings of less than 350 days.  Even more remarkable is that 93% of calvings take place without assistance, with the calf independent from birth.

Exceptional Feed Conversion

Over the history of the breed, the Gascon had to make the most of what feed was available.  The winter rations often composed of unappetizing or hay low in nutritional value. Summer rations were of better vegetative quality, but often required long treks for continued sustenance due to insufficient quantities.

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