CATTLE: Maine Anjou

Country of Origin

France

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Australian Status

International Status

The Maine-Anjou is reported from nine countries in the world.  Outside its native France, it is at risk.  Worldwide population of ~80,000.(1)

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Uses

Originally dual purpose milk and beef; now primarily beef

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Breed traits

The Maine-Anjou is one of the larger breeds developed in France, with mature bulls weighing from 1000-1400 kgs on the average. Mature cows will range from 700-875 kgs. The colouring is a very dark red with white markings on the head, belly, rear legs and tail. White on other parts of the body is also common.(2)  They produce great quantities of beef.  Its meat is aromatic and tender, with a velvety feel in the mouth.  Maine Anjou beef is delicious, and is excellent prepared boiled or grilled.(3)

Maine Anjou can appear fully red without markings or even white with red markings. Popularity of black cattle in Australia means that the Maine Anjou would not be complete without a black variety of the breed, which was introduced into Australia in the 1990s. The black Maine Anjou has very little to no white markings on its body. The Maine Anjou breed can be Horned, Polled (no horns) or Scurred (small stubs).(4)

They have an even temperament, making them easy to handle as they are not flighty or wild.

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History

The Maine Anjou breed or ‘Rouge De Pres’ as they are known in the north west of France, was founded in 1839. This was the result of the cross between the French Mancelle and the English Durham breeds.

The Mancelle Durham breed was not officially called Maine Anjou until 1909. The name was derived from the river valleys of ‘Maine’ and ‘Anjou’ in the Mayenne district. The combination of the Mancelle and Durham breeds created a versatile dual purpose animal. The Australian Maine Anjou retains these dual qualities of high milk production and muscle growth proving it to be a valuable beef producer.(5)

History in Australia

The first Maine Anjou’s were imported from northern France in the early 1970s.

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Breed Organisation

Maine Anjou Society:  Maine Anjou Society

Maine Anjou Beef Australia: Maine Anjou Beef

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Australian Population

2022: 23 males; 300 females; 23 herds

Page by Carol Wormald, June 2025

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