The French cattle have changed from fawn to red - we must be near Salers
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382811)
Rockingham, Australia
August 6, 2017 12:03pm CST
As we’ve travelled through France the last two days I’ve noticed that the cattle have changed from a biscuity-colour to a rich mahogany red. We are now in the region of Cantal in the Massif Central of France. This evening we drove through Salers and this is the name given to these ‘red’ cattle.
They are a large breed with long lyre-shaped horns although some are born without horns. They were originally bred as draught animals but are now considered dual-purpose (meat and milk). They are renowned for their ability to withstand extremes of temperature. We’ve seen a lot today and we’ve been mostly at an altitude of around 5,000 feet.
The one in the photo was by herself and is possibly a ‘house-cow’ milked by hand to provide milk for a household. The cow-bells give a lovely sound and most herds of cattle that we’ve seen over the last few days seem to have a few ‘belled’ cows in their midst. So I now have another of my own photos to add to my collection of cattle breeds.
13 people like this
13 responses
@JudyEv (382811)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Aug 17
Some of the mobs seem to have been confined to areas where finding them wouldn't be a problem but perhaps the owners don't get around to taking the bells off or it's just habit to have them on. They are certainly a lovely sound to hear in the distance.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
6 Aug 17
I love cows. Both my grandfathers raised cattle, one had pedigree herefords and people came from all over the country to have their cows breed with his bulls. That was before all this technology! Cows are very smart. That is a beautiful bull you have pictured!
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382811)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Aug 17
I grew up on a farm too and we had Holsteins. It was a great childhood.
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
6 Aug 17
an impressive looking cow - nice background details
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
7 Aug 17
@JudyEv your enthusiasm makes it interesting for your readers
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Aug 17
That cattle is winking at you! Must be a picture hound
Thanks for educating me about red cattle, very interesting post
Thanks for educating me about red cattle, very interesting post2 people like this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
7 Aug 17
What a lovely experience you are having. This cow is a gorgeous colour. Are you enjoying any neat restaurants or cafes in France- for a little of the country's ambience? Got to soak up some local colour too haha!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382811)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Aug 17
@MarymargII I don't think the French are into stodge! 
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@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
8 Aug 17
@JudyEv Oh now that would make the trip even more fun! Any stodge in the area? ha!
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
7 Aug 17
That is a beautiful cow! I like to see people being so observant when traveling.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382811)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Aug 17
@Jeanniemaries If I travel alone, I found myself thinking 'I wish Vince were here. He'd love to see whatever'.
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
8 Aug 17
@JudyEv That's the fun! I miss that, traveling alone as much as I do.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
6 Aug 17
Herc will appreciate the cow's come hither look!
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@teamfreak16 (43710)
• Denver, Colorado
7 Aug 17
It's almost like he doesn't want his picture taken, by the way he's looking at the camera.
1 person likes this
