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In the north-western parts of France in 1839 a large red and white hardy breed of cattle named the Mancelle was crossed with the English Durham. The cross became very popular and in 1909 the Marcel-Durham became the Maine-Anjou. The excellent feed efficiency, fast growth rates and large milking capacity meant Maine-Anjou could be used for both milk and beef production even on small farms.

In parts of France it is not uncommon to see Maine-Anjou cattle being milked on dairy farms today. 

Australia was first introduced to Maine-Anjou cattle in 1973, the skin pigmentation, great doing ability and ease of calving make Maine-Anjou an ideal breed for our harsh conditions. 

Maine-Anjou cattle can be horned, scurred or polled. The coat is mostly red with white under the belly a white star on the face, white on the legs and end of tail; they can also be black. Here in Australia, females weigh between 700 kg and 1000kg, bulls between 900 kg and 1300 kg.

This breed is found in many countries: Canada, USA, the Russian Federation, Argentina, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Maine-Anjou cattle are-

-  Docile breed.

-  Hardy breed: in hard times it makes good use of available feed.

- Very early sexual maturity: this breed can calve at a young age, from 24 months.

- Excellent for cross breeding with any other breed of cattle, as they typically have small calves, with rapid growth, which makes excellent vealers with improved returns $$$$.  

-An efficient breed: excellent milk production means it dominates French breeds for the weight at weaning of its progeny

- Heavy breed: has the highest carcass weights, gives great value to cull cows or heifers.

© Brad Mc Neill 2009