Normande

Normande cattle come from Normandy in northern France and are a classic dual-purpose Bos taurus breed developed from local Norman cattle with historical Shorthorn influence. They are usually white with red-brown, dark brown, or brindled patches, and many animals show pigmented rings around the eyes that give a spectacled look. The breed is valued for a sturdy frame, good udder structure, and milk with strong fat and protein levels, alongside calves and cull cows that carry more muscling than many dairy breeds.

Dairy herds value Normandes where milk payments reward solids and cheese yield, especially for traditional French cheese production. They are also used in crossbreeding with Holstein or other dairy cattle to improve fertility, robustness, and beef value, though milk volume may be lower than in highly specialized dairy lines. Management is much like other pasture-capable dairy breeds: good forage, mineral balance, hoof care, and attention to udder health matter. Buyers usually compare production data, casein results when available, and calving history.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Brown with White Patches, Dun, Gray, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Red with White Patches, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow