Its history goes back to the XVIIIth century when farmers from the Bernese Oberland (Switzerland) came to settle in the area of Montbeliard bringing their cattle along, which thanks to a methodical selection, quickly obtained a certain fame. The official recognition of the Montbeliarde breed took place in 1889 during the universal exhibition in Paris.
Nowadays, the Montbeliarde breed constitutes 95% of the dairy strength of Franche-Comté. Born from a dairy tradition, this dairy cow with a high potential is also firmly implanted in the whole East, South-East and Center of France, with even important cores in the South-West and West. It is exported all over the world and as such represents one of the jewels of the French breeding industry.
The key dates
| 18ème siècle | 1872 | 1889 | 1901 | 1910 | 1914 | 1937 | 1952 | 1958 | 1970 | 2013 |
Roll over the dates to show their title
Arrival of the Mennonites in Franche-Comté with the Berne breed
First exposition with animals named "Montbéliarde"
Official recognition and herdbook creation
Creation of breeding associations that drive race
First exports in Algeria
First milk production control in Doubs area
First successful inseminations in Doubs area
Beginning of bulls testing
Montbéliarde breed is recognized as the breed for AOP Comté
Development of the breed in the big dairy region of the west of France
13000 animals and 700000 straws sold every year all around the world
To know more about the history of the breed, get hold of the book « Voyage au pays des Montbéliardes » (Journey to the Montbeliarde’s country )
Montbéliarde Association
PARTNERS
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contact@montbeliarde.org
4 rue des épicéas
25640 Roulans
France
Tel : 03 81 63 07 30
