Main breeds

There are two main families of cattle in Quebec: dairy breed cattle, raised to produce milk (primarily Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Guernsey and Brown Swiss) and beef cattle, raised to produce meat.

There are about twenty breeds of beef cattle in Quebec and more than thirty in Canada. Each breed has its own characteristics, but some share common qualities. These purebred cattle are raised for production of breeding animals, both breeding females and bulls heading commercial herds.

Canadian beef cattle have an internationally renowned genetic reputation, thanks to our strict animal health standards and the development of our expertise in genetics. The many professionals engaged in the development of cattle production, the genetic improvement programs supported by national associations and provincial organizations, maintenance of registries, and promotion and research have all contributed greatly to the continued development of this expertise.