The Maine Anjou was born in France in the 19th century.In 1969 these animals were brought to North America.If you want to be able to identify a Maine Anjou, you have to learn about the breed.
Step 1: Know the color of the MA.
A traditional MA is a deep, dark red colour with white on the belly, head, tail and hind legs.Some of today's MAs are either black or red.White on the hind legs can be seen from the flanks down to the hooves.The white on the front legs runs from the top of the canon bone down to the hooves.Some may have no white on their hooves.White coloring can be found on the lower half of the tail, as well as a diamond or half-moon on top.White can be seen over the loins and the shoulders of some animals.
Step 2: You can learn about the size and build of MA cattle.
Maine Anjou cattle have long legs and are taller than the rest of their body height.Limousins are boned like this breed, but they are long in body.MAs are robust, robust and rugged, but they are not as rugged as other breeds that were created in more adverse conditions.The mature bulls can weigh as much as 3,100 pounds.Cows can weigh between 1,500 and 1,900 pounds.
Step 3: Understand the MA's unique head shape.
These cattle have a narrower forehead and longer heads than other cattle.MA cattle can have horns or be polled, which means they have no horns at all.
Step 4: There are calves from Maine.
In North America, MA cattle are used as a terminal beef breed for producing calves for market, though they are notorious for extremely high birth weights and poor calving ease, more so than Charolais or Simmentals.
Step 5: There are breeds that have the same characteristics.
Maine Anjou can be confused with Pinzgauers.You should be able to avoid this mistake if you know that a Pinzgauer has a white strip on their toplines from their shoulders to their rears.Use the height and large size of MA cattle to differentiate them from other breeds that are black.
Step 6: Understand what qualities they possess.
Maine Anjou cows are great at producing high quality milk, and are often able to wean calves when they are six to eight months of age.The meat they produce is sought after by many chefs.Because of their high quality meat, you are most likely to find MAs on cattle ranches that breed cattle for meat production.
Step 7: You can learn about their temperament.
Maine Anjou cattle are popular because of their docility.They can be aggressive if they are frightened.The calves grow quickly and are great mothers.If they feel that their children are in danger, they can become very aggressive.It is best to stay away from a cow and her offspring.As she may charge, do not approach the cow or baby.Because bulls often have to fight one another to establish dominance, they can be particularly aggressive.Do what you can to avoid a bull.Make sure the fence is between you and the bull.Loud noises and chasing animals are frightening to cattle and can lead to a defensive reaction.
Step 8: The origin of the Maine Anjou can be found here.
The Maine Anjou breed is from northwestern France.The breed came into existence when a French farmer crossed a Durham animal with a Mancelle animal.The cattle were known as Durham-Mancelle until 1909, when they were renamed Maine Anjou.
Step 9: Understand how MA Cattle are used.
Milk production and meat production were more important than draft work in the past.In Europe, half the cows were used for milk and the other half for producing beef calves for the market, which is still practiced today.MA cattle are used to produce calves for market in North America.
Step 10: There are many resources on different breeds of cattle on the internet.
If you want to learn more about the Maine Anjou, do a search on the internet.If you want to find information about Maine Anjou, try searching with the term.The Maine-Anjou Association is an association dedicated to MAs in the United States.If you can't find answers to your questions about MAs, you may want to call or email them to see if they can help.
Step 11: There is a cattle breeds book.
You can find books about cattle breeds at your local library.You can learn more about the Maine Anjou by comparing it with other breeds.
Step 12: You can take a field trip to the ranch that raises the Main Anjou cattle.
If you want to learn to identify the Maine Anjou, you should see them in person.If the rancher has time, ask them how you can identify an MA in a herd of cattle.They can show you specific examples of the different markings.You can search on the internet for MA cattle ranches.If you search for "Maine Anjou cattle ranch", you will find several ranches who raise the cattle.Information about the Maine Anjou and any information about visiting the ranch can be found on their websites.Before visiting a ranch, be sure to contact the ranch owner.It's a good idea to contact them via email if they have one.If you call them, they might feel put on the spot.Sending an email will give them an opportunity to consider your request carefully and may make it more likely that they can find time in their schedule.Explain why you are interested in visiting when contacting the owner.Help them understand why you are interested in learning to identify this breed.If you can show why it's important for you to identify this breed correctly, they may be more willing to help.Be aware that ranchers have tough jobs and may not have time to accommodate your wishes.Search for another ranch that may be able to help you if they refuse.Bring along a small gift to show your appreciation, such as home made cookies, if a Maine Anjou rancher invites you to visit their ranch.It is nice to show your appreciation because they will be taking time out of their day to help you.
Step 13: Take pictures of things.
If you see a herd of cattle and it is safe to do so, take a few pictures.They can be compared with pictures of MAs on the internet and in your cattle breeds book.You can begin to notice the differences between MAs and other breeds by taking pictures of cattle and comparing them with other cattle.