Bazadaise cattle developed in the town of Bzas in France and are the product of cross-breeding native stock with breeds that were Iberian in origin. A herd book was created as early on as 1895 by Marcel Courregelingur. For many years in France, this breed served as a draught animal, contributing to the hardiness and vigour that exists in the modern breed. Since 1989, stock, semen and embryos have been exported to England, Australia, Belgium Spain and Holland.
Bazadaise cattle are recognised for superior, flavoursome, low-fat marbled beef derived from a quality carcase. Easy calving and impressive grass finishing abilities are also characteristic. Recently, the Bazadaise has also become useful in dairy cattle breeding.
This breed is naturally horned and appears in a range of grey shades, although calves are beige in colour. Typically, Bazadaise bulls reach 145cm in height and weigh 1100 kg. Other features include a large back, a lengthy body and round rump. Mothers can procreate at regular intervals, producing calves that become quickly mobile. Muscle development also manifests shortly after birth, after which fast growth continues. Cross-breed calves are popular in the veal market for this fact
In 1991, Bazadaise first arrived in Victoria, where their development was carried out by Bernie O'Kane and Bill Gleeson. This original import was the only live Bazadaise stock to ever enter the country. Nowadays, embryos and semen are imported. The breed has spread throughout Australia and a wide gene pool is the result of breed development over the years. Their broad distribution throughout the country is testament to their adaptability to varying climatic conditions. In 1994, the Bazadaise Breeders of Australia Inc. was established and it continues to preserve and promote the breed.
When Bazadaise cattle are used in cross-breeding, carcase value is enhanced, which has been acknowledged and awarded in a number of carcase competitions throughout Australia.
Today, the breed is distributed throughout France, England, Australia, Belgium, Spain and Holland.
