The aurochs, a legendary beast, is the forerunner of our present-day breeds of cattle. The image of the aurochs adorned the caves of prehistoric man. Sacred to numerous civilizations, from Egypt to Christian Europe, it served as a symbol for strength and fertility, among other things. In the Middle Ages, it was the quarry of kings. Hunting, but above all deforestation, caused its decline and extinction, with the last aurochs dying in 1627. ‘Recreated’ at the beginning of the century by crossing the most ancient breeds of cattle available (reverse selection), the reconstituted aurochs today helps maintain wild spaces, owing to its hardiness. Thanks to its genetic characteristics and method of rearing (integrated non-housed system, fed on grass and hay), it yields meat of high quality.

La Ferme de l’Aurochs is an active member of SIERDA (International Association for the Study and Reintroduction of the Aurochs), which maintains the herdbook of the reconstituted aurochs.