From Wikipedia:
“Blonde d’Aquitaine is a breed of beef cattle originating from the Aquitaine district in south west of France embracing the area of the Garonne valley and the Pyrenees. The breed is a combination of three local strains, the Garonnais, the Quercy, and the Blonde des Pyrenees. Blondes were predominantly draught animals until the end of the Second World War. This resulted in their muscle development, hardiness and docility. They were always hardy lean animals with light but strong bone structure. Blondes show some variation of colour ranging from almost white to tan. Blondes are the second most populous breed in France.”
And the American breed association says “Efficient production of lean red meat is their primary advantage. Feedlot and carcass tests consistently show superior feed efficiency and a low fat to lean ratio for Blondes and Blonde crosses. Blonde meat marbles, is tender and tasty but does not carry excess external fat. It is unusual for a Blonde to have more than 0.2-0.3 inch of external fat. The breed’s remarkable length and highly developed hind quarter and loin produce a higher percentage of the more valuable steak and roast cuts. These characteristics are well recognized by feeders, packers and butchers.
“Blondes are unsurpassed in feed efficiency. In feed lot tests they consistently convert feed at the rate of 5.3-6.5 pounds of feed per pound of gain. Typical feed lot performance for other breeds is more like 7.5-8.5 pounds feed/pounds gain. Blondes are hardy foragers and readily convert low grade forage to efficient gains. It is not unusual for Blonde calves to gain 3 pounds per day on milk and good grass.
“Fullblood Blondes range in color from nearly white to nearly red. However, the golden wheat color, often with lighter rings around the eyes and muzzle, on the inner side of the legs, under the belly and on the shins is typical. The Blonde color is not at all dominant in crosses.”
The breed association is called the American Blonde d’Aquitaine Association and you can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.