The Tarentaise breed of cattle is an important but clandestine player in the cow/calf industry. That’s because the breed, which originated in France in the 1850s, adds crossbred vigor to the business and is found in a large number of commercial herds across the U.S. Tarentaises were highly isolated when they developed in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alpine Mountains over many centuries. Because of the steep mountains and the high altitude, the cattle developed strong muscling in the hip region, excellent feet and legs, and robust cardiovascular systems. The cattle are still raised in the Tarentaise Valley, strictly for their milk production, which is used to make Beaufort, a Gruyere-type cheese.