Rode Geus

In 1997, FREE Nature initiated the development of the cattle breed 'Rode Geus'. We were looking for a breed better adapted to the Dutch climate and fitting into the landscape, especially around our typical river floodplains. Dutch Brandrode were crossed with the French Salers, from which the Rode Geus arose. By now, this breed has been roaming the Dutch countryside for over 20 years.

The Rode Geus has a deep red color, stands high on its legs and has a relatively small udder. The thickness of their coat suits the Dutch climate: the summer coat is short and smooth and the winter coat sufficiently thick. More than the Scottish Highland or Galloway, Rode Geus tends to walk long distances and thus show a wide use of their habitat. With their horns, Rode Geuzen skillfully prune the forest, by pulling and snapping branches and twigs. The Rode Geus eats a remarkable amount of woody plants. It stands high on its legs and copes well with a lean diet.

Due to the short existence of this breed, the de-domestication process is not yet as far along as in Scottish Highland or Galloway. But that's just a matter of time. As a result, the number of available animals is still relatively limited. In the coming years we will work steadily on the further development of this breed.