[1] The Shorthorn was originally developed as a dual-purpose breed, suitable for both dairy and beef production.

By the early 1970s, the Beef Shorthorn breeders were concerned their cattle were too small and lacked muscle, especially when compared with the continental breeds of cattle, such as the Charolais or Limousin – that were starting to be introduced to the UK.

To help remedy this, in 1976, the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society sanctioned the introduction of Maine-Anjou blood into the breed.

The Maine-Anjou breed, developed in France, was descended from the same Durham cattle as the Shorthorn.

The herd book was closed to Maine-Anjou blood lines in 2001, except by introduction through the Grading Register.