The pastoral system of the Aubrac plateau was conceived with the emblematic animal of the region in the 19th century. Back then, the Aubrac cow served as much for farming activities as for its meat and the production of Laguiole, a cheese typical of the region. Around 1960, however, the Aubrac cow breed almost disappeared. Thanks to a handful of local breeders' conservation action, the species still populates the plateau. Today, it is mainly raised for the quality of its meat.