The changes observed before and after the setting-up of quotas are analysed on the basis of the changing cattle number and production systems. Until 1984, cattle were mainly used for dairying, but today there are many more suckling cows. The CAP at its beginning aimed at maximizing the production and at modernizing the farming methods, so as to secure the food supply. Two very specialized breeding types were supported for the production of milk and for that of meat, to the detriment of dual-purpose breeds, which then constituted still the majority of the cattle. Since the setting-up of quotas and the emergence of new concerns, e.g. those regarding the environment, the quality of the products, the maintenance of lands etc., the systems have become more diversified, without the previous models being modified. Now that new problems arise (hunger, climate...), those responsible for the agricultural policy, particularly in breeding and in Research-Development, should make their decisions concerning the choice of cattle types on the basis of the diversity of the environments and the preservation of the animals' grass-eating specificity and of the public benefits linked with the presence of grasslands. The regional and European policies should also support more strongly these trends toward multi-functionality and sustainability.