Belted Galloway
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Belted Galloway is a breed of Galloway cattle. It is thought to be a Scottish hybrid of Galloway and Dutch Belted. They are medium-sized bovines. The Belted Galloway is predominantly raised for beef, while the Dutch Belted is mostly a dairy cow.
Both the Galloway and Belted Galloway are listed as "watched" breeds with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, meaning that there are fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in the United States and a global population of less than 10,000.
Belted Galloways (also known as Belties) have many upsides. Their beef is of excellent quality. Recent studies have shown they carry more genetic markers for tenderness than most domestic breeds. The Beltie produces exceptionally lean and flavourful meat, with carcase dressed weights well in excess of 60 percent of live weight.
They can tolerate very cold temperatures. Winter warmth is provided by the double coat of hair, rather than the layer of backfat most breeds require. The Belted Galloways' heritage has conditioned them to survive in very harsh climates and they have been known to give birth to their calves in sub-zero temperatures. Being a hardy breed, they can live without having to be in a barn all winter.
Purebred Belties are naturally polled.
Belted Galloways, though being a beef breed, are sometimes used for milk.
Belted Galloways, even the bulls, are not very aggressive and many make excellent pets. They are easy to manage and are especially appealing to novice or small breeders. Cows are good mothers -- protecting their calves, but not usually overly aggressive toward handlers. If not first joined too young, cows are easy calvers and produce ample milk for their calves.
Belties are good foragers, who eat a wider variety of grasses and brush than many domestic cattle. They are excellent animals for grass-fed programs and they will often maintain their condition in circumstances where larger commercial breeds will require supplemental feed.
U.S. and Australian breeders have discovered that the thrifty, medium-sized animals more than earn their way in any beef herd.
Contents |
[edit] Coloration
Belted Galloways are black, red or dun (brown) with a white stripe around the middle. Black is the most common, dun is less common and there is also a rare red variation.
[edit] History
It was bred originally by rich Scots seeking a visual differentiatation from the herds (or "folds" as herds of Highland cattle are called) of their poorer neighbors. Cattle with clear straight-lined belts are the most prized.
[edit] Breeders
In the U.S., the majority of breeders are in the Northeast, with herds throughout New England and the upper Midwest. However, there are also established herds in the South and lower Midwest. The breed is moving west and there are now a few herds scattered in the western states including California, Oregon and Texas. The U.S. Belted Galloway Society website contains a list of breeders and other information about the breed.
Belties are highly prized in Australia also with herds found throughout the country, even in sub-tropical areas.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
