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The Belted Galloway originated
in Scotland. Though they have been found in pictures dated
back to the 11th century, the first documentation was in the 16th
century in the former Galloway district of Scotland. This is a
very rugged and hilly seacoast, the breed had to be hardy to
survive. |
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There is much speculation
on the origination of the breed. The breed may have been a
cross between a Black Galloway and Dutch Belted, which is a
dairy breed. There is no documentation to uphold this theory.
But with all the trafficking between the Belted Galloway and the
Dutch Belted is the horns, which would disappear with the Galloway
blood.
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"In the Galloway cattle there
were originally various markings and colors [with] the polled
characteristics, the coat, the conformation and the fine carcass
quality setting them apart from the other breeds. Galloway's
originally were black, spotted white-faced, red, dun, white and
belted. Although the white belt is a dominant genetic trait,
occasionally solid black calves are born now in a belted herd, and
belted calves are born in Black Galloway herds."
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The Belties are raised for
beef. A good Galloway should have the following traits:
Outside of the Beltie
conformation another important trait is the hair coat. The
skin is covered with a soft, wavy hair with a mossy undercoat.
The outer coat is hard and wiry that protects the animal.
(Challenging to clip for show)
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Weights of a mature Belted
Galloway vary depending on where they are in North America.
The larger animals tend to be in the colder climates. This
being more to were they were first raised. They tend to do
better in the colder climates. A mature bull can range
anywhere from 1800 to 2000 lbs. A cow generally 1100 to 1300
lbs. You will find larger animals in some of the northern
areas. Heifers are generally bred around 16 months of age.
With calves weighing any where from 65 to 85 lbs.
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The meat of a Beltie is
exceptionally lean and very favorable meat, which many once eating
say there is no other meat to eat. Since this is a beef breed
cut ability is very important to the breeder. Dressed weights
are generally better than 60 percent of the live weight.
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It is believed that the
winter coat of the Beltie plays an important part to this. The
double coat of hair provides winter warmth rather than layer of back
fat common in other breeds. The Beltie heritage has
conditioned them to survive in the harshest climates. Breeders
have discovered that they are a thrifty, medium-sized animal that
have great cut ability.
Belted Galloway's were first
imported to the U.S. in the 1920's by different breeders. One
of the importers was a breeder by the name of Harry Prock who first
imported in 1949.
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In this day and age of people worrying about
cholesterol it maybe helpful to know that Beltie meat is more
beneficial than pork loin, and about as good as roasting chicken and
salmon. Belties in testing have been shown to be low in total
fat and in saturated fat. They have also been found to be high
in beneficial Omega 3 fatty acid and lower in Omega 6. It is
found that Linolenic acid (Omega 3) may lower LDL, is
anti-thrombogenic, is cardio-proctective and essential for the brain
and retina.
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