Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Description |
| Origin | Scotland |
| Use | Beef |
| Weight | Male: 800 kg (average), Female: 450–600 kg |
| Coat | Solid black, dun, red |
Introduction
The Galloway is a type of beef cattle that comes from the Galloway region in Scotland. They originated during the 17th century. These cattle are usually black and are about the average size. They naturally don’t have horns, which is called being polled. They also have a thick coat of fur, which helps them in Scotland’s harsh weather.
History
The Galloway cattle breed, which we know today, was first fully developed in the 17th century and is native to the south-west region of Scotland. Originally, these cattle had a lot of different variation, with many colors and patterns. The first official record book only include the black ones, but a recessive gene for red color persisted in the cattle population. Over time, dun Galloways were also allowed to be officially recorded.
Important Dates
- The formation of the Galloway Cattle Society occurred in 1877.
- The introduction of the Galloway in Canada occurred in 1853, and it was first registered in 1872.
- The United States introduced the first Galloway registry in 1882.
- The Australia introduced the Galloway cattle in 1951.
Characteristics
Galloway cattle are mainly black. They are also red and several shades of dun and have a special double-layered coat that can be wavy or even curly. This coat is so good at keeping them warm that they don’t need a lot of fat on the outside of their bodies, which is good because that fat would be wasted when they are slaughtered. This coat sheds out in the summer months and in warmer climates.
Weight
| Gender | Weight |
| Male | Average: 800 kg (1763 lb), may exceed 1000 kg (2204 lb) |
| Female | 450–600 kg (992-1322 lb) |
Uses
People mainly rear Galloway cattle for beef. Galloway beef is tender and well-marbled. Plus, people say it has less cholesterol than other kinds of beef, which is healthier. People can use the milk from Galloway cattle to make yummy butter and cheese.
Breeding
Galloway cattle, known for their high fertility, often produce healthy calves. People note the cows for their ease of calving, their protective nature as mothers, and their abundant supply of milk.
Around the World
In 2022, twenty-three countries reported having Galloway cattle, of which seventeen reported population data. There were about 26,800 in the world. Most of these cattle were in Northern Europe, with the biggest groups in Denmark and Germany. In the United States, they are not very common, so the Livestock Conservancy classifies it as a breed to ‘watch’.
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