Thursday, March 26, 2009

Oreo Cows


The Belted Galloways are a rare breed of cattle which originated in Galloway, Scotland (or so it's believed). While their origin is unknown, it's believed that the Scotts bred the black Galloways with Dutch Belted sometime in the mid-19th Century. Note the longer hair (outer coat) which helps them shed rain and snow while their soft undercoat insulates them from cold winter temperatures.

Belted Galloways are a rare breed with fewer than 2500 registered in the US and 10,000 or so worldwide. While most US breeders of the herds are in the east (mostly New England)and there are herds in the midwest and southeast, breeders west of the Mississippi are building herds, too. There is a herd of Belties not too far from our house.

6 comments:

Lady Di Tn said...

I just loves these and after I first saw them, I had to google and read read read. I like the fact that they are not as large and breeder friendly. Peace

Halcyon said...

He's so furry and cute!

Anonymous said...

They are beautiful cows. I know the Shetland ponies have the long hair and short hair. I don't know that much about it but would think they are all related to the same area.

Antjas said...

These cows are great for teaching kids about the concept of thirds. How much of the cow is black? How much is white?

Patsy said...

There is also a small herd at the Hermitage!

Patsy said...

There is also a small herd at the Hermitage!