Belted Galloway cattle farming is popular, especially in it’s native area. It is a beef cattle breed and raised mainly for meat production purpose. The breed is also known by some other names such as Beltie, Oreo Cow and Panda Cow.
The Belted Galloway cattle breed was originated from Galloway in the west side of Southern Scotland. It is a heritage breed, and is well adapted to living on the poor upland pastures and wildswept moorlands of the region.
Exact origins of the breed are unclear. But it is often surmised that the white belt of the breed may be a result of cross breeding with the Dutch Lakenvelder belted cattle. And the breed is named so mainly because of the belt.
An association for the breed named the Belted Galloway Association was formed in 1921 in Scotland. And the name of the association was changed to Belted Galloway Society in the year of 1951. The association keeps and records pedigrees for Belted Galloways and oversees the registration of White and Red Galloways.
Currently the Belted Galloway Cattle Society is guided by the United Kingdom and there is a thriving breeding program overseen. Mrs. McLean of East Kortright, New York first imported the breed to the United States.
The former known American Belted Galloway Breeders Society was formed in the United States on 1st July 1951, but it is now known as The US Galloway Society Inc.
The Belted Galloway cattle breed is currently listed with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy as a “recovering” breed. And total population of the breed is increasing gradually.
However, as these animals are good for producing quality meat, so starting commercial Belted Galloway cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. The business will be very profitable, especially if you can market your products easily.
How to Start Belted Galloway Cattle Farming
Starting Belted Galloway cattle farming business is very easy. Because these animals are very strong and hardy. And they are well adapted to their local climates.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Belted Galloway cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free animals for starting your Belted Galloway cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is very important, because good quality animals always ensure good production and maximum profits.
You can purchase the animals for starting your Belted Galloway cattle farming business either from any of your nearest livestock market, or from any existing Belted Galloway cattle farms in your area. Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality.
Housing
Arranging a very good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Belted Galloway cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
Exact type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. You can build a simple house with low cost and easily available materials. Or the house can be of full concrete setup. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Belted Galloway cattle are classified as a medium sized breed. So, they will require moderate amount of space inside the house. Ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Install good ventilation system inside the house, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Belted Galloway cattle farming business. Because good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So, always try to provide your animals with enough nutritious food.
The Belted Galloway cattle are beef cattle breed. So, they will require more grains in their diet than greens. You can also consider feeding them with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic animals, the Belted Galloway cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, always try to provide your animals with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Belted Galloway cattle are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of bulls and cows in your herd. You can also consider artificial insemination method for breeding your animals.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the key to successful Belted Galloway cattle farming business. Because good caring helps the animals to stay healthy and produce more.
So, always try to take good care of your animals. De-worm and vaccinate your animals timely. And always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing cattle products is not a problem. Because, cattle products already have very good demand and value in the market.
So, you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Belted Galloway cattle farming business. Raising Belted Galloway cattle is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
