The Galloway cattle (also called Riggit Galloway cattle) are a very ancient breed of cattle originated from Scotland during the 17th century. It is one of the longest established meat cattle breed in the world.
The breed was named after the Galloway region of Scotland from where they originated. The Galloway cattle first fully developed in the 17th century.
And the breed comes from the cattle which are native to the south-west region of Scotland. After their development, there were originally much variation within this breed, including many different colors and patterns. But the original Galloway herd book only registered black cattle.
Although the recessive gene for red color persisted in the population, and eventually dun Galloway cattle were also allowed into the herd book.
Today the black is the most common color and the animals can also be of red and several shades of dun. The Galloway cattle are now found in many other countries.
They were exported to Australia in 1951, to Canada in 1853 and to the United States in 1882. The Galloway Cattle Society was formed in the year of 1877. Read more information about this cattle breed below.
Galloway Cattle Characteristics
The Galloway cattle are large animals with a thick double-layered coat that is wavy or curly. This thick coat of hair insulates their bodies so well that they have a minimal outer layer of fat on their bodies.
And the coat sheds out in the summer months and in warmer climates. Their shaggy coat has both a thick, woolly undercoat for warmth and stiffer guard hairs that help shed water, making them well adapted to harsher climatic conditions.
Galloway cattle are naturally hornless. They have a bone knob at the top of it’s skull called the poll, instead of horns.
The bulls on average weight about 770 to 1050 kg, and average body weight of the cows is about 450 to 680 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Galloway cattle are mainly used as a meat cattle breed, and they produce high quality meat.
Special Notes
Galloway cattle are among the very old cattle breeds. Today their original characteristics are now back in demand, because of the demand of their high quality meat that required economical production.
Popularity of this breed is increasing gradually and their numbers also increasing. The Galloway cattle are noted and well known for the quality of meat.
But there is evidence of Galloway herds being milked in Cumberland for cheese production. However, review full breed profile of this cattle breed in the following table.
| Breed Name | Galloway |
| Other Name | Riggit Galloway |
| Breed Purpose | Meat |
| Special Notes | Noted for quality meat production |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Bulls | About 770 to 1050 kg |
| Cows | About 450-680 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Commonly black, but can also be found on red and several shades of dun |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Poor |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Scotland |
