Galloway cow — iibso ama iibi

History of the breed: The Galloway cow is one of the oldest and most resilient breeds of cattle, known for its hardy nature, low maintenance, and high-quality meat. Its origin is closely linked to Scotland, and the name comes from the Galloway region in the southwest of the country, where it first appeared. The earliest mentions of these polled cows with black coats date back to the 16th century. However, as a distinct breed, Galloways formed in the 17th century. Interestingly, Galloway cows originally exhibited a variety of colors. The first herd book recorded only black individuals, but over time, other colors such as red and various shades of dun (brownish-gray) were included. In 1877, the Galloway Cattle Society was established, which contributed to its further development and spread. Galloway cows were brought to Canada in 1853 and to the USA in 1882. By the early 20th century, the breed was very popular in North America. In the 1950s, Galloway cows were in high demand due to the growing need for lean and nutritious meat. However, the bovine spongiform encephalopathy crisis in the 1990s led to a decline in their numbers, although no cases of the disease were recorded among Galloway cows. Currently, interest in the Galloway breed is reviving. This is due to its ability to produce high-quality meat with minimal costs for maintenance and feeding. Exterior: The Galloway cow is a breed characterized by a harmonious combination of compactness and powerful build. Although Galloways are medium-sized breeds, bulls are significantly larger than cows, emphasizing their role as producers of high-quality meat. The weight of Galloway bulls can vary widely, from 800 to 1000 kg and more. Some bulls can reach up to 1500 kg. Cows weigh significantly less, from 450 to 600 kg, and in some cases, up to 850 kg. The coat color of Galloway cows is another distinctive feature. While the most common color is black, red, light brown, and even white individuals can also be found. Sometimes, Galloway cows can be seen with a belt color—a white stripe around the body. The head of Galloway cows is massive, with a well-developed forehead and occipital crest. Cows are polled, which makes them safer to handle and easier to maintain.