Commonly referred to as “Belties” or "Oreo Cows", these cows are distinct for their appearance, with a wide, white belt of fur surrounding their midsection, and an almost black coat on either end, including the head. They are also polled, meaning that they have no horns, which makes for a somewhat safer cow to handle. Generally speaking though, cows are docile animals, and the herd at Hunter's Rid
ge is no exception. Belties are well-known for their excellent mothering abilities, and are very protective of their calves.They lead the kind of stress-free life you would expect from the stories you read as a child. Open pastures and plenty of fresh, clean water and sunshine, and days spent sauntering and chomping in the fields. Originally from Scotland, the Galloway cattle breed has been around for hundreds of years, and is supremely suited for the harsh winters of both the Scottish highlands and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is due to its double coat of fur which in turn means less fat, naturally, and a higher feed –to-weight gain ratio, since less of their feed is burned off as heat energy. The Belties are a small-framed, yet hardy animal, and slower-growing than other breeds, but they live longer too, with some mothers calving annually for up to 20 years.
100% Grass-fed beltie beef has the following advantages over grain-finished beef:
-10 times higher in beta carotene
-5 times higher in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which has antioxidant properties
-Half the saturated fat content
-4-6 times lower in overall fat
-2-4 times higher in omega-3 fatty acids and a healthier ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s
-4 times higher Vitamin EHigher in Vitamin C
-Higher in B vitamins thiamin and riboflavin
-Higher in calcium, magnesium and potassium
-Virtually no risk of E coli
-No antibiotics, hormones, vaccines or steroids used
-No by-product feedstuffs used
One of the purposes of raising cattle is production of meat for human consumption. Today's health conscious society wants a product low in fat yet tender, juicy and flavorful. These needs are being met in Belted Galloway beef. Carcass comparisons made in 1994 by A.R.C. Butson, M.D., of Maple Brae Farms, Hamilton, Ontario, CAN between a half-dozen purebred Belties and an equal number of commercial cattle placed Belted Galloway beef low in saturated fat content as well as total fat average, and indicated high ratios of Omega 6 to Omega 3—the beneficial lineolic and linolenic acids. Visit this link to see the nutritional and taste comparisons for Beltie beef: http://beltie.org/statistics-on-beltie-beef.php
The Belted Galloway is very adept at foraging, eating plants most cows would consider inedible. Chefs prefer the Belted Galloway's lean, high-quality meat over any other breed. Belties rate high on the tenderness scale and have a unique flavor all their own. To find out more about the quality of a Belted Galloway's meat, visit:
http://beltie.org/belted-galloway-beef.php
The Belties are a unique breed. You can read more about the history of the breed at: http://beltie.org/history-attributes.php
