Welsh Black cattle
The Welsh Black is a dual-purpose breed of cattle native to Wales. This breed is one of the oldest in Britain, going back to pre-Roman times. The Welsh Black was a prized possession of Britain's people upon the invasion of the Saxons.
History
Commercial exploitation of the breed meant that
By the turn of the nineteenth century, 25,000 cattle were being exported from Wales every year. Before the 1960s, few cattle were exported outside the UK, but now can be found in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Germany as well in Saudi Arabia, Jamaica and Uganda.
Welsh Black cattle are on the list of endangered native breeds in Wales.[2] Through 1970 this breed served a true dual purpose as there were two subspecies in the country. The Northern Wales subspecies was a stocky breed used for its meat, while the southern subspecies was a more dairy-like breed. As the modern demand for beef has increased a more hybrid species has been developed, which fits traditional needs and the modern demand for beef.
Cornish Black
It has been speculated that the extinct black cattle of Cornwall was a breed closely related to the Welsh Black.[3][4] In the nineteenth century they were described as being the same size.[5]
Characteristics
As the name suggests, the cattle are naturally black. They generally have white horns with black tips, but these may be removed, and there are also naturally hornless (polled) strains. Red individuals occur occasionally – red and other colours were more common in the past.
Its hardy nature coupled with its habit of
Traditionally bred for both milk and beef, commercially it is now usually used only for beef.
See also
References
- ^ Pryse Jones, A. G. (1972). Story of Carmarthenshire.
- ^ "House of Commons debates, 14 May 2014". Retrieved 14 May 2014.
- ^ Felius, Marleen (1995). Cattle breeds: an encyclopedia. Misset.
- ^ Trow-Smith, Robert (2006). A History of British Livestock Husbandry, to 1700. Taylor & Francis.
- ^ Miller, Philip (1835). The gardeners dictionary.
- ^ "Welsh Black Cattle Society - Points of the breed". Retrieved 14 May 2014.
External links
- How to Identify Welsh Black Cattle at wikiHow
- Welsh Black Cattle Society
- Breeds of Livestock—Welsh Black Cattle—Oklahoma State University
- The Ancient Breed at the Welsh Black Cattle Society