Belted Galloway cows in Galloway

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Belted bovines. Belted Galloway cows

These cool cows are Belted Galloways, known in the USA as Oreo cows. The heritage breed originated in south-west Scotland, where it thrives on rough pastures and windswept slopes. Belted Galloways fight the elements with a double-layer coat: The long, coarse hair diverts rain, and beneath that, the cow has a soft undercoat to keep it warm and dry in harsh weather.

How did they get that signature white belt? It’s believed that black Galloway cattle were crossbred with Dutch Lakenvelder cows in the 17th or 18th century. While the black-and-white look is most common, the cattle can also sport a reddish or brownish coat, always with that distinctive creamy white belt.

Belted Galloways are known for their top-quality marbled beef, although they are also raised as dairy cattle. Some breeders - known as Belties - keep the cattle for their calm temperament and eye-catching coat. Although they are still a Scottish favourite, Belted Galloways can now be found in other countries too.