THE
BLUEGREY
Cattle breeders in the mid 19th Century
found that the Shorthorn, particularly the white strain,
when crossed with the Galloway produced an animal of
attractive blue-grey colour which quickly became popular
for both breeding and feeding.
 |
| Blue Grey
Bulling Heifer |
The Bluegrey was
found to be a faster maturing animal than other breeds,
and the steers were valued highly by farmers for fattening.
The true Blue-grey is bred by crossing a Galloway cow
with the Whitebred Shorthorn Bull.
The Blue Grey cow is more than able to suckle their calves
on moderately poor grazing, while able to produce calves
which will satisfy the requirements of the market for quality
meat.
 |
| Blue Greys
at Terrona, Langholm |
The Blue Grey female excels as a hill suckler cow with
her good milking potential. She is hardy and easy to maintain.
Calving into their ‘teens of years is by no means
uncommon and the Blue Grey cow can carry her age particularly
well – a factor often associated with not only the
Blue Grey but also the Whitebred Shorthorn.
A herd of Blue Grey cows mated to any Continental or Traditional
terminal sire provides a low cost hill suckler unit which
is easily managed, and able to withstand harsh winters
and utilise poor grazing efficiently. The Blue Grey is
becoming increasingly popular in conservation grazing projects. |
