Luing cattle
A Luing cattle seen here on the Beach of Luing
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| Country of origin | Scotland |
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| Use | Meat |
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| Coat | Red, Dun |
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Luing cattle (pronounced ling cattle) are a beef breed developed on the island of Luing in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland[1] by the Cadzow brothers in 1947. It was formed by breeding first crossbreeding Beef Shorthorn with Highland cattle. The breed of red-brown cattle are moderately sized and extremely hardy. The intent was to produce a good beef cow with the ability to raise a calf under adverse weather conditions. It was officially recognised as a breed by the British government in 1965. The breed is still farmed today, mainly in Scotland but also in other areas of the world.
History[edit]
Luings were first created by the Cadzow brothers; Ralph, Denis and Shane, in 1947.[2] They crossbred two types of cattle to produce the Luing; the Highland as the heifer and the Beef Shorthorn as the bull, and were the first new breed of cattle developed in Britain in over 100 years.[3][4] The Highland was chosen as it contributes the hardiness that we see in the breed today and the Shorthorn because of its fleshing qualities and flavour of meat.[5] Through a breeding programme, the three sons established the breed that we have today. In 1965, the breed was officially recognised by the British Government.[6]
Today[edit]
The Cadzow family continue to farm on Luing and the breed remains popular on the surrounding isles, including Scarba and Torsa.[7] The breed has been exported to countries across the world including Canada and New Zealand, and is highly regarded for hardiness and ease of handling and marbling of its meat.[8]
Characteristics[edit]
The average Luing cow will give birth to 10 calves in a lifetime because of their longevity. This has been attributed to the traits inherited from their Highland cattle ancestors.[9] They typically have hair of a medium length and a red or dun coloured coat.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Breeds of Livestock - Luing Cattle — Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science". www.ansi.okstate.edu. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
- ^ "Luing Cattle Society". luingcattlesociety.co.uk.
- ^ "Highland Cattle in Alberta". The Alberta Beef Magazine. April 2006. Retrieved 15 June 2016 – via Highland Cattle World.
- ^ "Brittanic Rare Breeds - Luing Cattle". Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Luing cattle – History and Characteristics". Smallholder Series. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Luing cattle – History". Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Habro – Luing Cattle Today" (PDF). July 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ "The Cattle Site – Luing Cattle". Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ "About Luing cattle". Canadian Luing cattle society. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
