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The Welsh Black can truly claim to be a British native
breed as it has been, and is being, developed in the UK through
solely British Welsh Black genetics with no input from imported
Welsh Black bloodlines or from other breeds.
While the Welsh Black has been shown to perform well in a
wide range of situations, including lowland beef breeding
and finishing systems, its formidable reputation has been
built on the breed’s capability to thrive on marginal
and upland areas. There, its foraging habit, coupled with
hardiness, ease of calving, and mothering ability, comes into
its own.
It is this proven ability to convert rough grazing into milk
for calves and into top quality beef that has secured its
place in modern farming systems.
It is these abilities that have sustained strong demand for
the pedigree Welsh Black and provide profitable opportunities
for new and existing Welsh Black breeders. While Welsh Black
bulls are primarily used for pure breeding, dairy farmers
are also finding that the Welsh Black is an excellent dairy
beef cross, especially on heifers.
The Welsh Black Cattle Society organises a series of official
sales in the autumn and spring, encourages and supports Welsh
Black classes at major shows, as well as offering information
and advice to anyone interested in the breed. The Society
also has its own Organic Club for existing and potential producers
of organic Welsh Black cattle and beef.
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Welsh
Black Bull
Deep, long, with straight top and bottom line, with plenty
of bone. Free and easy walk.
Short to moderate in length, wide forehead, good depth through
jaw; eyes large, placid and prominent; ears fairly large,
thickly covered with soft hairs; horns protruding straight
outward at base, curving slightly forward, fairly strong and
rounded at roots. In young animals the horns are generally
rough and of dark slate colour, later becoming smoother and
straw or ivory coloured with black tips.
Medium in length, thick and strong with good crest; throat
as clean as possible.
Free from coarseness, fitting closely into the body, and not
prominent at the points, which should be rounded and neatly
embedded.
Deep wide and capacious. Straight back, strong wide loins.
Ribs long and well sprung; no depression behind the shoulder,
and no hollowness under the loin. Deep in flank.
Moderately low set, well rounded and not prominent.
Long, wide and deep. The whole appearance rounded rather than
square on top; straight down behind when looking from side.
Thighs broad and thick, well fleshed down to the hocks. The
setting of the tail should be level with the top line, neat,
and free from coarseness. Hind legs straight from hocks to
pastern. Feet sound.
Skin: Moderately thick; pliable.
Hair: Thick soft and fairly long. Tightly curled hair is objectionable.
Colour: Black. Some white is permitted on the underline behind
the navel. The intensity of the colour varies from rusty black
to jet black.
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About
the Welsh Black