Welsh Black cattle facts for kids
The Welsh Black is a special type of cattle that comes from Wales. This breed is very old, even older than Roman times in Britain! People in Britain really valued these cattle, especially when the Saxons invaded.
History of Welsh Black Cattle
For a long time, Welsh Black cattle were important for business. People called drovers would walk them all the way to markets in England. Herds from southwest Wales traveled towards Hereford and Gloucester, going up the Tywi Valley to Llandovery. Other herds from South Cardiganshire reached Llandovery through Llanybydder and Llansawel.
These drovers would return to Wales with lots of money. This made them targets for bandits. To keep their money safe, they started a bank in Llandovery in 1799. It was called Banc yr Eidon, which means "Bank of the Black Ox." Later, Lloyds Bank bought this bank.
By the early 1800s, about 25,000 Welsh Black cattle were sent out of Wales every year. Before the 1960s, not many were sent outside the UK. But now, you can find them in places like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, and Uganda.
Welsh Black cattle are currently on a list of native breeds in Wales that are in danger of disappearing. Before the 1970s, this breed was used for two main purposes: meat and milk. There were two types in Wales. The type from North Wales was stockier and used for meat. The type from South Wales was more like a dairy cow. Today, people want more beef, so a new type has been developed. This new type still fits traditional needs but also meets the modern demand for beef.
Were There Cornish Black Cattle?
Some people think that an old type of black cattle from Cornwall, which no longer exists, was very similar to the Welsh Black. In the 1800s, people said they were about the same size.
Characteristics of Welsh Black Cattle
As their name suggests, Welsh Black cattle are usually black. They often have white horns with black tips. Sometimes, their horns are removed. There are also types that are naturally without horns, called polled cattle. Occasionally, you might see red Welsh Black cattle. Red and other colors were more common in the past.
These cattle are very tough and can live in rough areas. They are good at browsing (eating leaves and twigs) as well as grazing (eating grass). This makes them perfect for places like heathland and moorland. They are also used for conservation grazing, which means they help keep these natural areas healthy.
Traditionally, Welsh Black cattle were raised for both their milk and their beef. However, today they are mostly used for beef.
