Guidelines for Selecting
The Belted Galloway

 

What to Look for in a Desirable Male

Males: Should appear masculine. Older bulls may naturally shift weight development forward as they age, but should not appear weighted excessively in the neck and shoulders. Preputial sheath should be trim and fit close to the abdomen. Pendulous, poorly attached sheaths should be discouraged. There should be no evidence of swelling, injury or asymmetry of the penis. Testicles should be large and nearly symmetrically developed. Scrotum should be of large circumference, should display a definite neck and should show comparmentalization between sides (see diagram). Scrotal circumference should be at least 32 centimeters, preferably 34 centimeters at one year of age. There is strong correlation between scrotal circumference and the fertility of the bull's daughters (as measured by earliness of puberty). Bulls should have a deep, barrel-like chest, with a long body, a deep, wide loin muscle and be thick and muscular. He should have a strong libido (sex drive) and seek out and breed cows in heat.

Scrotal Shape and Circumference

A normal scrotum (Figure 1, center) is pear-shaped with an obvious neck, and should have a minimal circumference of 32-34 cm at one year of age. Straight sided or v-shaped scrotums are undesirable.

Weights: The weight of cattle will vary from region to region, with genetics, environment, and management practices being major factors in determining the outcome. The following data represents a majority of animals, however, excellent animals can be found outside these ranges. Heifer calves at birth range from 60-70 lbs. Mature cows range from 1000-1400 lbs. Bull calves range from 70-80 lbs. Mature bulls range from 1600-2000 lbs.

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