The white markings of a Holstein or the white face of the Hereford are dominant traits like the belt of the Belted Galloway, and these traits are difficult to eliminate. Line breeding is common practice with all types of livestock, and is nothing more than planned interbreeding. With line breeding, animals are mated with little or no regard to their degree of kinship. For example, you might choose to breed your females to a related bull if you have determined that the bull has a greater chance of enhancing the characteristics you are looking for. It is a very common practice to use a bull on his granddaughters.
Line breeding seems to be more openly accepted in Europe than here.
Positive traits can be strengthened with line breeding, but one needs to be aware that there is the risk of perpetuating weaknesses. With today's tremendous interest in grass farming and grass-finished beef, the adaptability and superior characteristics of the Belted Galloway should not be overlooked in any beef breeding program. Alan Fournier's lifelong interest in agriculture and cattle husbandry focused on breeding Belted Galloways approximately ten years ago. Since then Alan and his wife Jeannine moved their Four Green Fields Farm lock, stock and Beltie herd from Vermont to Wisconsin. This page last modified August 23, 1998.