In contrast, White Galloway in searing heat - outback Australia

In conjunction with the collection of semen suitable for export to South Africa, Suncrest now holds a stock of export licensed semen from their two White Galloway Stud Sires – Suncrest Arctic Bayley and Whisperings Jasper:

Suncrest Arctic Bayley (HBN - 12574)       – click for 5 gen pedigree(PDF is required) or here for Suncrest Arctic Bayleys stud page	Whisperings Jasper (HBN - 13224)           – click for 5 gen pedigree(PDF is required) or here for Whisperings Jaspers stud page

It all got started with a phone call one December morning in 2010.  Dave Draper, a South African businessman was visiting New Zealand for a week with his son who was undertaking rugby coaching in the Manawatu/Hawke Bay regions.  Dave had been watching the Suncrest website from his home in Durban and had obtained approval from the South African agriculture authorities to import Galloway cattle from New Zealand.  South Africa had imported Standard Galloway cattle in the past, but apparently the blood lines had all been out-crossed with other breeds.  However, the fact that South Africa had already had Standard Galloways in the past paved the way for South African Government approval to re-import Galloways, with Dave & Lauren Draper preferring the White and Belted type.

Interestingly Dave explained that their preference for the White and Belted Galloway was partially based on their distinctive colour patterns, and the fact that they would not be as prone to cattle rustling as they could be easily identified.  He explained that they farm in a high stock-theft area, and the thieves drive the cattle over a vast area of mountains in the Southern Drakensberg, into Lesotho. The distinctive belt of the “Belties” and the brilliant white of the “White Galloway” means they are too easily recognisable and therefore traceable.  He also explained that the thieves do not steal cattle with short legs (such as the Dexter) as they cannot drive them over the mountains quickly enough.

However Dave did err towards the taller type of Galloway as they could run faster if confronted by wild predators in the region, although he commented that unfortunately nothing can outrun the cheetah or the occasional leopard that comes into the area, but as these occurrences are rare they have to learn to live with them.

Other characteristics the Drapers were looking for was the Galloway’s gentle nature.  They explained that there are many small holdings in South Africa with the Government hoping to implement a further ~50,000 subsistence farming plots this year alone.  A naturally polled animal that is gentle, and thus unlikely to push down fences, and create havoc on a smaller plot, was therefore highly enticing.  The Galloways ability to survive quite happily in the colder regions, and to rely on their double coat of hair in winter, and not to accumulate “backfat” as most breeds need to do in winter, was also an intriguing option.  The area Dave & Lauren farm suffers from very cold winters and this double coat means 20-25% less food intake in cold weather.   For Lauren, it was an easy choice – they are quite simply “beautiful”, and she fell in love with them from the Suncrest web site. 

So Dave rang from where he was staying in Palmerston North and enquired whether he could travel down that day and view the Suncrest stock in person.  Fortunately Bob & Karen did not have any other pressing commitments that day, so 2 hours later Dave was on site viewing the stock and good conversation was had on a wide range of topics.  Dave obviously liked what he saw, and following his meeting with Robyn How at the Tararua Breeding Centre, rang back to say he wanted Suncrest to source two bulls (Suncrest Arctic Bayley and one other) for semen collection; and two heifers for embryo collection, each being as diverse in pedigree as possible.

The requirement for semen from two bulls was based on the programme being able to use existing non-exportable straws from the semen bank over the eggs from the two heifers, thereby obtaining two sets of unrelated embryos which, with the semen from the two unrelated bulls, would sustain a five-year breeding programme in South Africa.  Fortunately the South African authorities gave their approval to use the non-exportable semen in the programme on the basis that the biological material in the form of semen was being exported within the embryos, and not as straight semen.

Suncrest Arctic Bayley (HBN - 12574)       -click for 5 gen pedigree(PDF is required) or here for Suncrest Arctic Bayleys stud page	Whisperings Jasper (HBN - 13224)           – click for 5 gen pedigree(PDF is required) or here for Whisperings Jaspers stud page
Lifestyle Dayna (HBN - 12713) – click for 5 gen pedigree (PDF is required)	Tuibrook Candy (HBN - 14174 – click for 5 gen pedigree(PDF is required)

August 2010 saw Bob & Karen travelling to Europe to attend the World Galloway Cattle Congress hosted by The Galloway Association of Danmark at the Hotel Pejsegarden in Braedstrup from 31 August to 4 September.  They, together with Barry McAlley, NZ Delegate and President of the Galloway Society of New Zealand, attended the conference along with delegates and attendees from most of the Galloway breeding countries of the world.

The following day involved a bus tour visiting breeder’s farms and other places of interest including the Mols Institute which pioneered the use of Galloways to graze conservation areas.  This was followed by the official dinner in the evening.  Many faces were familiar from the 2008 Congress in New Zealand and often it was like picking up from where things were left off 2 years ago.

The next three days were spent visiting more farms and conservation areas, a historic inn, a bull testing station and a restored medieval village.  The tour included a visit to Aro an off-shore island, where the mode of transport was stock trailer on the back of a tractor, bringing new meaning to travelling cattle class! 

…bringing new meaning to travelling cattle class!

On Aro a herd of Galloway were seen grazing large tracts of conservation lands, and a lone Scottish piper was seen playing his bagpipes much to the delight of the many “scotties” on the tour.
In Danmark, Galloways have been very successful in meeting strict requirements for grazing conservation areas, and this coupled with their ability to graze outside in winter makes them a popular beef breed and their owners well subsidised for their efforts.

Big thanks must go to the Danish breeders for stepping in at short notice to host the Congress, their hospitality and friendship was wonderful and no doubt many who attended will be looking forward to attending the 2012 Congress to be held in Ontario, Canada.  See you there!

Breeders from Germany, Austria, Australia & NZ being hosted by Judith, Johannes & Lucas Bock of Galloways von Buchenau.

Once Danmark was known as the country to host the 2010 Congress, several German Galloway breeders who attended the 2008 Congress in Auckland, offered to host Bob & Karen, first in the Hessen (central) region of Germany before the Congress commenced, and after the Congress in the Schleswig-Holstein (north-east) region. A full programme of stud visits was arranged in the Hessen region, the wonderful hospitality extended by some – particularly Horst Kraft of Galloways vom Bechtelsberg, making for very long but extremely interesting days – sometimes not getting back to lodgings until after mid night.  Then it was off to a different area early the next morning for more interesting farm visits.  Hospitality also extended to travel by road to and from the Congress in Danmark, accommodation, and numerous meals and entertainment in breeders homes.  A similar programme was arranged in the Schleswig-Holstein region, this time visiting mainly White herds arranged by our wonderful host Mechthild Bening of Galloways Vom Bebensee fame, who prepared a comprehensive itinerary and background booklet of all the studs visited. 

Hosts Horst, Jurgen and Walter in Alexandra Witt-Mastall’s Westforest Galloways’ “Westerwalder Farmhouse” deli 

German hospitality at its best at Jurgen & Maria Greiner’s place (Holstein Galloways)

Much discussion was had about breeding programmes and in particular issues relating to White Galloway colour patterns.  Mechthild is working with researchers on a science project looking into the genetics of the various colour patterns (strong black points, faded points, black Whites, and a variety of other markings) entitled “Inheritance of colour in cattle breed White Galloway”. 

Karen with Mechthild Bening of Galloways
vom Bebensee

Karen with Mechthild Bening up close with
herd sire and cows

Within the breed Galloway, different lines, characterized by their colour and often referred to as distinct breeds, are found. These lines are predominantly Red, Black, or Belted Galloways. The line White Galloway is rarer. White Galloways are white to creamy in colour and bear black markings on muzzle, ears and feet. Sometimes also other parts of the body are spotted and / or the desired markings, especially of the feet, are lacking or are over pronounced. It is well known that progeny from matings of animals exhibiting the desired phenotype may not at all show this phenotype or are even totally black in colour. Hence, it would be desirable to obtain a highly accurate knowledge of the mode of inheritance of colour and colour patterns and of the individual genes that are involved.

The prime researcher – Prof. Swalve of the University of Halle in Germany has written an article updating what has been done so far in the research project, and is looking for international co-operation to broaden the database on colour genetics.  An approach is to be made to the Galloway Cattle Society of NZ seeking the co-ordinated co-operation of NZ White breeders and already the folk at Suncrest Stud are working with Mechthild on this.

A brief outline of the project follows:

1       Introduction
Within the breed Galloway, different lines, characterized by their colour and often referred to as distinct breeds, are found. These lines are predominantly Red, Black, or Belted Galloways. The line White Galloway is rarer.

White Galloways are white to creamy in colour and bear black markings on muzzle, ears and feet. Sometimes also other parts of the body are spotted and / or the desired markings, especially of the feet, are lacking or are over pronounced. It is well known that progeny from matings of animals exhibiting the desired phenotype may not at all show this phenotype or are even totally black in colour. Hence, it would be desirable to obtain a highly accurate knowledge of the mode of inheritance of colour and colour patterns and of the individual genes that are involved.

2       Colour inheritance in cattle
In general, coat colours in mammals are governed by a whole series of genes and also by non-genetic influences. A well-known gene is the MC1R gene which is responsible for the basic colours red and white. Other genes are known as “diluting” genes which can lighten up the colours and again other genes are responsible for spotting and other colour patterns. The distribution of spots can be due to even more genes or be regulated by nongenetic factors.

The level of knowledge on the inheritance of coat colours and its patterns is different among the breeds of cattle. Summarizing, it can be said that, in cattle, the number of causal genes which are clearly identified on a molecular level is very low. Hence, there is a high demand for research.

3       Colour inheritance in White Galloways
Despite the fact that the mode of inheritance of colours and markings in White Galloways up to now is mostly unclear, it is attempted to fix rules, e.g. for registering animals in herdbooks, according to their colour. The basic rules of inheritance suggest that matings of animals with “perfect” colours and markings will yield the highest probability of obtaining offspring with the same colours. However, it is also quite clear that this strategy is not always successful and also it has to be decided what to do with animals with “perfect” colours and markings that are offspring from parents that not at all show these “perfect” characteristics. Hence, there is a specific demand for further research in the White Galloway breed.

4       The project
Mrs Mechthild Bening, Bebensee, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, took the initiative to suggest a scientific project dealing with the mode of inheritance of colours and markings in White Galloways with the aim of fully unravelling the genetic background. The project is consisting of two components:

• Analysis of the mode of inheritance based on pedigree data and phenotypic records. For this purpose, recording sheets and an Excel template have been set up. Firstly, living animals should be recorded as long with their ancestors so that deep pedigrees will result. The recording of influential ancestors with all their offspring is of utmost importance. This data will be used for a pedigree analysis and if possible and depending on the suitability of the data, a segregation analysis will be carried out. Based on phenotypic records and genetic relationships among animals, a segregation analysis attempts to analyse and statistically check the possibility of inheritance due to individual genes and their variants (alleles). This can be done without any molecular testing. This work is carried out by the group of Prof. Swalve at the University of Halle.

• Conditionally on the results of the pedigree analysis and segregation analysis, i.e. if there are significant results pointing to a Mendelian inheritance, the second part of the project can be initiated. This part consists of the search for causal genes and their variants on a molecular basis. For the molecular analysis, blood samples or in exceptional cases also hair samples of the animals which have been identified as especially important will be subject to an extraction of their DNA. This project part will also use comparative genetics, i.e. a comparison of DNA sequences and / or functional genes across breeds and even species. It can be assumed that comparisons with genes that are causal for colour inheritance in horses will be helpful in this part of the study. The work will be carried out by the group of Prof. Brenig at the University of Göttingen. In the past, the research group of Prof. Brenig has been involved in the characterization of the MC1R gene in cattle on an international level.

 5      Support from the breeders is necessary

The project can only be successful if it is supported by the White Galloway breeders. The initiative of Mrs Bening is a good start. The work of recording of phenotypes and the collection of corresponding pedigrees should initially focus on large families including all offspring even if individual animals may not have been actively used for breeding. In the molecular analysis, influential parents will be especially important.

The project

Not very much is known about the genetic background of the inheritance of colours and markings in cattle and especially within the Galloway breed. In White Galloways (WGA) the desired phenotype is an animal which is creamy-white, except for ears, muzzle, and feet. The underlying genotype is unknown. A phenotype in general denotes what you see whereas a genotype is made up of variants of genes, called alleles, for one gene or even a large number of genes. It is the task of animal geneticists to uncover the links between genotype and phenotype.
A general rule is that chances to obtain offspring with ideal colour and markings are higher if parents of the desired phenotype are mated. But the result is not guaranteed. This is so because some alleles maybe dominant while others are recessive and new combinations of alleles may come together in the offspring.
Confusion exists whether the breed White Galloway indeed is a breed or just a phenotype. This may lead to even more confusion whether an animal with perfect colour and markings can be registered as a White Galloway even if its parents are not “perfect” or vice versa, i.e. the question of whether a White Galloway with offspring in different colour and markings can still be a registered White Galloway. The answers to all these questions are yet unknown. However, preliminary data points to assume that the White Galloway phenotype is indeed the result of a distinct genotype. The objective of the project is to scientifically solve the “WGA-mystery”, i.e. to unravel the mechanisms of colour inheritance in White Galloways.

The background

The project was initiated by Mrs Mechthild Bening, Bebensee, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, who is a prominent White Galloway breeder in Germany. Together with Prof. Swalve from the MLU Halle data recording sheets were developed that resemble the collection of information in a herdbook file. Mrs Bening currently is recording all animals of her herd, living or dead animals. This number will amount to approximately 225 animals (calves) and include all pedigree information. As several generations of animals will be involved, it will be possible to follow putative paths of inheritance. However, more herds should participate.

The recording sheets

Two different paper sheets and also respective Microsoft Excel-Sheets have been developed. One refers to every animal used for breeding. On this sheet, the most crucial information is the number, birth date, sex, sire, dam, and the colour coding. Once stored in a computer data base, it will be possible to link genetically related animals. Another sheet should be filled out for every cow that has been used for breeding and refers to all her calves. This second sheet is necessary since all calves, even though they may not have been raised for breeding and possibly show a “wrong” colour, will provide valuable information through their colour coding.

The analysis

The data will be used by Prof. Swalve for a genetic analysis on the most probable modes of inheritance for the WGA colour/marking. Based on this analysis, also a molecular analysis may follow.

April 2010 saw Karen & Bob of Suncrest Stud (both Councillors representing the lower North Island members of the Galloway Cattle Society of NZ), hosting the Society’s 2010 Annual General Meeting, Study Tour and Inaugural Virtual Show.

Suncrest's Grace enjoys a good old rub from delegates

The event was held over the weekend 24-25 April and commenced with members gathering at the White Heron Lodge in Wellington on the Friday evening where a brief Council Meeting was held, registrations were completed and delegates generally socialised.  All delegates were provided with a “goodie” bag comprising farming magazines, torches, calculators, caps, beanies and drink bottles generously donated by RD1; tea bags from Bell Tea; calendars, vouchers & coupons from Tui Breweries; and pads & pens from the Bank of New Zealand.  These were well received, and surplus stock was auctioned at the AGM dinner to offset some of the costs, helping to make the weekend more affordable for delegates.

Saturday morning saw the coach depart Wellington for the Hutt Valley, the first stop being Bob & Karen’s Suncrest White Galloway Stud just north-east of Upper Hutt.  Delegates inspected the Suncrest herd and gave good feedback – some commenting that they had never seen a group of such well marked Whites, others being impressed with their quiet temperament, and one that they were a “very happy herd”.  Following inspection of the Suncrest herd, morning tea was provided, the wild venison sausage nibbles and Suncrest White Galloway meatballs, proving particularly popular.

The tour then moved up through the Wairarapa visiting a number of other, mainly Belted Galloway studs, stopping at the Tui Headquarters (major sponsors) for lunch, before visiting the Tararua Breeding Centre near Woodville where a live semen collection demonstration was given using a steer as a tease.
Then it was on to the Travel Lodge in Palmerston North – the venue for a further Council meeting, the AGM, Dinner and the Inaugural Virtual Show.

The virtual show is a relatively new concept first trialled in New Zealand by the Highland Cattle Association.  Bob & Karen were so impressed with the virtual show concept that they decided to introduce it into the Galloway Society’s 2010 AGM programme as a trial.  With a virtual show, cattle are entered for showing simply by providing photographs for judging in the respective classes.  Three photos of each entry were provided and each entry was judged, prior to the results being announced. The winning entries were then placed in a PowerPoint presentation, which was shown in conjunction with the prize giving, at the Society’s AGM dinner.
The pro and cons of a Virtual Show are as follows:
Advantages

• animals shown need not be in show condition
• saves preparation and showing time
• saves transport and showing costs
• saves showground costs
• allows greater participation and numbers of entries
• allows social gatherings around prize-giving
• allows national and/or international participation

Disadvantages

• faults can be hidden or not shown e.g. hooves in long grass
• success can be dependent on quality of photograph
• animal movement and temperament is unable to be judged

Because this was a trial show Bob & Karen decided to put the three Galloway breeds (Whites, Standard & Belted) into the same classes. Entries were invited for the normal eight gender / age show classes and these were judged into the normal – four champion classes and two supreme champion classes, the respected judge – Graeme Clinton, of Okiwa Stud fame, being instructed to ignore colour pattern difference and judge the cattle purely on their conformation. This included for example ignoring dirty rear ends.  The results showed the judge succeeded, as there was a good mix of the three breeds in the winning classes, and more than one of the winners were definitely in paddock condition!  A special thanks to Judge Graeme, & Pat Clinton for doing such a wonderful job!

Much fun was had on the night with Graeme Clinton as Judge, wife Pat as Ring Steward, and Karen (ribbons & trophies) & Bob (slide show presentation & commentary) as Gate Stewards. Graeme was asked to comment on each of his choices and invariably commentary led to the cattle’s rear end and meat producing qualities.  This theme was particularly funny when putting the ribbons around some of the female owner/breeders at the presentation and was later in the programme consummated with all attendees lining up in a row on a farm, and presenting their rear ends with Graeme waving his judging stick at the line-up …

Delegate’s face on…


… and Delegate’s rear ends being judged!

Following the prize giving the fun continued with the auctioning of surplus goods donated by the sponsors.  Bob was auctioneer, and was finding getting bids on the first few lots was harder than pulling teeth but as the auction proceeded folk got into the swing of things and lots were generally hotly contested in the bidding. Such was the spirit in the end, Karen as Cashier, was collecting sums far exceeding what was bid, with the generosity of the winning bidder often either rounding up, or not wanting change.  As a result supplementary funds were raised to offset costs, and a good night was had by all!

The following morning (Sunday) saw the group travelling down through Horowhenua and Kapiti visiting more studs and doing a bit of retail therapy at the Otaki factory outlet stores.  Then it was back to Wellington and the Airport for final good-byes.
In summary, Delegate Katie Bradly wrote an article on the week-ends events for the Galloway Gazette – 2010 Issue #2, and in it she wrote:

• “Our first visit was to our wonderful hosts for the weekend – Karen & Bob Curry and their ‘Suncrest White Galloway Stud’…”
• “I would like to say a big thank you to the Committee, especially Karen & Bob…  Congratulations on a great job”.
• “I would urge anyone and everyone to come along to next year’s conference.  There is so much to see and so much to learn.  We had a wonderful weekend and met some wonderful people”.

So see you at next year’s AGM in Auckland!