Belgian Blue Cattle

The Belgian Blue cattle is a domestic cattle breed raised for meat production.

It is a controversial animal due to its eccentric history marked by genetic modification and physical appearance.

Also known as Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique, Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White, and Belgian White Blue, this cattle breed is characterized by its massive, muscular body..

This breed is suitable for farmers who want to obtain large quantities of superior-quality meat.

Characteristics

They are known for their distinctive and striking physical traits, which set them apart from other breeds. Their appearance, size, and unique features make them a standout in the world of cattle.

Physical Characteristics

Head

The head of this breed is medium-sized and well-proportioned to its body. It has a broad forehead, and the nose is typically short and strong. The ears are average in size and stand out slightly to the sides.

Colors

The coat can have a variety of colors, including white, roan blue, black, or a mix of these shades. The “blue” in its name refers to a grayish-blue tint often seen in the coat, which gives it a unique appearance.

Did you know? The name “Belgian Blue” comes from the cattle’s origin in Belgium and its coat color, which is often a mix of white, blue, or black. The “blue” refers to the grayish-blue tint that some of the animals have on their coats.

Face

The face is calm and expressive. The eyes are large and alert, while the nostrils are wide, allowing for easy breathing. It has a gentle slope, adding to the balanced and symmetrical look.

Shoulders

The shoulders are broad and heavily muscled.

This is one of the key areas where the genetic trait of “double muscling” is most visible. The muscles in this area give a strong appearance.

Front Legs

The front legs are sturdy and straight, providing a strong base for the large body. The bones are thick, and the joints are well-formed to support weight and mobility.

Back Legs

The back legs are also muscular and strong. They are slightly wider apart to support the heavily developed muscles in the hindquarters. Despite their size, these legs are built for stability and movement.

Back

The back is broad, straight, and heavily muscled.

The double-muscling trait is also prominent along this area, giving it a rounded and bulky appearance.

Udder

The udder is well-developed but not overly large. It is symmetrical and supported firmly to the body, ensuring proper health and functionality.

Teats

The teats are evenly spaced and medium-sized. They are functional and suited for the breed’s needs.

Size

It is a large cattle breed.

Mature Belgian Blue bulls typically stand around 55 to 59 inches (140 to 150 cm) at the shoulder, while cows are slightly shorter, at approximately 53 to 57 inches (135 to 145 cm).

From the nose to the base of the tail, it usually measures around 79 to 87 inches (200 to 220 cm).

Exact measurements can vary depending on genetics, nutrition, and other factors.

Lifespan

The lifespan ranges from 7 to 12 years, depending on factors like their purpose, care, and living conditions.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

This breed is considered a fast grower due to its genetic traits, especially its ability to develop significant muscle mass.

Male calves can weigh as much as 103 lbs (47 kg) at birth, while females typically weigh around 97 lbs (44 kg). Calves grow rapidly, reaching a good amount of weight in a short period compared to other breeds.

Average Daily Gain (ADG): From 7 to 13 months, young bulls intended for breeding typically achieve an average daily weight gain of 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg). During the fattening phase, their weight gain can increase further, supported by a protein-rich, energy-dense diet.

By the time they are 18 to 24 months old, they typically weigh between 1,100 and 1,500 lbs (500 to 700 kg), depending on gender and feeding practices.

Weight

The maximal weight for mature animals of this breed varies between the sexes:

  • Bulls: They can reach a weight of up to 2,645-2,866 lbs (1,200-1,300 kg) when fully grown.
  • Cows: Their weight typically reaches up to 1,643-1,980 lbs(750-900 kg) at maturity.

Slaughtered Time

These cattle are typically slaughtered between the ages of 18 to 24 months, as they reach their ideal weight for meat production within this time frame.

Bulls and steers are usually slaughtered when they weigh around 1,100 to 1,500 lbs (500 to 700 kg), depending on the specific feeding program and desired meat quality.

Heifers are often slaughtered at slightly lower weights, around 1,000 to 1,300 lbs (450 to 590 kg).

Steers: These are male cattle that have been castrated.

Heifers: These are young female cattle that have not yet given birth to a calf.

This breed is highly efficient in meat production, with an average dressing percentage of at least 70%, resulting in an impressive meat yield.

For a live weight of 1,323 lbs (600 kg), these animals produce 926 lbs (420 kg) of meat, which is 220 lbs (100 kg) more than cattle with a 60% dressing percentage.

Genetic Influence on Muscle Development

Image credit: ERIC FORGET

This unique trait is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the myostatin gene.

Myostatin is a protein that normally slows down muscle growth after a certain point. However, in this breed, the mutation stops the myostatin gene from working properly.

Because of this, their muscles keep growing more than in other cattle. This process, called hyperplasia, leads to the cattle having larger, more pronounced muscles in areas like the shoulders, back, and legs.

This genetic change also affects fat deposition.

These cattle have very little body fat, which means the meat they produce is leaner and contains more muscle.

Temperament and Behaviour

This breed is generally known for having a calm and docile temperament, which makes it easier to manage compared to some other breeds.

They tend to be gentle around humans, making them suitable for farmers and handlers to work with, especially in controlled environments.

These animals are also social and prefer to stay in groups, as they are herd animals by nature.

Image credit: Peter Van den Bossche

They feel more comfortable and less stressed when surrounded by others of their kind. However, as with most cattle, they can show signs of stress or unease if separated from the herd for too long.

Specific behaviors include their tendency to graze peacefully when left undisturbed and their relatively low aggression levels.

Bulls, while usually calm, can display typical protective behavior during the breeding season, so handlers need to exercise caution.

Meat

This breed is primarily raised for meat production and is not suited for dairy purposes due to its low milk yield.

The meat from this type of cattle is known for its lean quality because of the high muscle development.

It has a low-fat content, so the lean-to-fat ratio is higher than in many other beef varieties. This makes this meat the perfect choice for people who follow or prefer a low-fat diet.

The meat of the Belgian Blue cow has 157 calories per 3,5 oz (100 g).

Since there is less fat, there is only a small amount of marbling, which makes the meat appear slightly less speckled with fat compared to some other breeds.

Despite having less fat, the texture is often described as tender, especially when handled with proper cooking methods.

The flavor is mild yet still pleasant, and it doesn’t differ much in color from regular beef, usually a bright red when fresh.

This meat is versatile in the kitchen. It can be used in many dishes, such as steaks, roasts, or sausages, although adding extra fat or using specific cooking techniques might help maintain juiciness

Raising

Feeding

Belgian Blue cattle are efficient at converting feed into weight gain, making them stand out among other breeds.

Feed Conversion Rate: This breed is known for its efficient feed conversion, needing around 11 lbs (5 kg) of feed to gain 2.2 lbs (1 kg) in weight. Their efficiency results in higher protein weight gain with minimal fat accumulation.

You must offer them a diet that is more focused on grains than greens to support their muscular development.

Mature cattle should consume a significant portion of their diet as forage as hay or silage daily. To maintain their muscle mass, concentrates like corn, barley, or wheat should be fed each day, depending on the animal’s weight and activity.

Supplements such as salt blocks and mineral mixes should be available at all times to support their overall health. Salt must not exceed 0.15 lbs (70 grams) per day.

Feeding should be consistent, with meals provided at regular times each day.

Fresh and clean water must always be available, as hydration is crucial for digestion and overall health.

The following table gives you an overview of the exact feeding of a 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) Belgian blue cow.
Feed Type Feed rate in the dry period of a pregnant cow in the winter Feed rate in the dry period of a pregnant cow in the summer Feed rate for a dairy cow in winter Feed rate for a dairy cow in summer
Succulent grass: 155 lbs (70 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Hay: 13 lbs (6 kg) 26 lbs (12 kg)
Silage: 26 lbs (12 kg) 17 lbs (8 kg) 66 lbs (30 kg) 17 lbs (8 kg)
Haylage: 17 lbs (8 kg) 11 lbs (5 kg) 15 lbs (7 kg) 11 lbs (5 kg)
Straw: 4.5 lbs (2 kg) 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Roots: 26 lbs (12 kg) 17 lbs (8 kg) 39 lbs (18 kg) 17 lbs (8 kg)
Vegetables: 15.4 lbs (7 kg) 17 lbs (8 kg) 13 lbs (6 kg) 22 lbs (10 kg)
Bran: 4.5 lbs (2 kg) 2.2 lbs (1 kg) 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg) 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Compound feed: 11 lbs (5 kg) 8.8 lbs (4 kg) 11 lbs (5 kg) 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
Concentrates: 8.8 lbs (4 kg) 4.5 lbs (2 kg) 6.6 lbs (3 kg) 4.5 lbs (2 kg)

Environment

They can adapt to different farming systems.

These cattle thrive in closed or intensive farming systems, where their feed and living conditions are carefully managed, but you can also raise them in pasture-based farms.

Climate

You can raise Belgian Blue cattle in all climates. You just need to offer them the right conditions.

Usually, they do great in temperate climates with mild summers and winters.

But, you can also raise them in colder climates as long as they have access to proper shelter and extra feed to help them maintain body heat. Their low body fat makes them less suited to survive in harsh, freezing conditions without additional care.

In warmer climates, it’s possible to keep these cattle as well, but you’ll need to ensure they have plenty of shade, fresh water, and cooling systems to prevent heat stress.

Shelter

Belgian Blue cattle need shelter during bad weather conditions as well as in cold weather.

The shelter can be made from any material, such as concrete or wood. The most important thing is that it provides comfort and security for the animals.

Ideally, the temperature inside the shelter should be maintained between 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C). It is also a good idea to place straw bedding on the floor, with a thickness of up to 16 inches (40 cm).

You must also consider that Belgian Blue cattle are larger than average, so it’s essential to calculate the size of the shelter based on the total number of animals. Each animal should have enough space to move and rest comfortably.

Don’t forget to install a good ventilation system, as this ensures a constant supply of clean air for the cattle. Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being.

How many cattle per acre?

You can raise 1 cattle per acre.

Keep in mind that the number of cattle you can raise on a single acre depends on factors like the quality of the pasture, the availability of supplemental feed, and your management system.

If you choose to raise these cattle in an intensive system, where their diet is fully controlled with feed, the land requirements might be smaller.

Breeding

The Belgian Blue cattle breeding is not that easy due to birth issues and the sperm quality of the bull.

Females are generally ready to breed by 14 to 18 months, though this can vary slightly depending on their health and development. Males, or bulls, typically reach breeding readiness at a similar age, around 16 to 18 months.

The Belgian Blue bull has a testicular weight and a smaller amount of sperm than other cattle. Also, the quality of the sperm is not very good.

To achieve a high percentage of successful pregnancies, it is crucial to mate or inseminate the cows at the optimal time, which is about 16–18 hours after the onset of heat.

If natural mating does not produce results, you can try artificial insemination. This method is widely used, especially in Belgium, where 50% of cows are bred this way.

In general, a Belgian Blue cow can endure around 5-6 births throughout their life. This cattle can give birth to its first calf between 28 and 35 months.

When it comes to calving, Belgian Blue cows often require assistance.

Due to their large size and the breed’s highly developed muscles, calving difficulties are common, and many births require veterinary help or Caesarean sections to ensure the safety of both the cow and the calf.

Despite the challenges with birthing, these cows are good mothers. Their milk production is sufficient to feed their calves.

You might need to provide extra feeding for the calf, especially if the birth was difficult or if there are large or multiple calves.

Health Issues

This breed has some health problems that are characteristic of its genetics. These issues can affect both adult animals and calves.

Calves can sometimes suffer from a condition called macroglossia, which is the swelling or overgrowth of the tongue. This malformation can prevent the calf from feeding properly, and as a result, it may not survive long.

Another condition specific to calves is prognathism, where the upper jaw is shorter, and the lower jaw is longer. This misalignment can also interfere with feeding. Calves of this breed are more prone than others to laryngitis and bronchopneumonia, which can lead to death shortly after birth if not managed carefully.

Both calves and adults are at risk of heart problems, which can significantly reduce their chances of survival.

Additionally, due to their large and muscular bodies, these animals are prone to limb and joint issues. Stiff joints can make it difficult for them to stand and move. This condition often develops during the later stages of pregnancy, as the fetus has limited space to move due to its larger size. Unfortunately, this issue cannot be fully prevented because it is tied to the breed’s unique physical traits.

Why should you raise it?

Raising this type of cattle can be a great choice for both homesteaders and business owners, but the reasons may differ depending on your goals.

For Homesteaders
As a homesteader, raising these cattle can provide you with a reliable source of high-quality beef. Their meat is lean, tender, and in demand for its superior quality.

Their calm temperament also makes them easier to handle, even if you’re not experienced with livestock.

For Business
For a business, these cattle are an excellent investment, especially if you’re focused on meat production.

They are efficient in converting feed into muscle, with a high dressing percentage and minimal fat waste.

This means more usable meat for the same live weight compared to other breeds.

The meat from this breed is highly sought after in the market, making it easier to sell at a premium price.

The Belgian Blue bull’s price can start around $1,000 and go up to $3,000.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages & Disadvantages – Belgian Blue cow
Advantages Disadvantages
  • Belgian Blue cows have a calm temperament and are very quiet.
  • They have an accelerated weight gain.
  • Females have a prominent maternal instinct.
  • The pregnancy period is short (280 to 286 days) compared to other cattle.
  • Belgian Blue cows can also be crossed with other breeds, so it is easy to obtain crossbred calves.
  • The meat is lean and with low-fat content.
  • Belgian Blue cows do not develop well in cold environments. They prefer moderate temperatures. So, if you live in the northern regions, this breed is not for you.
  • They need a lot of attention and permanent maintenance.
  • They have difficulty giving birth naturally.
  • The Belgian Blue breed has a fairly high mortality of cattle.
  • Various health problems, the most frequent being the problem of swelling of the legs or stiff joints.

History and Origins

The history of the Belgian Blue cattle begins in the 19th century when farmers in central and upper Belgium started developing a special breed of cattle.

They crossed local breeds with the English Shorthorn and the French Charolais breeds.

At that time, Belgian Blue cattle were raised for both milk and meat.

In 1950, Belgian farmers’ efforts were continued and improved by Hanset, a professor at the artificial insemination center in the province of Liège.

After many attempts, Hanset succeeded in creating the modern Belgian Blue breed. This achievement was made possible through repeated breeding to fix a characteristic genetic mutation in the breed.

The mutation led to increased muscle development in areas such as the hips, back, and shoulders, giving the Belgian Blue its unique muscular appearance.

Belgian Blue cattle have, on average, up to 20% more muscle than typical beef cattle.

In 1978, the Belgian Blue cattle spread beyond Belgium and reached the United States. It was introduced by Nick Tutt, a Canadian farmer who had emigrated to Texas. Following that year, the breed was exported to many parts of the world.

Today, the Belgian Blue cattle are present in 24 countries across Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania.

In 2022, 10 of these countries reported a total Belgian Blue population of 107,875.

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About the author: Daniel Dascalu
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