Belgian Blue: The super cow raising eyebrows around the world
This summer, Belga English is showcasing some of Belgium’s most remarkable animals. From giant rabbits to enormous horses and dogs with the best sense of smell in the world, we look at the unique species that originate in Belgium.
With its massive muscle mass and striking, sculpted appearance, the Belgian Blue, also known as the Blanc-Bleu Belge, has become an icon of selective breeding. Originally from Belgium, this breed of beef cattle is renowned for its double muscling, a trait that results in exceptional meat yields. However, behind this glossy perfection lies a growing debate over animal welfare.
Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Belgian Blue was bred for lean meat and rapid growth. What sets it apart is a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle development.
In Belgian Blues, this gene is either partially or fully inactive, resulting in excessive muscle growth, particularly in the hindquarters, shoulders and loin.
The result is an animal with an exceptionally high carcass yield. Belgian Blue cattle outperform all other beef breeds by achieving yields of up to 80 per cent. This is significantly higher than the 60 per cent average seen in conventional breeds.
For industrial meat producers, this translates into greater efficiency and profitability. The meat is not only lean and tender, but also highly suited to streamlined processing.
However, critics argue that the breed comes at a cost. Due to their size and the narrowness of their birth canals, most Belgian Blue calves must be delivered by caesarean section, which has become standard practice in many breeding operations. This raises ethical concerns, limits the animals’ autonomy and increases the need for veterinary intervention.
Animal welfare groups and vets across Europe have criticised the continued promotion of such extreme breeding practices. Switzerland has banned the breeding of Belgian Blues, and several European member states have taken action against the overbreeding of animals to the point where it is “unnatural” or “unethical”.
Meanwhile, supporters argue that, with proper veterinary care, Belgian Blues can live healthy lives and provide a highly efficient, low-fat source of protein for a growing global population.
The debate highlights a broader tension in modern agriculture: the push for efficiency versus the need for ethics.
As consumer awareness grows and interest in animal welfare deepens, the future of hyper-engineered livestock such as the Belgian Blue may depend not just on productivity but also on producers’ and regulators’ willingness to prioritise humane breeding practices.
While Belgium’s most muscular export may still dominate in feedlots and show rings, outside the country, questions are mounting about the true cost of perfection.
#FlandersNewsService | A Belgian Blue cow at the Libramont agricultural fair in Wallonia, July 2022 © PHOTO JOHN THYS / AFP
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