Over time they have been selected for their calm temperaments and ability to live in close proximity to humans.ġ0. Historically many were owned by Scottish crofters who would keep one for many years as the household cow. Despite their often forbidding appearance they are not flighty or aggressive by nature. Dogs and horses are not necessary to move these animals, they will quickly learn to move by voice and learn to enjoy being brushed or attended to in pasture. Perhaps the most attractive characteristics of the Highland is its gentle temperament. ![]() Although generally gentle as a rule cows with new calves should always be approached with caution.ħ. Abandoned calves are rare mother cows are usually devoted and caring. Another ancient attribute, important in predator heavy areas, is the strong maternal instinct of the cow. Highland milk is known for its richness which contributes to the quick growth and good health of calves. Calves are born small but lively and twins are rare. It is also known for its ability to convert feed to energy very efficiently, so requiring less feed per pound of animal.Į) One of the great ancient attributes the Highland has never lost is its ease of calving. This fondness for a wide range of vegetation helps give the beef its delicious flavour. The breed has been used in some countries as conservation grazers, to keep back invasive brush. It will eat leaves and twigs of brush like willow and aspen and wild rose, as well as forbes and grasses. Not a lot of feed and energy is put towards long legs which would only increase heat loss on cold days.ĭ) The Highland is known as a browser, not simply a grazer. Stocky, bulky and long bodied, the Highland produces a surprisingly large amount of beef for animals that may look low to the ground. Pink eye is rare in the breed and yes, they can see very well.Ĭ) The Highland's conformation is built for survival and for beef. This system means that the animal needs less back fat and more feed is converted to meat than to fat.ī) Maybe the most familiar attribute of the Highland its hairy forelock, the dossan, is an adaptation to protect its eyes from wind, sun and insects. In summer most Highlands will shed to a shorter, single layer summer coat. The coarse outer layer is water and windproof while the fine, fluffy, inner layer is warm but allows heat to escape. These attributes include:Ī) The Highland's double coat ensures that the animal stays warm and dry even in the worst weather. Highland cattle have retained their ancient attributes, allowing them to thrive in difficult environments. All Highland bulls are DNA'd before their offspring can be registered purebred, and spot DNA checking of cows and calves ensures that animals registered in the herdbook remain 100% pure Highland.ģ. The breed has never been altered to finish well on grain, and because the breed association insists that any registered Highland must be 100% Highland bloodlines there has never been any "breeding up," - adding other breeds to the herdbook. Highland beef can retain its tenderness while still lean and with all the health advantages of grassfed beef. ![]() No cattle breed finishes better on grass, we believe, than the Highland.
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