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Highlands (sometimes called Scotch or Scottish Highlands) are an ancient
breed known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the sixth
century, making them one of the oldest known breeds of cattle. Believed to
be the blending of two ancient Asiatic breeds, the “Bos Longifrons” and the
"Bos Primigenius,” these magnificent animals are noted for their ease of
calving, high quality beef and superb hides.
Highlands require a minimum of management and care, do not require barn
housing and they forage readily where feed is sparse. Noted as browsers
and brush clearers, they eat much of what other cattle pass by. They have
two coats of hair – the inner is thick and woolly, designed to act as a blanket
to retain heat; the outer is long and shaggy, which sheds rain and protects
the inner coat from becoming damp and cold. Due to this unusual hair
combination they have very little “back- fat”.
Their double coat of hair and natural hardiness allows them to adapt to
many climates, shedding much of their hair in warming temperatures. In the
winter, snow is slow to melt on their backs because they lose so little body
heat through their long hair.
Despite their long horns, they are gentle and easily handled, and are
distinguished for their quiet dispositions, superior intelligence and calm
nature.
Highlands are long lived animals. Cows of 16 years of age and older are
capable of having a calf, and commonly do. Surveys show that these cows
have a 98.71% unassisted birth rate and a 97.419% live birth percentage.
Even first calf heifers have few problems.
The Highland is the oldest registered breed of cattle in the U.S. with the first
herd book being established in 1884. Around that time, American cattlemen
from the west recognized the natural qualities of the Highland animal and
imported them to improve the bloodlines of their herds. As a result, the
Highland contributed in a great way to the success of the American cattle
industry. Today, Highlands are found throughout North America as well as in
Europe, Australia and South America.
breed known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the sixth
century, making them one of the oldest known breeds of cattle. Believed to
be the blending of two ancient Asiatic breeds, the “Bos Longifrons” and the
"Bos Primigenius,” these magnificent animals are noted for their ease of
calving, high quality beef and superb hides.
Highlands require a minimum of management and care, do not require barn
housing and they forage readily where feed is sparse. Noted as browsers
and brush clearers, they eat much of what other cattle pass by. They have
two coats of hair – the inner is thick and woolly, designed to act as a blanket
to retain heat; the outer is long and shaggy, which sheds rain and protects
the inner coat from becoming damp and cold. Due to this unusual hair
combination they have very little “back- fat”.
Their double coat of hair and natural hardiness allows them to adapt to
many climates, shedding much of their hair in warming temperatures. In the
winter, snow is slow to melt on their backs because they lose so little body
heat through their long hair.
Despite their long horns, they are gentle and easily handled, and are
distinguished for their quiet dispositions, superior intelligence and calm
nature.
Highlands are long lived animals. Cows of 16 years of age and older are
capable of having a calf, and commonly do. Surveys show that these cows
have a 98.71% unassisted birth rate and a 97.419% live birth percentage.
Even first calf heifers have few problems.
The Highland is the oldest registered breed of cattle in the U.S. with the first
herd book being established in 1884. Around that time, American cattlemen
from the west recognized the natural qualities of the Highland animal and
imported them to improve the bloodlines of their herds. As a result, the
Highland contributed in a great way to the success of the American cattle
industry. Today, Highlands are found throughout North America as well as in
Europe, Australia and South America.
| why highlands? |