Highland FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

and Comments About Highland Cattle

aka  Scottish Highland Cattle

Below are some articles and information about Highland Cattle. Yes, they are different. I guess, however, that I prefer to see this difference as uniqueness.  I hope these articles will answer some of your questions about this breed of bovine.

Origin of Highland Cattle

Highland Cattle are an old breed known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the sixth century. It is still a matter of debate as to whether they were an origin of Scotland or imported from Scandinavia perhaps with the Vikings when they invaded Great Britain.

The origins of the ancient breed of Highland Cattle are therefore the subject of speculation (albeit educated speculation). The theory expounded by Mr. Michael Fennell gains wide acceptance amongst Highland breeders.

Michael believes that Highland Cattle are the results of the blending of two ancient Asiatic breeds, the 'Bos Longifrons' and the 'Bos Primigenius'.

The Longifrons giving them the long horns and the Primigenius giving them their hairy looks. Both breeds had migrated from the Far East and Mongolia to the region of the Black Sea. The evolving breed migrated slowly west and north to the Baltic shores approximately 6000 years ago. From there emigration to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland was a very small step. Michael believes that it is possible that the Scando - Celt may have released the breed in the Highlands of Scotland in an effort to keep their own herd numbers under control.

Whatever the source and cause of migration there can be no doubt that Highland Cattle played a significant part in the development and civilization of the Highlands of Scotland.

The cattle have for generations been a source of meat and milk for the "Crofters", small farmers of the high country who lived principally by fishing and by subsistence agriculture. The hair too was useful in the process of spinning yarn. The calves were bought and sold at the annual trysts or cattle sales.

The most famous of the Trysts took place in Stirling, Scotland. Cattle from the Islands were swum ashore and herded along ancient drove roads to Stirling. Often after the sale they were driven south on the drove roads to England for resale.

In the days of the drove roads and the Stirling Trysts most of the Highland Cattle were black. The black highlanders which were found mainly on the Islands were referred to as Kyloes. They tended to be small, very hardy but slow to develop, so it is not surprising that they have been superseded by the larger framed red animals of the mainland. (Modern breeding practices have virtually eliminated any genetic variation associated with colour)

In 1884 when the Scottish Highland Cattle Society was formed most of the animals registered in the early herd books were black. The first herd book contained only bulls (561), the second 866 pedigree cows and 63 bulls and the third a record of awards to Highland Cattle at shows of the Highland and Island Agricultural Society from 1822 - 1884. Over the years, societies have also been formed in Canada, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

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Charactoristic’s that I appreciate,

about Highland Cattle

By Gary A. Duncan

Hardiness

Perhaps one of their most admirable features is their ability to forage and graze on almost any type and quality of forage. This along with slower maturity means that they can hold their condition for longer in poor conditions than most other breeds of cattle. On another note; when given good quality forages and grasses they really perform.

• They will survive where other breeds struggle.
• Conception rates will remain high for a longer period when poor conditions are encountered
• Potential for higher stocking rate. Although this may not always be advisable, there is a potential for it. My reasoning here is that I know I can most likely keep more Highlands per acre than other breeds.
• Health problems are seldom encountered

Calving Ease

I personally have never assisted a Highland with birthing. In years gone by Highland Cattle were mainly left to fend for themselves … they either calved successfully or died in the process. This created a natural culling process which we benefit from today. Through this natural selection process over hundreds of years, its my personal conviction that the pelvic area and structure is such that calving is rarely a problem.  It’s a pure genetic thing. In other breeds of cattle the genetics have been tinkered with soooo much (in order to get faster growth, convert grain, and overall size) that they have lost a lot of the “good stuff” that was originally there.

Longevity (Lifespan)

It is not uncommon for Highland Cattle to breed to ages in excess of 18. This is substantially greater than many other breeds and can reduce replacement costs by 25% or more. I personally have visited with many people that have cows in their early 20’s and still have good calves.  Of course, this will depend on the terrain that they are kept in. In sand wash or sand hill country—their teeth will wear out before they do. In a MiG system, where they are continually moved into new tender grass – they are a long lived animal.

Mothering

I have this ideal in my mind that tells me that the mother of any boving species teaches their offspring things that stay with them for the rest of their lives.  Highland cows are excellent and protective mothers. And, I feel that Highland cows are excellent teachers. I personally believe that what they eat and how they go about it all begins in the mothering stage. If momma does it, so does the calf. If she eats a certain weed, so does the calf. If she doesn't eat a certain type of forage - neither does the calf. If its cold and wet and momma is out grazing, so does the calf.  On the other hand, (as with many operations) if she stands at the gate and bawls for you to bring her hay – then so does the calf.

I know for a fact that my Highlands eat things that most cattle would walk right by. I want my momma cows to pass that on to their calves during the mothering stage.

High Quality Carcass

Highland Cattle carry very little surface fat but do have a certain amount of fine marbling throughout. Although they are slower to mature than many other breeds, the wait is worth it. The meat is tender and succulent and is very much in demand to those whom really appreciate quality beef.

An old timer once told me that he didn’t think that beef actually attained its full flavor and texture until the animal was at least 24 months old.  I tend to agree with him. Highlands will generally mature as a beef animal at between 30 to 34 months. Yes, that means you have to keep them longer, but again, I think the wait is worth it in quality.

The Highland Hide

The Highland's long coat is made up of two layers — an under-downy layer & a longer, coarser outer layer, which protects them from excessive cold and wind. They instinctively grow their winter coats when the temperatures begin to fall and shed them off again in the spring.

This hairy overcoat means the carcass does not lay down the thick layer of surface fat necessary to so many other breeds, so the meat is lean yet full of flavor with just the right amount of marbled fat throughout.

But there's even more benefit to this. Hides from these magnificent animals can be sold for almost as much as the meat making them more profitable than your average cattle. They make luxurious rugs with hair about 4 - 6 inches long and can be found in colors from white through yellow to reds and on to black.

People often ask about the heat of summer here in Missouri. Well, I do not see it as a problem. Highlands are raised in hot climates around the world and in the US as far south as Texas and Georgia. I do contend that we should provide them with shade. I watch mine during the 3 hot months out of the year – and they sometimes become nocturnal grazing machines. They lay up in the shade, dozing during the day. But, as the shadows of evening appear, they are out grazing all during the night. I do not feel this is a problem or detriment. It’s their instinct. Of a morning they are usually very wet from walking in dewy grass all night.

Easy Handling

The general tendency for Highlands is towards docility. There is no doubt that they have their "pecking order" within the herd. Occasionally this can lead to bullying when penned but considering that we do NOT need to work them on a very often basis its not a problem.  Common sense tells us that cattle with large horns should be worked and penned in numbers that allow for plenty of space for both the animals and the handlers. We adhere to ”Low Stress Handling” and make a point of walking among them on a year round basis out in the pasture. So, when we do need to walk among them in a pen – it is nothing new to them.

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High Quality Beef

Grass-fed Highland Beef is naturally lean, yet tender and flavorful, with little outside waste fat. As the oldest Heritage breed, Highland cattle retain their inherent genetic capability to produce a healthy product from a natural diet of grasses and forage. Not surprisingly, grass-fed Highland beef is high in Omega-3 and Beta Carotene.

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Highlands do not require a lot of attention, although I know it is hard not to give it to them. They are just so interesting to watch and admire. They respond well to the attention you do give them. In essence, all they need is water and grass and they seem to adapt to just about any area, terrain or climate. Most of the Highland enterprizes here in the US are of registered stock and raised on hobby farms on small acreages. These animals are generally halter broken and shown in competitions and sold as breeding stock. There is nothing wrong with this and I began in this manner several years ago when I had a small fold of a dozen females. Then one day as I was preparing to buy more, the lady that I went to look at her stock asked to see photos of mine..........after which she offered me a price that I couldnt morally turn down. So I sold them to her.  I've regretted that over the years and am happy to be starting another fold now.

But, the fact of the matter is - they really do NOT require a lot of attention. They are very intelligent, are hardy and are working very well in a management intensive grazing system (MiG).  When I go out to move my poliwire cross fences they are very patient with me. They know that when they hear the clicking of the reel, that they are getting new grass. The lead cow usually stands patiently nearby with the herd behind her. Only after I have removed a couple of posts and tell her its ok does she enter the new paddock with the herd in tow. Its a very comforting experience to experience. My only real job is to monitor my grass and move some cross fences.