About The Breed
Highland cattle, originally from the northern reaches of Scotland, are one of the oldest beef breeds. They have evolved to produce naturally lean and tender beef without hormones or growth stimulants. A heavy coat insulates them in harsh climates and reduces the need to put on surplus back fat. Our Highland cattle are descended from the ancient traditional Scottish breed known for its shaggy hair and beautiful horns. A breed which has remained unchanged over the centuries and is the first purebred registered breed on the books. These cattle are hardy, thrifty, slower growing and long lived. They’re fiercely maternal, yet docile.
Resilience
The Highland breed has lived for centuries in the rugged remote Scottish Highlands. The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection, where only the fittest and most adaptable animals survived to carry on the breed. Originally there were two distinct classes - the slightly smaller and usually black Kyloe, whose primary domain was the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland. The other was a larger animal, generally reddish in color, whose territory was the remote Highlands of Scotland. Today both of these strains are regarded as one breed – Highland. In addition to red and black, yellow, dun, white, brindle and silver are also considered traditional colors.
Browsing/Grazing Ability
Scottish Highland cattle are excellent browsers and grazers. They have been used in the US and worldwide to clear brush lots, for Oak Savannah restoration and grazing improvement projects. Highlands perform well in a variety of feed scenarios whether brush, forage/grass-based or grain-finished.
Easy Handling
Highlands have a long history of living with humans. Early Scotts would keep the family cow(s) inside their homes during the winter. A woven wattle fence would separate the animal’s living areas from that of its owners, with both sharing the added warmth. Highlands tend to be docile and calm and do not stress easily. They are easy to work with despite their long horns. The horns are used primarily for knocking down brush to graze, predator control and scratching. Horns on females are generally upswept and finer textured than those on the males. Male horns are more forward pointing and massive.
Exceptional Mothering and Calving Ease
Highland cows are noted for being highly devoted and protective mothers. They are noted for calving ease. Due to small calf size (60-70 pounds), calving difficulty (dystocia) is less common. Cows may produce into their late teens reducing the need for frequent herd replacement.
Size & Quality
In a study at Manyberries Research Station in Canada, groups of Hereford, Highland and Highland/Hereford crosses were tested. The Highland group produced 2,000 pounds more beef than the Herefords. The Highland/Hereford crosses produced 6,000 pounds more than the purebred Hereford group.
Highland cows average 900-1,200 pounds when mature. Bulls average from 1,500-1,800 pounds depending on forage conditions. A study by the Scottish Agricultural College and other independent testing labs have found that Highland beef is higher in protein and iron and lower in cholesterol and fat than other beef breeds.
Historical Society
This “Grand Old Breed” can be traced to the first herd book being published in 1885 by the Highland Cattle Society in Scotland. Archaeological evidence of the Highland breed goes back to the sixth century, with written records existing from the twelfth century. The first recorded importation into the United States occurred in the late 1890’s when western cattlemen recognized the need to improve the hardiness of their herds. Earlier importations are likely to have occurred since large numbers of Scotch/Irish immigrants came to this country early on but the absence of a registry precludes any definite proof. The American Highland Cattle Association registry was formed in 1948.
Highland cattle societies are now found in Scotland, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The animals are referred to as Scottish Highland cattle, Scotch Highland cattle or Highlanders. Regardless of where they are located today, Highland cattle can trace their ancestry to Scotland. Importations of Scottish stock, embryos and semen in the US and Canada have served to assure continuation of the Highland pool in North America.
