![]() In a recent study at Manyberries Research Station, Canada, groups of Hereford, Highland, and Highland Herefords crosses were tested. Unlike other breeds, Highlands are slow maturing making the meat fine textured and succulent. Male horns are more forward pointing and massive. Horns on females are generally upswept and finer textured than are the males. The horns are used primarily for knocking down brush to graze on, predator control and scratching. Highlands tend to be docile and calm, do not stress easily, and are easy to work with despite their long horns. Early Scots would keep the cows downstairs to provide warmth for the family on the second story and to make sure the neighbors didn't help themselves to the family's wealth. Highlands shed out earlier in the spring and produce less hair in warm climates making them suitable throughout the U.S.Įasy Handling: Highlands have a long, close history of living with humans. This allows the animal to marble naturally on low input forage while producing lean, low fat, high quality cuts of beef. In addition, the long hair means that the animal does not have to produce a layer of fat to stay warm. The long hair over the eyes (dossan) helps reduce the incidence of pinkeye and other fly borne problems.Īccording to one breeder, Highlands feed intake does not increase until -18 degrees F compared to 32 degrees F in many other breeds. It is not unusual to see Highlands grazing a day or two after a winter storm with snow still melting off their backs as they are that well insulated. The coat reduces the need for expensive barns and shelters. Hair Coat: The double coat of hair (long, coarse, outer layer and soft woolly inner layer) is one of the most notable differences between Highlands and all other breeds. ![]() The gene pool today remains largely intact allowing them to thrive where other breeds struggle. Natural selection over the centuries in the harsh climate of Scotland ensured that only the most efficient animals would survive to breed. Hardiness and vigor: Highland cattle are noted for their hardiness and vigor.
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