Members of the Northwest Highland Cattle Assn and American Highland Cattle Assn
The Scottish Highland breed of cattle is an ancient breed, dating back to the early 1700s, one of the oldest registered breeds. These animals originally roamed the rugged highlands of Scotland. The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection, where only the fittest and most adaptable survived to carry on the breed. Because of this, Highland cattle will eat brush and plants that other cattle may avoid.
Originally there were two distinct classes: the smaller black breed whose primary domain was the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland. The second, a larger, generally reddish breed, originated from the main land mountains of Scotland. Domestication and cross breeding between the two produced the animals we know today as Highland cattle. In addition to the colors red and black, Highland cattle can be dun (grayish), blonde or white.
Highland cattle are well known for their long fur coats and large horns. Both the bulls and cows will produce horns. The male horns normally grow outward and curve slightly down from their head. The female horns normally grow outward and curve up from their head.
We chose the Highland breed due to a number of traits including the following:
Originally there were two distinct classes: the smaller black breed whose primary domain was the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland. The second, a larger, generally reddish breed, originated from the main land mountains of Scotland. Domestication and cross breeding between the two produced the animals we know today as Highland cattle. In addition to the colors red and black, Highland cattle can be dun (grayish), blonde or white.
Highland cattle are well known for their long fur coats and large horns. Both the bulls and cows will produce horns. The male horns normally grow outward and curve slightly down from their head. The female horns normally grow outward and curve up from their head.
We chose the Highland breed due to a number of traits including the following:
- very hearty animals
- ease of calving
- good mothering instinct
- do not require special shelter other than a good stand of trees
- do not require high quality feed or grain
- will eat brush other cattle won't touch
- produce meat that is lower in fat and calories (see www.eatwild.com for more info)
- less susceptible to disease
- longevity - breeding up to 20 years old.
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