Although they are undeniably a pretty picture, Highland Cattle have much more to offer than good looks.

Background

Highland Cow Snowflake of Curriepark and her calf with Jim CurrieThe Highland breed is native to the wild, barren and harsh highlands and islands of Scotland, where no other breed will survive, never mind thrive. They are hardy and adaptable and have been exported to many parts of the world.

In Australia, the largest numbers of Highland Cattle are to be found in Victoria and New South Wales. They are uniquely suited to some of the less hospitable areas in those states, but also adapt very well to the warmer climates experienced in more arid states.

Highland cattle have a double coat - a woolly undercoat and a long, wavy topcoat. In Scotland, some lose just the undercoat and some both coats in summer. In warmer climates they may shed the undercoat only and maintain the longer topcoat throughout the summer - protection against the sun perhaps.

Their shaggy coat and long fringe or "dossan" covering the eyes, together with magnificent spreading horns are the instantly recognisable trademark of the Highland breed, beloved of the artists of old, and once seen, never forgotten.

Why Choose the Highland Breed?

There are many points in favour of this breed, some of these being: -

  • Easy calving - heifers and cows calve easily as part of the daily routine, requiring minimum of attention, hence veterinary costs are minimised.
  • Excellent mothering - heifers as well as cows take great care of their calves, making sure that they get their essential first feed unaided.
  • Longevity - many cows breed to ages in excess of 18, have borne 15 calves. This can reduce replacement costs substantially.
  • Foraging - Highland cattle make the most of whatever is offered to them wasting nothing.
  • Health - the Highland cow rarely requires more than routine worming, keeping vet bills to a minimum.
  • Management - the health, ease of calving and good foraging ability keep labour requirements to a minimum.

Who do Highland cattle most suit?

Highland cattle are ideal for people wanting to breed and rear cattle for profit and pleasure on small farms. They are thrifty, eating less, and wasting less than most cattle breeds. They are easy on their environment as well as easy on the eye. They are ideal for people who are perhaps not very experienced farmers since, as well as being healthy and easy to care for, they have a wonderful quiet temperament.

Curriepark Highland Calf