8/29/2023 0 Comments Are highland cows used for meatThey fit into a variety styles of operations from small farm to commercial beef operations. Highland cattle provide the opportunity to produce a premium quality beef with less cost and effort. and Canada have served to assure continuation of the Highland gene pool. Importations of Scottish stock and semen in the U.S. Regardless of where they are located today, Highland cattle can trace their ancestry to Scotland. The animals are referred to as Scottish Highland Cattle, Scotch Highland Cattle, Highland Cattle or Highlanders. Highland Cattle Societies are found in Great Britain (Scotland), United States, Canada, Australia, and several European Countries. A rare opportunity for commoners to eat like royalty. The British Royal family maintains a “fold” of Highland Cattle at Balmoral Castle and considers them their beef animal of choice. A study by the Scottish Agricultural College determined that Highland beef is significantly lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in protein and iron than other beef breeds. Bulls will average from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds depending on forage conditions. Highland cows will average 900-1,200 pounds when mature. The Highland group produced 2,000 pounds more beef than the purebred Herefords, while the Highland/Hereford crosses produced 6,000 pounds more than the pure Hereford group. 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. Cows may produce into their late teens reducing the need for frequent herd replacements. Calves are small, 40-60 pounds and birthing assists are rare. They produce a rich milk allowing for steady weight gain in the calf. Male horns are more forward pointing and massive.Įxceptional Mothering-Calving Ease: Highland cows are noted for being highly devoted and protective mothers. 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. The characteristics of the Scotch Highland Cattle are:
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