Highland Cattle Facts

Originally from the Scottish Highlands, Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed of cattle, and are known for their docility and hardiness. Both bulls and cows have horns, and the breed is noted for its long, shaggy hair, which keeps the animal warm in inclement weather and sheds water and snow. Highland cattle are popular inclusions in herds in many places around the world.

  1. History

    • The first herd book for Highland cattle was established in 1884, making it the oldest registered breed of cattle. This breed originally comes from the Scottish Highlands, where the rugged conditions contributed to making it a very hardy, adaptable animal. Originally, there were two types of Highland cattle, the reddish Highlander and the black Kyloe, but these strains are now regarded as a single breed. Highland cattle have been exported to North America, South America, other parts of Europe and Australia, where they are interbred with other cattle to promote hardiness and docility.

    Size

    • The size of Highland cattle can vary depending on what their forage conditions are. However, without a restricted diet, mature cows can weigh up to 1,100 pounds when in optimal breeding condition and mature bulls can weigh up to 1,800 pounds when in optimum breeding condition. Steers can finish around 1,000 pounds. This can be compared to the popular breed, the Hereford, where bulls weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

    Features

    • The most notable feature of the Highland breed is its hair. The hair is thick and long, with a downy undercoat and an oily outer coat that allows it to shed snow and rain. Red is the preferred color for Highland cattle, but white, dun, black, yellow and brindle are also acceptable.

    Lifespan

    • Highland cattle are typically a long-lived breed. A cow can produce a calf every year during its breeding life and some can still produce calves at the age of 20. According to Living at Wildlife Park, individuals may live for more than 20 years.

    Benefits

    • One advantage to raising Highland cattle is that the breed is extremely hardy and will graze on grass that other cattle pass by. They produce a lean beef that is lower in cholesterol than fattier meat. This contrasts with cattle who mature quickly and whose meat shows more marbling with fat.