About Highland Cattle

Highland cattle are an unusual looking breed. Originally from Scotland, Highlands have long, thick, wavy coats of hair that is usually red, black, white or yellow in color. The bulls have long handlebar-shaped horns. The Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science describes Highlands as a low-maintenance, disease-resistant strain of cattle that can thrive in harsh or difficult environmental conditions.

  1. History

    • Highland cattle are the oldest breed of pedigreed cattle in the world. The Kinlochroag Fold of Pedigree Highland Cattle website mentions that archaeological evidence can trace the breed back to the sixth century, and they were documented in written records in the 12th century. There were originally two distinct breeds. The Kyloes were small and black and were found in Western Scotland, while the other variety was red in color and came from the Scottish Highlands. Both varieties are now known as Highland cattle. Audrey Pavia, a writer for Hobby Farms and author of "Great Scots - Highland Cattle," explains that the breed was imported to the United States in 1893.

    Health Concerns

    • Scottish Highland cattle are a healthy breed. The Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science claims that they are not susceptible to many of the eye diseases such as pinkeye that affect other cattle breeds because they have long eyelashes and a long swatch of hair over their foreheads that protects their eyes from flies and dust. The Linric Fold Scottish Highland Cattle website indicates that Highlands can live for over 20 years. However, they warn that the breed can develop ticks or lice because of their long shaggy coats.

    Housing and Diet

    • Highlands are an extremely hardy and weather-resistant strain of cattle. The Linric Fold website claims that Highlands are the only kind of cattle that can be legally wintered outdoors in Sweden. On the other hand, the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science indicates that they can also tolerate the heat of places such as Texas and Georgia. Highland cattle are natural foragers and will eat plant material from many types of pastures. They do not need expensive feed in order to thrive.

    Temperament

    • Pavia indicates that Highland cattle have an easygoing temperament. In her interview with Suzanne Clothier-Rice, the co-owner of Hawks Hunt Highlands and a breeder of Highland cattle, Clothier explains that she raises this breed because they are both gentle and intelligent, as well as intensely curious. The Linric Fold website describes Highlands as being docile and easy to manage.

    Beef Production

    • Highland beef is low in fat and high in iron and protein, according to Pavia. The thick double layer of hair protects the cattle instead of the layer of fat that is present on some other breeds of cattle.