![]() ![]() The unique attributes of the pure Highland cow make her the first choice for the production of commercial hill cows. Highland beef is healthy and nutritious with lower levels of fat and cholesterol and a higher protein and iron content than other beef. The Highland has a modern beef carcass with lean, well-marbled, flesh that ensures tenderness and succulence with a very distinctive flavour. Mature bulls can weigh around 1,800 pounds (800 kilograms) in breeding condition and cows 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) The Highland calf is exceptionally hardy and grows rapidly up to weaning. This strong protective inclination of the cow minimizes predator losses that can even extend to sheep that are pastured in the same field. Abandoned calves, for even first-calf heifers, are rare. The mothering instinct is highly developed in the Highland cow. They are remarkable for their longevity, many Highland cows continue to breed to ages in excess of eighteen years having borne fifteen calves. The breed is exceptionally hardy with a natural and unique ability to convert poor grazing efficiently. The hair colour can be black, brindled, red, yellow, and dun - there is considerable difference of opinion among breeders as to which is preferable. It is not uncommon for Highlands to shed this heavy hair coat when exposed to a hot dry climate and then grow a new one as the damp cold weather returns. With the double coat of hair and thick hide, the Highland has been adapted by nature to withstand great exposure. Photo courtesy of Craigowmill Fold, Highlands have a double coat of hair - a downy undercoat and a long outercoat which may reach 13 inches, and which is well-oiled to shed rain and snow. CharacteristicsThe Highland has the grandest head with a long fringe (that appears to cover the eyes) and the horns that are long and darken towards the tip, it is these features that make them most memorable. It is called a fold of Highland cattle because, in the olden days in winter the cattle were brought together at night in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather and wolves. ![]() Today all members of the breed are called Highland.Ī little known fact about Highland breeders is that they don't call their herd a herd. The size difference was probably due more to the severe climate and limited rations that the island cattle were subjected to than to any genetic variation between the classes. The Kyloes, raised on the western islands of Scotland, tended to be of a smaller size and had a higher percentage of black and brindled cattle than the mainland Highlanders. Originally, the breed was divided into two classes, the West Highlands or Kyloe, and the Highlander. Throughout the long recorded history of Highlands, breeders have taken great care to retain the original characteristics of these cattle. We have a limited number of steers so first come first serve! We also have Highland Steer Hides for sale.HistoryLike their name suggests, Highland cattle originated in the Highlands and west coastal islands of Scotland, areas severe in climate and lashed by the North Atlantic gales. Send us an email at or or call the ranch for an order sheet. Natural Grass Fed Highland Beef: Demand for our tasty, healthful beef is expanding our offerings which include beef sales by the piece with discounts for large orders. Our beef animals are raised and finished under natural conditions. We also produce a limited number of steers for slaughter. Our goal at the ranch is to offer a small but select number of breeding stock each year bred by our outstanding Herd Sire Bull - Brodgar. Contact the Ranch for more information and availability. Highland Beef is known to be some of the best tasting beef in the world. Their quiet temperaments and natural ability for calving ease make these cows easy keepers. They are slower growing and very efficient eaters on marginal pastures. Generally Highland Cows are an optimal choice for smaller acreages or non-commercial beef raising enterprises. ![]() This moderate framed breed is an excellent browser. Highland beef is a premium product, second to none in flavor and health benefits. Highland cattle fit into a variety of operations from the small farm to large commercial beef operations. The American Highland Cattle Association (AHCA) registry was formed in 1948. The first recorded importation into the United States occurred in the late 1890s when western cattlemen recognized the need to improve the hardiness of their herds. The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection, where only the fittest and most adaptable animals survived to carry on the breed. The Highland cattle breed has lived for centuries in the rugged remote Scottish Highlands. Highland cattle are a Scottish breed of cattle with long horns and long wavy coats.
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