Monday, October 29, 2007

a cow video


Tommy's Scotch Highland cattle




Cliff and I went to visit a former co-worker of his yesterday, Tommy.  He recently purchased a herd of Scotch Highland cattle, a long-haired, long-horned miniature breed of cattle very popular with hobby farmers, so I remembered to take my camera.  When I approached to take pictures, though, they headed for the far end of the pasture; obviously they aren't used to strangers.  So Tommy got out some feed and lured them up to the lot.  You'll see on the video that they still don't trust the lady with the camera; maybe they're just camera-shy.

Actually, I don't think they've been around woman at all.

Here's an article I copied and pasted from the Internet, from "Countryside and Small Stock Journal":

Why would you want to own something that looks like that?  

It's a question many Highland Cattle owners have heard in the past. Here are some answers.

Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed of cattle with a Herd Book being published in 1885. The Scottish Highland Cattle Society was formed in 1884 and most of the cattle registered were black. Originally, there were two subgroups of Highland cattle, which today are merged into one. The smaller, mostly black or brindled cattle were raised on the western islands and were known as Kyloes, and the larger red animals of the Scottish mainland. Today Highland cattle may be red, black, yellow, white, brindle, silver, or dun in color. All these colors are recognized by the registry, but only solid colored animals are allowed to be shown in the sanctioned shows.

Archeological evidence of the Highland breed goes back to the 6 th century with written records existing from the 12 th century. The first recorded importation into the United States occurred in the late 1890's when western cattlemen recognized the need to improve the hardiness of their herds. Earlier importations are likely to have occurred since large numbers of Scotch/Irish immigrants came to this country early on, but the absence of a registry precludes any definite proof. The American Highland Cattle Association registry was formed in 1948. The reasons these ranchers selected Highland Cattle are the same reasons why you should consider the breed.

Breed characteristics that make the difference include:

Hardiness and vigor: Highland cattle are noted for their hardiness and vigor. Natural selection over the centuries in the harsh climate of Scotland ensured that only the most efficient animals would survive to breed. The gene pool today remains largely intact allowing them to thrive where other breeds struggle.

Hair Coat: The double coat of hair (long, coarse, outer layer and soft wooly inner layer) is one of the most notable differences between Highlands and all other breeds. The coat reduces the need for expensive barns and shelters. 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 long hair over the eyes (dossan) helps reduce the incidence of pinkeye and other fly borne problems.

According to one breeder, Highlands feed intake does not increase until -18 degrees F compared to 32 degrees F in many other breeds. In addition, the long hair means that the animal does not have to produce a layer of fat to stay warm. This allows the animal to marble naturally on low input forage while producing lean, low fat, high quality cuts of beef. Highlands shed out earlier in the spring and produce less hair in warm climates making them suitable throughout the U.S.

Easy Handling: Highlands have a long, close history of living with humans. 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 tend to be docile and calm, do not stress easily, and are easy to work with despite their long horns. The horns are used primarily for knocking down brush to graze on, predator control and scratching. Horns on females are generally upswept and finer textured than are the males. Male horns are more forward pointing and massive.

Exceptional Mothering-Calving Ease: Highland cows are noted for being highly devoted and protective mothers. They produce a rich milk allowing for steady weight gain in the calf. Highlands are noted for calving ease. Calves are small, 40-60 pounds and birthing assists are rare. Cows may produce into their late teens reducing the need for frequent herd replacements.

Unlike other breeds, Highlands are slow maturing making the meat fine textured and succulent. In a recent study at Manyberries Research Station, Canada , groups of Hereford , Highland , and Highland Herefords crosses were tested. 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.

Highland cows will average 900-1,200 pounds when mature. Bulls will average from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds depending on forage conditions. 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.

The British Royal family maintains a “fold” of Highland Cattle at Balmoral Castle and considers them their beef animal of choice. A rare opportunity for commoners to eat like royalty.

Highland Cattle Societies are found in Great Britain ( Scotland ), United States , Canada , Australia , and several European Countries. The animals are referred to as Scottish Highland Cattle, Scotch Highland Cattle, Highland Cattle or Highlanders. Regardless of where they are located today, Highland cattle can trace their ancestry to Scotland . Importations of Scottish stock and semen in the U.S. and Canada have served to assure continuation of the Highland gene pool.

Highland cattle provide the opportunity to produce a premium quality beef with less cost and effort. They fit into a variety styles of operations from small farm to commercial beef operations. They are a multi-purpose animal, producing meat, milk, and fiber. They may be used as oxen, or for clearing land of unwanted brush or you may just want the enjoyment of seeing a beautiful animal on your hillside pasture.

So when someone asks, “why do you want to own something that looks like that?” I generally respond by saying who wouldn't want to?

For a free informational packet on Highland cattle, you may contact the Heartland Highland Cattle Association at 976 State Hwy. 64, Tunas, MO 65764 or call 417.345.0575 or email highlandcattle@centurytel.net

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thats great.  Those are really nice looking cattle.  Linda

Anonymous said...

Good Morning.  I guess you learn something new everyday.  I'd never seen these handsome creatures before.  Isn't nature wonderful.  Have a great day!
'On Ya'-ma

Anonymous said...

They are pretty cattle. Short and chunky. You can tell by looking at them that they are well tended to. The article was very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Have a good Monday. Helen

Anonymous said...

Could this be your next challenge?  I see a few calves there!

Anonymous said...

I love that shaggy look they have....  I seem to have the same look in the mornings.  ;-P

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Love the cows.....they look like they have bangs.  I've never seen cows like these.  Thanks for sharing Donns.  Remember I love cows.

Hollie

Anonymous said...

I love those cattle. I saw a few once at the Petting Zoo they have at the fair, really sweet animals.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE LOVE this breed of cattle! They are expensive though :(

you know I am not a bovine fan but I am a fan of this bovine breed. Did that make sense? lol

Anonymous said...

That was really interesting, and I enjoyed the video.
Lori