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
