Scottish cow breed

The variety of breeds of cows is much wider than the list of species that are bred by domestic animal husbandry. For example, the Scottish cow, which has the second name Highland, is characterized by unpretentiousness, increased endurance and is able to graze throughout the year. But usually it is bred for meat. The amount of milk produced is sufficient only for the full feeding of offspring.

Highland

Characterization

Unpretentiousness in care, long life expectancy, high productivity, as well as resistance to cold and most diseases, from the beginning of the 20th century, contributed to the spread of this species in cattle breeding farms, which are located far beyond the borders of Scottish lands.

Origin

The Highlands are native to Scotland. There were two sets of livestock, from which this species was subsequently bred by crossing small varieties with large red alpine breeds. The reddish color was characteristic of the species bred in the Scottish Highlands, but on the Outer Hybrid Islands, almost all the livestock had a black coat. By 1800 the color had become more varied.

Despite the fact that the Highland cow breed was bred a long time ago, its distribution outside Scotland began only at the beginning of the last century. Export was carried out all over the world, however, the largest number of these animals was sent to the territory of North America and Australia.

Appearance

The distinctive external features that the Scottish variety possesses are long wavy hair and impressive horns. The coat color is dominated by black, yellow, tan and red. You can often find spotted representatives of this species.

Scottish breed

Scottish breed

These animals are small and squat, they have powerful short legs and long hair. Under the guard hair, which can reach 30 centimeters, lies a lush undercoat. In winter, the coat becomes thicker, and in summer all excess is shed. The guard hair has a straight or wavy shape.

A distinctive feature of this breed is the bangs. It protects the cow’s face from insects and also reduces the risk of eye infections.

Short legs allow you to easily and quickly overcome mountain slopes. The animal is quite capable of defending itself from predators. Long, pointed horns can be a powerful argument.

The main characteristics that a Highland cow has:

  • an adult animal reaches 110-130 cm at the withers;
  • the average weight of a bull is 650-670 kg, cows – 450-550 kg;
  • long curved horns;
  • straight, long neck with a pronounced crest in males;
  • deep, moderately wide chest, arched ribs, no dewlap;
  • rounded back;
  • the thighs are already a few quarters;
  • powerful and short legs;
  • the head is in proportion to the body;
  • eyes set wide.

The shape of the body of a cow, its habitat and origin determined the purpose of its breeding. This is a meat breed.

Today, this animal can be found in many zoos around the world. Due to its small size and unusual, attractive appearance, this type of cattle is considered to be quite exotic.

Productivity

High-quality meat rich in animal proteins is the main product obtained by breeding high-mountain breeds. Not to mention the benefits of this product:

Meat rich in animal proteins

Meat rich in animal proteins

  • great taste, reminiscent of the meat of wild animals;
  • healthy and nutritious;
  • low fat content due to the presence of thick, warm wool that protects the animal from the cold;
  • low cholesterol, meat is harmless for people with cardiovascular diseases;
  • it is this type of beef that contains the largest amount of iron and proteins.

On average, representatives of this breed live up to 25 years. However, bulls go to slaughter at 2-3 years old: at this age, their meat has optimal characteristics. Individuals are usually slaughtered by the age of 10, since the meat of older individuals is unfit for human consumption.

On average, Highlands are capable of producing 3 to 5 liters of milk per day, so breeding these animals for dairy production is irrelevant these days.

By the third year of their life, heifers are ready to give birth to offspring. A newborn bull usually weighs 23-25 ​​kg, and a female – 20-22 kg. This is a late maturing breed, which determines the average rate of weight gain.

Care and maintenance

Scottish Highlands are very unpretentious animals. They can be grazed throughout the year. For maintenance, it is enough to equip a corral and place several sheds in it. The latter will serve as an animal shelter in rainy or snowy weather, in extreme cases the young may require special attention in the winter.

Care of young animals

Care of young animals

Feels best in latitudes of temperate and northern climates. A thick coat of wool protects livestock from even the most severe cold, but these animals endure heat with difficulty.

The absence of genetic pathologies and resistance to infectious diseases greatly simplify the breeding of Highlands.

Feeding

The extensive type of feeding prevails. Animals feel great, for a long time eating exclusively pasture. Most plants that are not suitable for other herbivores are regularly eaten by Scottish cows. This type of cattle is often used to renew pastures that have been destroyed by goats or sheep.

To search for food, the Highlands use a wide muzzle and sharp horns, simultaneously removing turf from the soil. This leads to the subsequent growth of young, sap-rich grass.

The grazing area must be huge. Cows are able to travel long distances in search of food. Even from under the snow cover, they will get grass. However, in winter it is still recommended to leave additional feeding to the animals.

Pros and cons of breed breeding

Highland has the following benefits:

  • endurance, unpretentiousness (cows easily tolerate cold and inclement weather, do not require a special approach in feeding);
  • ease of maintenance (it is enough to equip a corral and sheds);
  • strong immune system (innate resistance to infections, low percentage of colds);
  • long life expectancy (on average 25 years, 20 of which cows remain productive);
  • low mortality among young animals (requires minimal human intervention);
  • calm disposition (the exception is a female with a cub, the cow becomes quite aggressive when it comes to protecting her offspring);
  • additional utilitarian benefit (by searching for food, animals contribute to the restoration of pastures).

calm breed

calm breed

The disadvantages of Scottish cows are few:

  • low milk productivity;
  • these cows will not be able to be raised in an intensive way due to the slow weight gain;
  • the presence of vast areas for grazing is mandatory;
  • the breed will not do well in southern and continental climates.

Conclusion

Highland Scottish cows are an excellent example of cattle that are bred primarily for nutritious, dietary meat. This breed is able to bring side benefits, eating almost all types of plants and along the way restoring forbs in meadows and pastures.

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Anna Evans

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