We’re unclear whether it’s their super-vision or heightened senses that enables them to navigate the rugged land with a long fringe (‘dossan’) blocking their view. How Can Highland Cows See Past That Long Fringe? This makes them the first choice for herders in the Western Highlands, Alaska and Scandinavian countries. ![]() Many other breeds cannot withstand cold weather and snow, but Highland cows can live quite happily in these conditions. It’s also economical for their owners as there’s less need for expensive shelters and barns. This double coat provides natural insulation from extreme cold, heavy rainfall, and powerful winds. They have a coarse outer coat which can be about 33cm long, as well as an inner coat which is shorter, softer and woollier. The first thing you notice about Highland cows is their unique long hair. However, a cow’s horns face upwards and are longer and finer at the tip than a bull’s horns. A bull’s horns often grow forwards or even slightly downwards and have a much wider base. The most noticeable difference between genders is their horns. Heifer is the name given to a female not old enough to have calves yet. Difference between males and females?īulls are mature males used for breeding, whereas a cow is a female that has had at least one calf. However, a group of Highland cattle is known as a “fold” – named after the open shelters they’re kept in over winter. The collective name for a group of cows is usually a herd. It’s quite common for them to continue breeding past 18 years old, after having borne 15 calves. They generally live longer and produce more calves than other breeds. Although, this is simply because their Herd Book predates all others. Highland coos are the oldest registered cattle breed in the world. Now, try saying that with a mouth full of haggis! Difference Between Highland Cows and Other Coos? In Gaelic, you’d call a Highland cow a ‘ Bò Ghàidhealach’. Scots language is a variety of English that’s been spoken in the Highlands for hundreds of years. ![]() In the old Scots language, ‘coo’ means ‘cow’ so you may find many people still refer to this breed as either Highland cows or Highland coos. These types of cows are commonly found in the Highlands of Scotland. Why are Highland cows called Highland ‘coos’ Here are the answers to the most common questions about these beautiful beasts, so you can find out that they’re more than just a pretty face. But what people don’t know is that compared to other breeds, Highland cows come out on top in many regards. The eye-catching red hair, a trendy fringe, and large curved horns there’s no denying these animals are a wonder to see in person. Both the pure Highlander and the first cross Highlander have the prime ability to convert poor hill grazing into quality beef carcasses.Scotland’s Highland cows are a sight to behold. The cross Highlander has the milk to rear the continental calf with the high beefing potential demanded by today's market. The cross Highland cow retains the inherent hardiness from the pure Highlander plus that vital ingredient - hybrid vigour. More recently, excellent results have been obtained using continental sires. These can be sired by many different breeds of bull with a Beef Shorthorn bull being a commonly-used sire. ![]() The unique attributes of the pure Highland cow make her the first choice for the breeding of commercial hill cows. Beef from Highland Cattle is healthy and nutritious with lower levels of fat and cholesterol, and a higher protein and iron content than other beef. Without needing any intensive farming, they produce an excellent modern beef carcass with lean, well-marbled flesh that ensures tenderness and succulence combined with a very distinctive flavour. Highland Cattle are naturally reared and thrive in the hills and uplands of Britain. They are remarkable for their longevity with many Highland cows breeding at over 18 years of age and having borne fifteen calves. The breed is exceptionally hardy with a natural and unique ability to convert poor grazing efficiently. They can also be finished in a more conventional manner in well-ventilated barns. Making the most of poor forage, calving outside and seldom housed, they make a real economic contribution to hill and upland areas. In the British Isles, you can find folds flourishing on many different types of ground, from the slopes of the Sussex Downs in the south across to the East Anglia fenlands and north to the windswept machars of the Outer Hebrides.īut it is on poor mountain land with high annual rainfall and bitter winds that Highland Cattle thrive and breed – an environment where no other cattle could exist. You can request copies from our office, and they will enable you to trace animals back to their origins through each year’s Herd Book. The Highland Cattle Society continues to publish hard copies of the Herd Book which gives you a permanent record of pedigrees and a fascinating insight into our historic breed.
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