​Etter Farms Highland Experience
Highland Cattle Facts and Care
Facts
Scottish Highland Cattle are a beloved breed known for their distinctive physical appearance and charming personality. Here are some interesting facts about the magnificent creatures.
1. Origin: They originated in the Scottish Highlands where they develop their hardiness and ruggedness to thrive in harsh climates. Scottish Highland cows are often affectionately referred to as “Coos” due to the Scottish pronunciation of “cows”. In Scotland the word cow is pronounced more like COO and this colloquialism has become a widely recognized and charming term for these iconic cattle. So, it's not a different name, it's just a local twist on the traditional word.
2. Unique coat: Their thick shaggy coat helps protect them from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It comes in various colors including red, black, yellow, Brindle, white, and silver.
3. Majestic horns: Both males and females grow impressive horns, which can reach up to four feet in length.
4. Gentle giants: Despite their generous size, Scottish highland cattle are known for their friendly, docile nature, making them a joy to be around.
5. Adaptability: They thrive in various environments from cold rugged climates to more temperature regions like our farm here in North Texas.
6. Intelligence: They are highly intelligent and curious, often described as personable and social.
7. Conservation: Scottish Highland cattle are often used in conservation efforts due to their grazing habits which helped maintain natural habitats and ecosystems. 8. Meat and milk: their meat is prized for its tenderness and flavor, while their milk is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for cheese production.
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8. Meat and milk: Their meat is prized for its tenderness and flavor, while their milk is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for cheese production.​​​
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Care
Caring for the Scottish highland cattle requires attention to their unique needs, which are shaped by their heritage and adaptations to harsh environments. Here are some key aspects of their care and husbandry. By following these guidelines you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving environment for your Scottish highland cattle.
1. Nutrition: Provide high quality hay, grass, and minerals. They are efficient grazers but may need supplements during winter or drought.
2. Shelter: May be provided during extreme weather, but Highlands will not necessarily go into shelter they prefer the cold climate. In extreme heat you can find them in water.
3. Health checks: Regular veterinary checkups are crucial with a focus on hoof trimming, vaccinations, and parasite control. Most breeders today are capable of doing their own checkups and parasite control checking for pregnancy and overall health.
4. Breeding and calving: Managed breeding programs and close monitoring during calving seasons help ensure healthy births and strong calves. Highlands are known for easy calving.
5. Handling and training: Gentle patient handling helps build trust, train them to halters, and leading for ease of management.
6. Fencing and enclosures: Sturdy fencing at least 4 feet high is essential as they are skilled escape artists.
7. Hoof care: Rregularly trimming helps prevent lameness and supports overall health. Not all Highlands need hoof trimming.
8. Social structure: Respect their natural hierarchy, keeping calves with mothers and maintaining small herd groups.
9. Pasture management: Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing maintaining healthy grasslands and minimizing environmental impact.
10. Registration and record keeping: Register your cattle with the American highland cattle association to preserve breed integrity and tracking lineage.
