About Highland Cattle

The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, able to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region. It is reared primarily for beef and has been exported to several other countries.

The coat of the Highland cattle consists of two layers: the undercoat and the oily outer coat, which is the longest among cattle species. The coat of the cattle can be patchy, varying in color from dun to black, white, red, yellow, and silver. At the beginning of spring, the animals shed out, growing less hair during the summer months, due to which they are able to live in various habitats and climatic conditions.

Highland cattle inhabit wet and mountainous grasslands. The animal is native to Scotland, although currently found throughout Europe, North America as well as Australia.

Highland cattle live within a hierarchy system, where individuals are ranked, depending on age and sex. Older ones dominate younger ones and males dominate females. In addition, young males begin to dominate adult females, reaching the age of approximately 2 years. Calves, born from the top-ranking cow, automatically get higher positions in the herd, even without their mother's initiative. Friendly behavior between the animals includes licking, mounting, and play-fighting. They are strong grazers, very skillful in foraging for food. During winter months, they dig through the snow layer with their horns to get to vegetation. In addition, when encountering a predator or a rival, they defend themselves, using their horns.

The gestation period lasts about 9 months, yielding a single baby. The calves of Highland cattle are born precocial and are able to stand, walk and recognize their mother. The mother cow is very careful and devoted to its young, nursing them for about 6 months. First giving birth at the age of 2-3 years, they are able to yield offspring up to 19 years.

Information found on https://animalia.bio/highland-cattle