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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Highland Cattle Breed info

  • Highland Cattle are a Scottish breed known for their long, wavy coats and majestic horns. They are hardy animals, well-suited to harsh climates, and are prized for their high-quality beef and unique appearance.

  • Highland Cattle are a hardy and versatile breed, they are browsers and enjoy woody shrubs as much as fine, lush pastures.

    A maternal breed, Highlands are bred for calving ease, nurturing skills and calm termperaments.

    With their good looks and fantastic beef Highland Cattle are an ideal solution for smaller farms and rural lifestylers.

  • Hailing from the highlands of Scotland, the home country of Highland Cattle is rugged, windy and exposed and cold country, which is where their warm double coat and exceptional browsing capability developed over hundreds of years.

  • Groups of cattle are typically called a herd, but Highlands are different. A group of Highland Cattle is called a "fold", named after the shelters the cattle would be brought into at night for protection from the cold Scottish highland weather.

    Our fold is therefore known as the "Mholach Carlin Fold".

  • There are some cattle breeds that have a genetic dwarfism mutation called Chondrodysplasia (congentital drawfism) which sadly has been introduced to the Highland breed through crossbreeding with another cattle breed.

    The dwarfism mutation affects the growth plates resulting in animals with abnormally shortened legs. Scientific literature states the animals suffer pain and have long-term health issues.

    Being a responsible breeder we only have mutation-free cattle in our Fold.

    Highland Cattle aren't a large breed and can readily be handled by those willing to gain experience.

Purchasing & Caring for Highland Cattle

  • To purchase Highland Cattle, please contact us directly through our website or give us a call.

    We will discuss what you are looking for and which animals will best suit your needs.

    We strongly recommend coming to visit to meet the animals in person, however if distance is an issue we can do this via a video-call.

    Our Highlands have been raised with love and to be sure they are going to a great new home we will ask you questions about your property, handling facilities and experience with cattle. If you are new to the breed we are more than happy to provide guidance.

  • Yes, we offer farm tours by appointment and host field days.

    Please contact us to schedule a visit and learn more about our Highland Cattle and farming practices.

  • Absolutely! Highland Cattle are well-suited to small farms and hobby farms due to their manageable size, hardiness, and low-maintenance requirements.

    They also make excellent additions to agritourism operations such as farmstays, bed & breakfast, rural wedding venues and so many more.

  • Highland Cattle are relatively low-maintenance compared to commercial cattle breeds.

    The foundation of keeping cattle is ensuring you have enough land, pasture and shelter from extreme weather, and to become knowledged in how to best care for the breed.

    Regular health checks and vaccinations are also important to keep them healthy, and having a good large-animal vet nearby is handy should an emergency arise.

  • Highland Cattle are browsers, enjoying grasses, woody species, many species of tree and shrub leaves, and at times bark.

    If feed is a little sparce during winter months or drought they will be happily supplemented with hay and sileage.

    At times it is recommended to have mineral supplementation available, particularly just prior to calving and while cows are lactating.

  • Highland Cattle can be transported using conventional livestock transporters or trailers, some are even transported in horse floats!

    If transporting mature animals with larger horns it is important to ensure additional space is provided to reduce the risk of injury to the animal and its travel companions, and to also reduce the risk of damaging horns.

    If transporting over larger distances stops ever 2-3 hours for rest and water is important, most especially on hot days.

    We are able to provide transport of purchased animals to you, or alternatively guidance and assistance with transportation arrangements.

  • We recommend visiting our resources section below for more information.

    You can also contact us directly with any specific questions or inquiries.

Interesting Facts

  • Highland Cattle are known for their high-quality beef, which is lean, tender, and flavorful. Their meat is often sought after by gourmet chefs and consumers looking for premium beef.

    Highland Beef is not readily available currently, however we along with a number of other breeders are working towards changing that!

  • Highland Cattle have a long lifespan compared to other cattle breeds, commonly living 15-20 years or more with proper care, and on occassion living well into their 20's.

  • While Highland Cattle can produce milk, they are not typically used for commercial milk production. Their milk is rich and creamy, but they produce less milk compared to dairy breeds.

    in their native Scotland the 'crofters' would keep a few Highland house cows for the family's milk and dairy needs.

  • One of the most unique features of the Highland Cattle breed is the variety of colours: red, yellow, black, dun, silver, white, and brindle.

    Each color has its own unique charm and appeal.

  • Being a heritage breed which hasn't undergone extensive selection for commercial production traits, the Highland Cattle breed is typically smaller in stature. Fullgrown Highland bulls are typically 600 to 800 kg, and females 300 to 500 kg.

    For comparison, this is roughly 1/2 to 2/3 of a commercial angus.

  • The sweeping horns on a Highland serve an important role, to help regulate the temperature of the animal keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

    The horns on a bull have a maculine appearance, often coming out of the head level, dipping down and forward slightly.

    On a female the horns generally come out of the head level, curve forward and upwards and as they become longer curve back.

    Its undeniable that the iconic and majestic breed is so distinctive because of its horns.

  • The breed is generally docile and calm, and will take to grooming and halter training easily.

    As a cattle breed individuals will vary, getting to know your highlands' temperament is critical to a happy relationship!

    Mothers of young calves will be protective, and will often be a little skittish, prefering to be observed from a slight distance.