![]() Since the beginning of the 20th century, the species has been exported worldwide, primarily to North America and Australia. Nowadays, however, the difference between these two types has disappeared because of crossbreeding. These animals were dun or red in color and larger due to pastures, providing them with the required nutrients. According to the book, the other type was mainland cattle. The West Highland cattle were relatively smaller with black coats and long hair, as a result of living in harsher conditions. It says that one was the West Highland, or Kyloe, brought from the Western Isles. These two types are described in the herd book, written in 1885. The species was formed in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland out of 2 types of cattle, which are now extinct. The first written references to the Highland cattle date back to the 12th century AD. As it comes to the Highland cattle, the species has quite a long history, beginning with the 6th century AD. Highlands have so much to offer as a hardy beef breed, why on earth would you bastardize a grand old breed to produce substandard animals? If you want a Highland, even if just for a pet – please buy a well bred one from someone who has the breed’s best interest at heart.Originally, cattle were introduced to Britain by farmers during the Neolithic. I think (I hope) the problem is, most of these “breeders” do not have cattle experience and are just jumping on a bandwagon. A "mini" Highland cow will still have regular Highland size genetics - and will have a normal sized calf, greatly increasing the risk of dystocia. Not only do you risk passing on poor qualities, you risk endangering the cow and future calves. Breeding animals that carry the chondro gene increases the risk of bulldog calves (a lethal genetic defect).įor any reason, other than being crossbred, it is irresponsible to pass on those genetics. Many so-called miniature Highlands are the result of a Highland being crossed with a chondro Dexter. Crossbreeding is fine, as long as it is not being marketed as a purebred - and the sire & dam do not carry the chondrodysplasia (dwarf) gene. While the majority of our cows are Scottish Highlands, we have also obtained some Highland crosses, British Whites, Shorthorns, and Belted-Galloways. ![]() Maybe the animal is not a purebred Highland, rather crossed with another breed - often Dexter. About Our Breeding Stock Since October of 2015, our herd has grown to over 135 cows and four herd bulls. I've heard of a few cases of people buying a very young calf as a miniature, with no instruction to feed milk replacer - and the calf is dead in a week. Some misrepresent the age of the animal, claiming it is older than it actually is, so it seems small. Some so-called “breeders” pull healthy calves off of healthy dams and feed the calves just enough to survive. Maybe the breeder deliberately withheld nutrition to stunt it. Maybe the breeding combination just didn’t work - not every pairing clicks. Maybe it has something congenital going on – bad heart, for example. Maybe the dam is older and her milk production/quality is declining. Maybe it is a case of placental insufficiency. There are many reasons for an animal to be on the small side. Most often these are stunted, poor examples of the breed. Rising popularity of Highlands has brought out people trying to market smaller animals as “mini” Highlands, commanding high dollars for “pets”. Bulls generally range from 1700-2000 lbs. Adult Highland cows will average 1100-1400 lbs. There is no such thing as a miniature Highland, and certainly not a microminiature one. We have prepared a sample for you:Ĭonsidering Highland cattle? If you are weighing the pros and cons of registered cattle, the following article by Pat White has valuable information to consider in making your decision. If a purebred animal is to be sold without papers, it must be done so in writing – otherwise it is a contravention of both the CHCS Bylaws and the Animal Pedigree Act.Īlso, if you are selling livestock, please ensure you provide a proper bill of sale. And must due so within 6 months of the sale at the seller’s expense. Similarly, only the registered owner of an animal can transfer registration papers to a buyer. Only the owner or lessee of the dam at birth can register an animal - a buyer cannot, under any circumstances. A full description of requirements can be found in our Bylaws (Sections 17 & 18) here: Please note that there are specific rules that must be followed when registering and transferring Highland cattle in Canada. Unusual breeds such as: Scottish Highlander, Texas Longhorn, Ankole-Watusi, Belgian Blue, Dexter, Zebu, and Brahma all have their own special place in people’s hearts. BUYING & SELLING REGISTERED HIGHLAND CATTLE IN CANADA
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