With their distinctive hairy coat and long horns, the beauty of the Highland is apparent from the first time you lay eyes on them. They are an ancient breed from the Highlands in Scotland that have changed very little over the centuries. Whether it’s the almost prehistoric, majestic appearance of a mature cow or bull, or the incredibly adorable calves, the most common reason people get started with Highland cattle is their visual appeal.

While most people start with Highlands because of their visual appeal, the reason breeders stay with the Highlands is their docile temperament, their meat quality and their hardiness, or low maintenance.

Many people comment on how quiet the animals are, especially those who have had a lot to do with cattle. Highland cattle are naturally quiet and can be easily halter trained. Many breeders consider this characteristic to be paramount to the future of the breed. Beyond their looks are some incredibly hardy characteristics that mean you do not have to fuss with them too much. 

They appear to be disease resistant compared with many other breeds—for example they rarely get pink eye (an eye infection that can result in blindness), or eye cancers because their dossan (fringe) covers their eyes and protects it from the sun and flies. 

They calve easily, because of lower birth weights, and so it is uncommon to come across birthing problems. They are generally well put together animals, and because of this excellent structure, they are less likely to break down as they get older. Highland cows are well known to have a calf each year until they are 15—20 years old or more. 

Can any other bovine breed lay claims to being as productive and fertile for this sort of time span? Economically, this means at least double the number of calves per breeding female over their life span, compared with other commercial breeds.

The cows have excellent mothering abilities. While they will fiercely defend their calves from predators, with time and trust they will allow you near their calves. You may even notice a cow in the fold butting away another cow’s calf. This helps teach the calf that the only one who will look after them is their own mother. 

Their hardiness also extends to their appetite. While they still need feed to survive, they appear to forage better than other cattle. That is, they eat a lot wider variety of plant species - all the grass species, some weeds, bushes and trees. Some Highland cattle are known to eat thistles, box thorn and even prune any overhanging trees. 

Basically, in the tougher country, they will do better than European breeds and the other British breeds because they are used to eating the rougher plants and converting them to energy. Just think what they are used to doing in the highlands of Scotland with nothing but heather to survive on.

Maverick was sold in 2022 as a pet steer. Photo: Rita Daher

While it is unlikely that a smaller beef property will turn a handsome profit with any breed on it, Highlands allow you to diversify your income. 

The resale of the beasts themselves is mainly for heifers and cows. The steers, dehorned or not, are desired as pets by some people who like their looks and docility but do not want the hassle of breeding.

All but the top 5% of bull calves are best made into steers. But some bulls can be sold to commercial herds, especially dairy herds, because of their smaller birth weights and muscling. 

These animals have been used as attractions at various tourist venues in Australia as well. The historic homestead on Churchill Island in Victoria has a fold and Tarraleah in Tasmania has a fold of these beautiful animals to welcome people to their resort. Other Victorian properties where you can stay and see highlands include Five Acres at Phillip Island and Cockatoo Cottages at Cockatoo. Other income streams include beef, hides and the horns.

The meat is well known to be lean and therefore lower in cholesterol, as well as being as tender as you can get.

The hides are popular floor coverings, for that warm, earthy feel. Because of the different colours in the cattle, there are various coloured hides that you can market as well. On occasion we will have a hide for sale. These are generally advertised via our social media pages but they do go quick!

Polished horns are also desired by individuals, bars or taverns that want this style of wall ornament. These are not as readily available as the hides, but on occasion we will have a set available. These are generally mounted ready to hang on the wall. Follow our social media pages for availability.