Highland Cattle
Highland Cattle
Mammal

Location at the Zoo
Eurasia
Region
Worldwide except Antarctica


Highland Cattle

Bos taurus


Highland cattle are a hardy, long-haired breed of domesticated cattle known for their distinctive appearance. They have a shaggy double coat that protects them from cold, wet climates, and long, curved horns used for foraging and defence. Their coats can be reddish-brown (the most iconic), black, yellow, brindle, white, or dun. Highland cattle are known for their gentle temperaments, intelligence, and resilience.

HEAD AND BODY LENGTH: 1.2 to 1.6 metres (4 to 5.2 feet) at the shoulder

HEIGHT AT SHOULDER:

  • Cows: ~105–120 cm (41–47 inches)
  • Bulls: ~125–135 cm (49–53 inches)

TAIL LENGTH: ~1 metre (3.3 feet), including tuft

WEIGHT:

  • Cows: 500–600 kilograms (1,100–1,300 pounds)
  • Bulls: 800–1,000 kilograms (1,800–2,200 pounds)


Conservation Status: IUCN


Distribution

While native to Scotland, Highland cattle have been exported to countries across the globe. In Canada, they are kept on farms, ranches, and in educational or conservation settings like zoos and nature reserves.

Habitat

Adapted to harsh environments, Highland cattle thrive in open pastures, mountainous regions, and rough grazing lands. Their thick coat and strong hooves allow them to live comfortably in regions where other cattle breeds would struggle.

Diet

Herbivorous grazers. Their diet includes grasses, shrubs, heather, and even coarse vegetation that other livestock may avoid. Their efficient digestive system allows them to convert poor forage into energy and maintain body condition year-round.

Reproduction

Highland cows give birth to one calf after a gestation of about 9 months. Calves are usually born in the spring and are hardy from birth. The breed is known for low-intervention births and strong maternal instincts.

Threats to Survival

As a domesticated breed, Highland cattle are not considered endangered. However, their slow growth rate and relatively low meat yield compared to industrial breeds mean they are not as common in commercial farming. Preservation is often supported by heritage breed programs, conservation farms, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.