Highland cattle

Bos taurus

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Bos

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 colour), black, yellow, brindle, white, or dun. Highland cattle are known for their 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

Originally bred in the highlands of Scotland, Highland cattle are now kept as domestic livestock across the globe.

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 cold and damp climates where other cattle breeds would struggle.

Diet

Herbivorous grazers. Their diet includes grasses, shrubs, heather, and other coarse vegetation. 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. Their preservation is supported by heritage breed programs, conservation farms, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

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