![highland calf highland calf](https://elmhollowfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/Highland-Cow-Erin-and-Calf.jpg)
Highland cattle have fantastic temperaments and are known for their unflappable demeanor and intelligence. Although plenty of bovines have horns, very few can match the stunning curved crowns that grace both sexes of Highland cattle.īiehler Michael / Shutterstock They Are Confident And Calm As with most animals, the size of the horn indicates the general age. Cows’ horns tend to point up and taper off, while bulls’ horns are thicker and point forward. Large horns are a key element of Highland cattle’s signature look, and both cows and bulls sport them proudly.
![highland calf highland calf](https://13.cdn.ekm.net/ekmps/shops/15b247/images/rosehip-calf-highland-calf-print-framing-option-unframed-print-print-size-large-20x16-[2]-333-p.jpg)
Marcyano / Shutterstock Both The Cows And Bulls Have Horns Still, it’s cute to think of a sweet little Highland calf hunkering down with its people. Highlanders were predominantly farmers, and their herds were essential assets. Although Scottish people do have a special affection for the hairy Highland cattle, this practice of bringing them indoors might have been a little more practical. The family bull or cow was given its own special area and protected from the elements. Even though their utilitarian coats kept Highland cattle snug during the rough winter months, they were still routinely invited into the homes of Scottish people of yesteryear. Once again, truth is often stranger than fiction. Menno Schaefer / Shutterstock They Were Once Housepets On average, the Scottish Highlands get 100 days of snow during the winter months, and the coat does double duty keeping these animals dry and comfortably warm. Their useful coat is another example of how the Highland cattle have evolved to cope with Scotland’s weather. The top layer is covered in a slick oily film that repels rain and snow.
![highland calf highland calf](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/highland-cattle-calf-draws-milk-its-mother-green-meadow-graze-fresh-grass-cows-walk-can-background-copy-174555431.jpg)
The underlayer is thick and acts almost like the inside of a down jacket. The colorful coat of the Highland bull or cow has two distinct layers that protect it from the stormy elements and keep it toasty warm. Although it’s common for different breeds of cattle to come in different colors, it’s far less common for a specific breed to have coats of multiple colors.ĭefotoberg / Shutterstock They Have Waterproof Coats What’s more, it’s also possible for them to give birth to calves of different colors. These robust creatures are sheathed in red, yellow, white, black, and even brindle fur. When people envision Highland cattle, they tend to think of thick auburn coats of fur, and while many cows and bulls do sport this ginger hue, Highland cattle come in a wide variety of colors. Jonas Carlberg / Flickr ( CC BY 2.0) They Come In A Rainbow Of Colors In terms of human years, these impressive animals live well over 70 years, and some even exceed 90 years! They have also been known to give birth well into their later years, making these creatures coveted livestock. They live an average of 15 to 22 years, substantially longer than most other members of the bovine family. Highland cattle’s ability to adapt to the cruel climate of the Scottish Highlands might have contributed to their impressive longevity. It’s an understatement to say that their Scottish roots run deep.ġ8percentgrey / Shutterstock They Have A Long Lifespan Over the centuries, Highland cattle have evolved into hearty animals with the courage to face the fierce Scottish winters, and they are probably descendants of ancient oxen. These creatures have called the Highlands their home for centuries and have adapted to the chilly climate by developing thick, shaggy coats. The breed was the first bovine breed on the planet to be registered, with the first herd recognized in 1884. Highland cattle are as old as Scotland itself.
![highland calf highland calf](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SQVMVNKjrFc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Trotalo / Shutterstock They Were The First Bovine Breed In The World To Be Registered Here are some incredible facts about Scottish Highland cattle. These beasts have a distinguished history, a fantastic temperament, and a special place in the hearts of all Scots. Swanston Farm and Trossachs Woollen Mill are two excellent places to interact with Highland cattle up close. You can spot these magnificent creatures wandering the misty moors or at various farms across the country. Also known as heilan coos, Highland cattle have a close and fascinating relationship with the people of Scotland and are a tourist attraction in their own right. Highland cattle are Scotland’s adorable signature animals: shaggy, friendly representatives of the moors and highlands.