#Highland cattle colors full#

However, they can also be bred for their unique appearance, which has made them popular as show animals and pets. Highland cattle are usually bred for their meat or milk production qualities. However, this slow growth rate is thought to contribute to the high quality of the meat produced by this breed.

#Highland cattle colors full#

Gage Beasley's Scottish Highland Cow Soft Stuffed Plush ToyĬompared with other cattle breeds, the Highland cow is relatively slow-growing, taking around four years to reach full size. The average lifespan of a Highland cow is around 15 years, but some individuals have been known to live for 20 years or more. Once fully grown, the Highland cow will reach a height of around five feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. The calf will drink its mother's milk for around six months, after which it will start to eat solid food. After a gestation period of around nine months, the cow will give birth to a single calf. Like many other mammals, the Scottish Highland cow reproduces sexually. Thanks to their versatile diet, they can adapt to changes in their environment and continue to produce milk even when other cattle breeds would struggle. In addition to grasses, Scottish Highland cows will eat heather and other plants that grow in the Highlands.Īs a result, their diet is varied and nutritious, providing them with everything they need to thrive in this harsh environment.ĭespite their small size, Scottish Highland cows are hardy animals that can thrive in various climates. Highland cows can convert this food into high-quality milk, which is why they are often used in the dairy industry. During the winter, they may be given a grain supplement when the grass is not as readily available.

The diet of a Scottish Highland cow consists mainly of grass and hay. Their meat is lean and has a delicate flavor prized by chefs and food lovers worldwide. Highland cows can also be used for beef production. Highland cow milk is also high in calcium and other nutrients, making it a healthful choice for people who want to drink milk. They produce high-quality milk that is rich in butterfat and protein. Highland cows have been used for centuries as dairy cows in Scotland. Highland cows are also very hardy animals and can withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Scottish Highlands.

They are excellent mothers and care for their calves diligently. Scottish Highland cows are known for their docile temperament and friendly disposition. They are a medium-sized breed, averaging around 1000 pounds at maturity. Highland cows are typically reddish-brown, but they can also be black, white, or any combination of these colors. While the breed is generally docile, the horns can be used as a weapon if the animal feels threatened. Highland cows are also characterized by their long horns, which can grow up to six feet in length. They are characterized by their long, shaggy coats of hair, which help keep them warm in their homeland's cold, windy climate. Scottish Highland cows are a unique breed of cattle in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.