Highland Cattle
Our Highland cattle are naturally raised in accordance with our Certified Naturally Raised specifications. The cattle are basically grass fed and may be fed occasional organic grain when required. Our cattle are allowed to mature slowly on pasture in a stress free environment. They have freedom to roam, graze and forage on plentiful grass and browse. Clean water is always available as is salt and minerals.
The health and welfare of our animals is paramount so that our customs can be confident in the quality of our beef.
The health and welfare of our animals is paramount so that our customs can be confident in the quality of our beef.
History of Highland Cattle
Highland cattle were first imported into Canada, from Scotland, in the 1880’s and their presence has been recorded in Nova Scotia during these early years. Beginning in the 1920’s significant numbers of breeding stock were brought over from Scotland for breeders in the Prairies and Central Canada.
In 1964 The Canadian Highland Cattle Society was formed and incorporated under the Livestock Pedigree Act. All Highlands registered in the Canadian Herd Book must be purebred and no “breeding up” is allowed so that the purity of the Canadian Highland gene pool is strictly maintained.
Highlands are often described as noble and beautiful with their handsome sweeping horns which can make them a formidable adversary to almost any predator. They have two coats - the inner is thick and woolly designed to act as a blanket to retain heat and the second is a long outer coat to shed rain and snow to prevent the inner coat becoming damp and cold. This double coat protects them from driving rain or snow in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero and therefore they do not need any special housing.
In colour they range from white through dun, yellow, red, brindle to black with red being the most common.
Highlanders are no different from most other breeds of cattle. They generally respond well to human contact and on the whole are docile, however, cows are particularly protective mothers, when danger is around their calves so care should be taken when approaching cows with very young calves. Bulls are generally good natured but they are bulls and should be respected. Anyone who doesn’t want to own a bull can use artificial insemination (AI) or rent a bull to get their cows in calf.
In 1964 The Canadian Highland Cattle Society was formed and incorporated under the Livestock Pedigree Act. All Highlands registered in the Canadian Herd Book must be purebred and no “breeding up” is allowed so that the purity of the Canadian Highland gene pool is strictly maintained.
Highlands are often described as noble and beautiful with their handsome sweeping horns which can make them a formidable adversary to almost any predator. They have two coats - the inner is thick and woolly designed to act as a blanket to retain heat and the second is a long outer coat to shed rain and snow to prevent the inner coat becoming damp and cold. This double coat protects them from driving rain or snow in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero and therefore they do not need any special housing.
In colour they range from white through dun, yellow, red, brindle to black with red being the most common.
Highlanders are no different from most other breeds of cattle. They generally respond well to human contact and on the whole are docile, however, cows are particularly protective mothers, when danger is around their calves so care should be taken when approaching cows with very young calves. Bulls are generally good natured but they are bulls and should be respected. Anyone who doesn’t want to own a bull can use artificial insemination (AI) or rent a bull to get their cows in calf.
