|
Our Herd
|
|
Click on any picture below to view a larger picture in a new window.
Medium to Miniature
Scottish Highland Cattle
About Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highland breed of cattle is an ancient breed, dating back to the early 1700’s,
one of the oldest registered breeds.
The predominant color was black and animals as small as 350 lbs. were not unusual.
Highland cattle were imported to the US in the late 1800's. These animals originally roamed the
rugged highlands of Scotland. The extremely harsh conditions created a process of natural selection,
where only the fittest and most adaptable survived to carry on the breed. Because of this Highland cattle
will eat brush and plants that other cattle may avoid.
Originally there were two distinct classes: the smaller black breed whose primary domain was the islands off
the west coast of the northern Scotland. The second, a larger generally reddish breed, originated from the main
land mountains of Scotland. Domestication and cross breeding between the two produced the animals we know today
as Highland cattle. In addition to the colors red and black, Highland cattle can be dun (grayish), blonde or white.
Today what is now commonly referred to as the "miniature Scottish Highland" animal is actually a return to the
original size and heritage of this historic breed.
Highland cattle are well known for their large horns. Both the bulls and cows will produce horns.
The male horns normally grow outward and curve down from their head. The female horns normally grow outward
and curve up and back from their head.
Some of today’s beef market is shifting in favor of smaller farms, leaner meats and smaller, miniature sized
animals.
Miniature cattle are defined as being less than 42” high at the shoulders. Little Highland Farm is currently
raising Highland cattle ranging from 36”, considered miniature, to less than 50” , considered medium size.
Our heifers are currently bred to a miniature registered Scottish Highland bull,
named Casper, courtesy of
Galloping Winds Ranch in Florence, Texas.
Our calves are expected in the Spring of 2009.
“Little Highland Farm” is located north of Bellingham, Washington. The farm name was derived from the Highland
breed, the size of the animals, and Ralph and Oma Little, from whom we originally purchased our property in 1982.
|
More photos coming soon!
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}
