Highland Cattle in Australia
Highland Cattle, an ancient breed from Scotland, have thrived for centuries thanks to their remarkable ability to adapt and survive in harsh conditions. In Australia, they do well even in less-than-ideal environments.
One key reason for their resilience is that humans haven’t tried to overly modify them. This natural development has resulted in their notable ease of giving birth and overall hardiness.
These cattle don’t need shearing. They grow thick winter coats when it’s cold and shed them in spring. Their unique coats mean they don’t accumulate much surface fat, making their meat lean, flavorful, and marbled just right.
Additionally, their hides are valuable, used for making luxurious rugs in various colors, and their horns can be polished for decorative purposes.
In Australia, thousands of Highland Cattle are registered with the Australian Highland Cattle Society. These include both locally bred and imported animals.
Highland Cattle have several advantages:
Ease of Calving: Since 1987, there have been very few instances where human assistance was needed during calving. This is due to a natural selection process where only the strongest survive and reproduce.
High-Quality Meat: Although they mature slower than other breeds, their meat is tender and succulent, with little surface fat but fine marbling.
Valuable Hides: Their long coats, which don’t require shearing, can be sold for almost as much as the meat, increasing their profitability.
Hardiness: They can maintain their condition in poor environments longer than many other breeds, though proper management is essential.
Docility: Generally, they are calm and easy to handle, making them suitable for smaller properties.
Longevity: They often breed well into old age, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Ideal for Small Properties: Their traits make them perfect for smaller farms. Breeders often develop their own markets for the meat and hides, leading to higher profits.
Attractive Appearance: Besides their practical benefits, they are also known for their good looks.
In summary, Highland Cattle are a resilient, profitable, and easy-to-manage breed, ideal for various farming setups and known for their quality meat and hides.
