New Owner FAQ's
Below you will find our most frequently asked questions from new highland owners
Do we have any calves for sale?
Every year we have limited cows and calves available.
Due to the high demand of highland cattle and peoples changing circumstances we are now keeping a mailing list instead of a formal wait list. When we have calves/cows available we will send an email to everyone on the mailing list and if your interested in any you then have the opportunity to arrange a farm visit to meet the calf/cow and make a decision before we list them publicly.
If you would like to be included in the list please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to request being added. You will only receive a sales list no spam emails will be sent.
Please note all calves stay with their mother for a minimum of 8-9 months after birth.
What is the difference between pet and stud cattle?
Regardless of their grading all our cattle are sold vaccinated with 7 in 1 and drenched for parasite control.
You will also receive a copy of their history and their registration pedigree certificate (if applicable).
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Our "pet/companion stock" are our graded up cattle and polled (no horns) cattle, they make perfect lawn mowers and friendly brushable pets. Grading up is a system the Australian Highland Cattle Society uses for cattle that have been crossed with another breed whether themselves or in the parent lineage. We will also sell our Purebloods and Fully Imported Bloodlines as pets if they do not have the appropriate traits for breeding or showing.
Our 'stud stock" are our Fully Imported Bloodline and Pureblood cattle, they are perfect for breeding or showing.
Before I get my highland what do I need to do?
Is your land size adequate?
Ensure you have enough land to keep cattle, generally the maximum stocking rates are 1x cow per 2 acres, this will vary with your location based on available pasture, rain fall and soil fertility.
Helpful website links;
small-landholders-western-australia
livestock-management-small-landholders-western-australia
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Organise a Property Identification No. (PIC)
If you don't have a PIC already, the information you require to apply is in the following link;
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All livestock are legally required to be identified by a visual or electrical eartag/device which enables lifetime traceability of that animal. When the cow is moved off a property the owner must complete a NVD (National Vendor Declaration) which will require your PIC number.
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Get your infrastructure ready;
Ensure your property is suitable for highlands by preparing fencing and gates, organising water troughs/dams and having a place you can use for vet visits and general care such as yards with a crush, these can also be temporary cattle panels if required but you will need a place where the cow can be restrained.
What size do highlands grow to?
Highlands are typically a medium size breed and can vary in size from 90 - 106cm for a female and 106-120cm for a male.
With the recent surge in miniature highland requests the Australian Highland Cattle Society has published the following article on a genetic defect the causes miniature animals.
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Chondrodysplasia (Congenital dwarfism) in cattle
Abnormally small size in cattle can have several causes, from diseases that affect embryonic development and growth, to trace element deficiencies or malnutrition. Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) is a genetic condition affecting the growth plates. There are multiple mutations in cattle which cause dwarfism. The BD1 and BD2 (Bulldog Dwarfism) mutations have been identified in Highlands, likely introduced by early crossbreeding with Dexter cattle.
Bulldog Dwarfism is inherited as a dominant condition, meaning it will be expressed to some degree in any animal that carries a mutant copy. Additionally, BD is lethal in homozygous mutants (the result of crossing two heterozygous animals together).
Are their horns dangerous?
Highland horns are a distinct feature that first attracted me to this majestic breed, as well as their long hair its what sets them apart from other breeds. I always exercise caution when working with my cattle but I also know which animals I can get closer to and not worry so much about.
Highlands have a distinct pecking order in their group, the higher up the pecking order they are the more likely it is they will use their horns to move other cattle away from food, water and human attention! so be aware and don't get in the way when this happens.
Being prey animals highlands also use their horns in defence when they feel threatened.
As a caution it doesn't matter what breed of cattle you have, because of their size you should always stay alert to your environment when working with them.
Recommended reading
A Keen Eye - written by Una Flora Cochrane
Highland Cattle - written by Stephan Janz
Raising Beef Cattle - written by Heather Smith Thomas
Recommended listening
The Highland Cattle Talk podcast hosted by Deniz Karaca with Dr Glen Hastie and Dr Paul MacLeman.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
This podcast is a wealth of knowledge for new and existing Highland owners.
Recommended websites and Facebook group
Australian Highland Cattle Society
https://www.australianhighlandcattle.org/
Australian Herd Book Search (for information on registered Highlands)
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A Facebook page run by the WA Highland Breeders Group this is a great place to meet fellow highland owners and be up to date with the latest in the breeders group events such as information and training days.