FAQ's

Here you will find the answers to some common questions we get asked

Scottish Highland FAQ

What is the difference between pet and stud cattle?

Before I get my highland what do I need to do?

What size do highlands grow to?

Are their horns dangerous?

Do I have enough land to own a highland?

Do highlands require training?

What equipment will I need if I own a highland?

Hardy & adaptable - Highlands have the ability to withstand hardy conditions and have adapted well to the Australian climate. Their hair is actually a double coat, they have a dense winter coat to help withstand cold conditions which they shed in Spring along with some long guard hairs and then in summer they have a light over coat, both coats act as insulation against the weather. Highlands will also happily forage on under growth and clean up pastures where other breeds wouldn't exist.
Great mothering ability - Exceptional maternal characteristics such as easy birthing, milk supply and maternal instincts make them great mothers.
Breeding longivity - Highland cows have been known to breed past 18 years of age, having on average 12-14 calves in their life time.
Friendly - Naturally docile temperament, they are easy to handle in the yards and will come when called in the paddock. Most highlands will allow you to brush and hand feed them but some do like to stand back and watch!
Quality meat - Highland meat is lean yet well marbled, low in cholesterol and high in iron and protein. There double coat acts as insulation resulting in less body fat.

Until 2017 highland cattle were classified as rare by the Australian Rare Breeds Trust.
The highland cow is the oldest registered breed of cattle in the world! Their presence was first recorded in the Outer Hebrides in the 6th Century!
Queen Victoria is said to have preferred the red coloured highland cattle and in an effort to please the Queen this resulted in selective breeding of the reddish colour that we see most often today and the black colour gradually declining over time.
Highlands are affectionately known as "Hairy Coos" in Scotland.
The collective name for a group of cows is usually a herd. However, a group of Highland cattle is known as a ‘fold’.
The fringe of a highland is known as their Dossan, the dossan as well as their exceptionally long eye lashes help protect their eyes from insects and also sticks when foraging.