However, you should take care around cows with calves, as they may be protective of their young. They don’t fight between themselves and are also friendly towards humans.
They are friendly too! Known for their good temperament and non-aggressive nature.A long, shaggy, weather-proof outercoat to protect them from the Scottish wind, rain and snow, and a soft and fluffy undercoat to keep them warm and cosy, meaning they can tolerate very cold temperatures. And their long coats actually have two layers. Highland cattle use their horns to rake the ground, helping them to find food, even in the toughest of conditions. Bulls’ horns are shorter, thicker and straighter than cows’ horns. The horns differ in size and shape for males and females. They also have two horns on their head, which curve upwards. They have long, woolly coats, which may be black, brown, red, yellow, white, grey or silver. They are also sometimes cross-bred with other types of cattle. Today, they are all classed as Highland cattle and you can spot them in many colours, here in the far north of Scotland and across the country. There were two distinct types of Highland cattle at this time A black variety, known as Kyloe, which came from the Outer Hebrides, and the slightly larger Highlander, from the mainland, which came in a range of colours, including the iconic red-brown variety. They have been around since at least the 6th century, but the first herd wasn’t officially recorded until 1885. These hardy creatures with their thick coats were well-suited to the Scottish climate. Highland cattle originated from farms in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. One of the local farms near Thurso, Kirkton Farm, even offers Farm Buggy Tours around their fields, where you’ll meet their Highland cattle and other friendly farm animals. From Wick to John O’Groats to Thurso, there are plenty of opportunities along the way to spot Highland cows. Look out for them in the fields around the Caithness countryside. Rest assured, when you come to stay with us at Mackays Hotel in the far north of Scotland, you’re never too far from a fold of these hairy beasts. But one of our favourites is the mighty Highland cow, or Heilan coo. For these reasons, Highlands are excellent cattle for locations with harsh conditions and less than ideal forage availability.The Scottish Highlands is famous for many things … scenery, whisky, golf, bagpipes. They also require less shelter than other cattle because their hair creates a protection against the elements. The Highland cattle are very hardy, thriving on vegetation other cattle would not eat. Both the male and female Highland grow large horns that generally tip forward, which are used to help protect from predators in open range lands. This longevity allows a single cow to produce many offspring in her lifetime. Highlands tend to live longer than other breeds of European cattle, and will continue to reproduce until they reach around 20 years old. They are traditionally a reddish-orange color, but may also be black, yellow, white, dun, or brindle. Highland cattle can be found in a variety of colors. Highland cattle are also rarely affected by stress, resulting in fewer cases of stress-related diseases than with other European cattle. This also makes them less prone to eye problems including cancer. The Highlands are resistant to diseases carried by flying insects because the long hair on their forehead protects their eyes from the insects. Though they enjoy the cold, Highland cattle can partially shed and regrow their hair to adapt to warm climates. The inner layer of hair is a soft undercoat which insulates the Highland’s body and keeps them warm in the extreme temperatures of the Scottish Highlands. This oil helps the Highlands to be less affected by the snow and rain by reducing the amount that is able to saturate their coat.
Their outer hair may grow to 13 inches long, and it is well-oiled to shed precipitation. They are most easily recognizable by their long, shaggy double coat. Scottish Highland Cattle typically weigh 1,000 - 1,800 pounds when fully-grown.
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