![]() For example, The Fonz weighs around 950 pounds, as opposed to a typical Highland bull that weighs about 1,800 pounds, and our chondro-positive heifers only weigh approximately 650 pounds. All our breeding stock comes from Lakeport Farm, which is known to operate one of the most responsible breeding program in the United States.Ĭompared to full-size Highland Cattle, Miniature Highland Cattle are much smaller. Our three breeding cows, Petunia, Buttercup, and Hazel, are 96% Highland carriers of achondroplasia (I.e., they are chondro-positive). These Highland Dexter hybrids are then carefully bred back to Highland cattle over several more generations until the majority of the genetic composition is Scottish Highland Cattle.Īt Hammerhead Farm, we have a small 100% Scottish Highland bull, called The Fonz, who is not a carrier of achondroplasia. This mutation affects bone growth, resulting in smaller stature. ![]() Once the desired size is achieved, the Highland Cattle are bred with Dexter cows that carry a genetic mutation known as achondroplasia. Over many generations, they select the smallest calves for continued breeding while introducing new bloodlines to avoid genetic abnormalities caused by irresponsible inbreeding. To achieve their smaller size, responsible breeders start with smaller, though still full-size, Highland Cattle. Miniature Scottish Highland Cattle are not recognized as a separate breed from full-size Scottish Highland Cattle. ![]() Highland Cattle also have a longer lifespan compared to other cattle breeds, with some living up to 20 years. They reach sexual maturity around eighteen months of age. This coat combination makes them well-suited to rainy and windy climates.įull-size adult Highland bulls can weigh over 2,200 pounds, while heifers can weigh over 1,100 pounds. Underneath, they have a soft, downy undercoat. They have a long outer hair that protects them from rain and strong winds in the Scottish Highlands. One unique feature of Highland Cattle is their double coat. Most of them are reddish brown, but some are yellow, silver, black, or brindle/dun. They have distinctive long, wide horns and shaggy, wavy coats. Scottish Highland Cattle are a traditional breed from western Scotland.
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