How to Identify Highland Cattle

Highland cattle are characteristically hardy, adaptable and bold in their ability to survive difficult terrain and harsh climate. The breed adapted to the harsh Highlands of Scotland and in doing so, developed the very characteristics of the breed that makes it so popular. Highland cattle are one of the easiest breeds to recognize on the landscape, as described below, although they are still not common.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the height and size of the cattle observed. Highland cattle grow in height to between 4 feet for males and 3 ½ feet for females. The males of the breed weight around 2,280 pounds and the females weight around 1,100 pounds.

2. Look at the body of the Highland and notice the compact rectangular build that is representative of beef cattle. The short stocky legs are another characteristic of the sturdy compact build of the breed.

3. Notice the long shaggy coat with large long forelock. This coat shows the breed's connection to its cold damp climate of origin, the mountainous Highlands of Scotland. The shaggy thick coat allows the Highland cattle to keep warm without having extra deposits of fat which plays a role in the leanness of the meat.

4. Note that Highland cattle are solid in color. Although the breed comes in a wide range of colors, the most common color is black.

5. Study the long horns of the Highland cattle. Although both the male and female of the breed exhibit horns, the sexes differ by the direction of the horns. The Highland males point down while the females point up.

6. Examine the sturdy distinct head of the Highland cattle. Note the small ears and long thick forelock covering the eyes and front of head. The breed's small ears and thick coat protect against heat loss in cold harsh climates.