Unusual qualities of the Scottish cow
One of the symbols of the northern state of Scotland is the Scottish cow - a cute animal with shaggy hair and a kind disposition.
Scottish cow
About breed
Knowing at least a little about the location of Scotland, it is not difficult to guess that pampered creatures, incl. cattle, there is no place. They need qualities such as endurance and good health.
How did it appear
Scottish cows originate from mountain cows and, directly, from Scottish cows. The former were red, characterized by large dimensions, the latter were not so large, with black fur.
The homeland of this type of cattle was the territories of the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands of Scotland. These mountainous areas are notable for the fact that the weather here is influenced by the Atlantic cyclone, the sun rarely shines, strong winds blow, it often rains and a lot of snow falls.
But it was in such difficult climatic and landscape conditions that the Scottish Highland cow, Highland, was bred.
Direction and productivity
Despite the somewhat decorative appearance of the Scottish breed of cows, they are kept for the purpose of obtaining meat products. Very little milk comes out of it, up to 3, maximum - 5 liters per day, but the meat is unsurpassed.
All thanks to the dense cover that provides heating for the animal. Due to this feature, the cow does not need to accumulate fat so as not to freeze in winter. The meat is dietary, but nutritious, and the cholesterol level is minimal, similar in taste to game. In addition, according to the assurances of experts, it contains a lot of proteins and iron.
Description
The dimensions of Scottish cows are small, the height at the withers is no more than 130 cm, and sometimes even 110 cm. The weight of bulls is about 600-650 kg, heifers - 400-550 kg.
The limbs are strong and short so that it is not difficult to run on hills and mountains. The horns are sharp, curved to defend themselves against predators. The head is folded in proportion to the body. The neck is short, but straight, with a pronounced crest. The eyes are set wide apart.
The back is rounded. Deep, medium-sized chest, curved ribs.
Wool and color
The main feature of animals is a thick, durable coat, about 30 cm long, straight or wavy, and a dense soft undercoat. Sometimes, looking at their photos, especially if they are calves, the first time you can't tell who it is: a cow or a bear cub. For the winter they grow even stronger, but in the summer, so as not to languish from the heat, they shed and shed their "fur coat".
Another "highlight" in their appearance is their long bangs. It falls right on the whole muzzle. However, it grows not just for beauty, but for protection: from insects, wind, rain, etc.
Since the beginning of the breed was laid by two different cows, their color range is diverse:
- black;
- brown, light brown;
- white;
- redhead;
- buckskin;
- brown.
Incl. animals can be spotted.
Care
Bred in not the most favorable climatic conditions, Scottish highland cows are able to winter in non-insulated rooms. Moreover, the cows even sleep peacefully, lying in the snow, so this cattle, except in Scotland, can be kept in different climatic zones, because it has a high adaptive characteristic. Such individuals are recommended for temperate and northern regions.
On farms, small sheds are erected so as not to keep the animal under the scorching sun or pouring rain. Only newborn calves and their mothers need warmth and comfort.
In addition, it is practically not typical for them to get sick. Best of all, they feel at free grazing, keeping them on a leash next to them is a bad idea.
Food
"Scots" are content with any pasture. In winter, when there is no free access to herbs, they are given compound feed, vegetables, etc.
If the cows are very hungry, they can easily eat rough grass or tough shrubs. Such food is not suitable for any other livestock.
In general, the cost of their maintenance is quite low.
Additional Information
For the sake of simple curiosity, as well as for those who are thinking of increasing the number of available livestock with one or two Scottish women, it will be interesting to learn more information about them.
Spread
In addition to their homeland, Scotland, cows are common in Australia, Canada and North America, in Central Europe, Scandinavia. But in countries that are former members of the USSR, they are rare.
pros
The Scottish Highland breed has many advantages. The main advantages have already been mentioned above, but they are not limited to this.
In addition to simple maintenance and excellent health, Scottish cows are caring mothers, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the young. Although the milk productivity of the cow is low, but it is. Thanks to long-term breastfeeding, the calves are strong and do not get sick. They have no genetic pathologies.
Also, cows live quite a long time: about 25 years. They retain their reproductive capacity until almost 20 years of age and are perfectly capable of reproducing without the intervention of the host.
The meat of the Scots comes out excellent, even with a modest diet. The growth of muscle mass is high. At the age of 2-2.5 years, the bull is already ready for slaughter.
Minuses
Again, this is not a dairy cow, which many see as her main drawback.
Both the bull and the heifer are gaining weight slowly, so intensive feeding for early slaughter is not about them. By the way, they feed on the open area, therefore, if there is no way to drive out the "Scots" to graze on a vast pasture, it is better to look for another breed.
They have good adaptability, but they are not advised to take for too hot regions. Why torture a truly northern animal?
Character
The breed is very calm and friendly. True, it is better not to approach a newly calved individual with a baby by her side. As it was said, their maternal instincts are well developed and, protecting the offspring, heifers become aggressive.
The cost
Due to the fact that Scottish high-mountain cows are a rare phenomenon on the territory of Russia and neighboring states, their cost is high. The amount per individual varies around $ 5,000, but the problem is that it is very difficult to find a breeding specimen.
There are Scottish communities whose activities are aimed exclusively at breeding and preserving the purebred species. A calf from such an organization costs about $ 600, an adult - $ 1200-1300.
Interesting Facts
Once the Scots regarded the Highland breed as a dairy cow. Only over time, when specimens with large milk yields appeared, did it become exclusively meat.
After 10 years of age, the meat of the heifer is considered unsuitable for food.
Puberty in cows occurs only after 3 years. The weight of a newborn baby is 20-25 kg.
"Scots" can be found in zoos as an unusual and funny animal.
These horns can restore hectares of pastures: they pry the top layers of the soil with their powerful muzzles and sharp horns, nibble on tough grasses, which makes it possible for new vegetation to grow. In this way, protected areas in the Czech Republic, high-mountain Scottish meadows, etc. have already been saved.