Cross breeding successfully with Highland Cattle
Highland Cattle are very good at passing on their virtues to their progeny. They have become the basis of many successful cross-breeding programmes for hill and upland suckler cattle.
Generations of success
When Highland cows are put to any bull they produce animals of quality and stature that are capable of being out wintered on moorland or hill ground. They have similar attributes to their dams and go on to a produce a high quality beef carcass on a low input farming system.
First crosses with hybrid vigour enhance the good points of their parents, which leads to easy calving, natural maternal care and more commercial progeny. These first crosses can then be put to any modern beef crossing sire to produce a terminal cross animal of superb butcher quality averaging 460kg at 22 months old.
Successfully used sires include Limousin, Charolais, Blonde D’Aquitaine, Beef Shorthorn (shown above), White Bred Shorthorn and British Blue.
Environmental benefits, financial benefits
Highland Cattle offer the potential to cut production costs and increase output. They are robust, functional animals that need the minimum of human intervention and can reduce a variety of costs including labour, vet’s bills, wintering, feed and capital. They can also help to support more profitable production and a sustainable future.
The non-selective grazing and foraging habits of Highland Cattle are recognised for their value by conservation bodies, as they enhance the flora on hilly ground and improve the habitat for wildlife.
They can be found grazing on county wildlife sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and national nature reserves. They are used by conservation bodies, such as Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB, and are a valuable tool for any farmer entering an environmental scheme.
Using Highland cows means having cattle with longevity and hardiness and results in lower costs in replacement, feed, housing and vet bills. They are fertile calvers who can easily calve outside unaided, and most important of all, provide low fat, premium quality beef.
