question

[brierpatch1974]

Sorry to ask this silly question but are there two breeds of Highland cattle? Is there a Full size and a mini highland? Or is it just one breed that is a smaller size animal by nature? Thanks

BP

[Sprout]

Well the mini isn't really a separate breed more of an exploited humanized genetic drift.

[Christiaan]

The breed is close to dividing into two varieties. The original Highland is a small animal, ideal for crofters and homesteaders. They weigh in the 800 to 1000 lb range. As they've been promoted as a beef breed they have been bred larger, upto 1300-1400 lbs. So actually there isn't a mini-Highland, but there is a giant-Highland. I prefer the smaller ones myself as they are the ideal dual-purpose cow for the small crofter.

[Sprout]

No there are mini highlands (this is just the first link that popped up when I did a google search), but they're just like the rest of the miniature cattle they are not an old breed they're a product of intensive selective breeding.