08/23/08, 12:44 PM
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Dutch Highlands Farm
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Along the Stillaquamish, Washington
Posts: 1,642
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One of the easiest breeds to take care of once they are used to you. They are extremely hardy, they don't begin to burn body fat for warmth until it gets below minus 18 F. They don't need shelter except for shade from full summer sun. Their double hair coat protects them from all sorts of weather and also gives them their naturally low fat meat.
The cows are extremely protective mothers, coyotes take warning because they know how to use those gorgeous horns. The bulls are quite gentle.
Highlands are friendly and curious but are also homebodies, they very rarely push fences. My cross fences are single strand electric that are very seldom energized. Calves, however, think its great fun to jump over them. After about 5 or 6 months they loose that desire and/or ability.
I grass feed mine, they put on excellent meat on just grass and local hay, with the occasional foray into the woods to browse, plus garden gleanings. They do put weight on slower than the standard beef breeds so slaughter is usually in the 28 to 36 month range. The meat is tender, tasty and naturally low fat. Grass fed requires a minor change in cooking technique that is easily mastered.
They are also dual purpose, producing tasty beef and high-fat milk for great butter and cheeses.
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If angels existed, they'd probably be considered big game. (Don Swain)
Home schooling.........not just for scary religious people anymore. Buffy
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