Scottish Highlands

Cannon_Farms · #1 07/12/11, 08:36 AM

Do they require any special care or anything outside of a regular cow? In this heat do they need to be shaved? Are they good for much other than being cute?

May have a trade lined up for a little heifer calf

tonyb · #2 07/12/11, 08:56 AM

I spoke with a gentleman at our farm supply store that used to raise Highlanders. He sold them directly to customers as grass-fed beef -- said he couldn't keep up with the demand. I guess he had a herd of 30 or so. The only reason he sold out was because of his aching bones and nobody to take over the business. This doesn't really answer your questions, just thought I'd share that with you.

By the way, I like your sign-off regarding the goats. I always say that nothing makes you feel like less of an engineer than projectors and copy machines. In the farming/homesteading world, goats are right up there on the list. My goats have accomplished feats that I still can't explain to this day. Its like they can turn into vapor somehow and slip right through a solid fence.

lonelyfarmgirl · #3 07/12/11, 09:24 AM

Due to your location, the main thing is they will need is shade and free access to water. Never shave a highland. Their hair protects them from biting insects. They will shed out in the spring. Taking the extra time to keep them handle-able would help. Then you could brush them as they shed.
When it is hot and muggy, they appreciate boggy areas to stand in. When it gets that way here, they always headed for the ditch, where there is usually standing water.

Oh, what they are good for. They are a beef breed, they just grow a little slower, and they are outstanding for harsh northern climates.

Rocktown Gal · #4 07/12/11, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon_Farms

Do they require any special care or anything outside of a regular cow? In this heat do they need to be shaved? Are they good for much other than being cute?

May have a trade lined up for a little heifer calf

Highland do not require special care. Actually they can get by with very little care and forge on things that other cattle will not. You also do not need to shave the cattle...they shed on their own. They do like shade so trees are good and like to stand in the creek. Besides being cute they are good to eat too.

Cannon_Farms · #5 07/12/11, 09:41 AM

I was thinking about something to change my signature too and about that time I bought what was supposed to be a underdog of a goat, and shes my bossiest goat with all the other animals and only one goat away from being herd queen and her previous owner was shocked.

The lady wants $700 for the heifers and $500 for the bull calfs, I can trade for a heifer but not a bull calf, cant see the point in that... I always thought that they where good for milking too if trained?

Trisha in WA · #6 07/12/11, 09:50 AM

I don't know how GOOD they are for milking, but a gf of mine just started milking hers. She's not getting very much milk, but this little cow is a first freshener. So, she'll get more as the years go on...but not a lot.

MO_cows · #7 07/12/11, 11:55 AM

Just wondering, in Georgia, why a Highlander and not a breed better suited to the climate? Seems like entering a Model T in a stock car race...it might get around the track but it's never going to win. "survive" versus "thrive".

lasergrl · #8 07/12/11, 11:59 AM

They do just fine in the heat. They shed almost completely slick in the summer other then the tail and forlock. It was 90 degrees yesterday and my dehorned highland was not acting any hotter then the dexter or sheep. Not having horns doesnt seem to trouble her either. I do have shade, and one thing that is almost a must is a wallow. They enjoy sitting in water so much that its a shame to not have something dug for them. We used the tractor and dug a 12 X 8 hole filled with water for her.

Cannon_Farms · #9 07/12/11, 09:52 PM

OMgosh she is sooo friggin cute, waiting on things to process before I post a picture.
From what I have read, and granted I have not had that much time they have an extreamly rich milk at about 12% butter fat and will do about 2 gallons a day which is plenty so even at half of that I think we could deem her worth while..

Cannon_Farms · #10 07/13/11, 06:08 AM

here she is, this photo is about a month old... just curious as to what she could possibly bring into my goats as far as uncurable diseases,

Scottish Highlands - Cattle

lonelyfarmgirl · #11 07/13/11, 11:08 AM

Nothing if she is healthy. I often raise bottle calves with my goats. It makes them more willing and manage-able. They grow up acting like friendly goats, rather than flighty beligerant cows.

Cannon_Farms · #12 07/13/11, 05:01 PM

I think the little spotted butt thing is coming home with us too

trbizwiz · #13 07/13/11, 05:26 PM

Ive gotta get my boys one of those. They are wanting a dog, but I think a highland heifer is a good compromise. I wonder if she would cross ok with a red poll bull. HE throws 65 to 70 lb calves.

Cannon_Farms · #14 07/13/11, 05:33 PM

I dont know if I can get a response since this isnt about dehorning but they say her horns are about an inch and a quarter long, what is the best way to dehorn one when they are that long? Most humane way possible of course but I know that its not a pretty job

G. Seddon · #15 07/13/11, 05:46 PM

I, too, have my doubts about keeping Highlands in the Georgia climate.

Have you planned ahead to find a suitable sire when this calf is of age to breed? AI is an option if someone in the vicinity has the expertise.

Highlands are a HORNED breed! And you want to dehorn her?

She's absolutely adorable, but she WILL grow up (kind of like kittens). Sorry, but I'm not convinced you've thought this through carefully.

Cannon_Farms · #16 07/13/11, 05:53 PM

I am not by far getting her just because of the cuteness factor. I have children and a herd of dehorned dairy goats, I dont do horns. The people are within an hour of me, further in south GA and they are doing fine at her place so I dont see much difference other than I have a very shady spot we keep cooler for the goats. other than the humidity theres not much different to the climates, we would have our share of 90s in upstate NY.. I may wind up just using a dexter on her as I have access to one of those as well that is small and throws very calves but also they have an unrelated bull to use in the future..

We plan on milking her, i do understand the quanity isnt going to be a huge amount Im hearing about 2 gallons a day tops but the richness of it would make great cheese and butter.

ozark_jewels · #17 07/13/11, 06:16 PM

You can still disbudd at that size. Just use a calf disbudding tip, not a goat tip. Cut the horn off at the base with sterilized hoof nippers, and cauterize the bleeding area with a hot iron. It will seem like a lot of blood, but it will cauterize. Then just disbudd like you would a goat. That is going to be more humane than the scoop method done by a vet, and you can do it at home.
I used to have Highlands and IF I ever got them again, I would disbudd!

Cannon_Farms · #18 07/13/11, 06:23 PM

I dont disbud my goats, but my vet can do what you mentioned above. My disbudder does calves but not after they start growing that far out. My hands are not dependable to hold something that hot and risky.
Did you ever try and milk yours Emily? Shes been raised with the goat kids so Im comfortable putting her with my goats. The lady raises Nubian dairy goats as well and does testing for CAE so Im a bit more comfortable. She shaves hers but I have not found that any of the other breeders in Ga do..

agmantoo · #19 07/13/11, 06:37 PM

I see that you can "trade" for the calf. I hope that your part includes your trading a $500 cat in the deal.

Cannon_Farms · #20 07/13/11, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agmantoo

I see that you can "trade" for the calf. I hope that your part includes your trading a $500 cat in the deal.

Not sure what you mean by that, Im probably missing something, but shes getting a very well bred doeling and buckling that value at her asking price of $500