2 year old highland heifer

AnthonyF · #1 05/29/12, 05:09 AM

Hi everyone
Just a question about my highland heifer. She is just about to turn 2 years old. I got her when she was 14 months old and she ran together with the herd, bulls and all. I want to have her bred but have never noticed her in heat or seen any of the other cows mount her or anything. Is there a chance she is pregnant? It has been 9 months since she came to my place. There is no obvious utter development, but it may be hard to tell with her long hair. Or is there a chance she hasn't eveb come into heat yet? Any info would be great.

G. Seddon · #2 05/29/12, 06:27 AM

I think Highlands mature a little later than some other breeds. There are some Highland folks on this board so maybe they can shed a little light on this.

lakeportfarms · #3 05/29/12, 06:58 AM

With Highlands you'll probably see your first calf at about 3 years old. They do mature later, but they'll typically live longer and calve into their later years more than other breeds. Fortunately they still breed back every year so you get them just as often so the wait for the next one is the same as other breeds!

Expect few if any calving difficulties, and heifers will be hard to tell how far along they are until you find a hairy little thing one morning in the pasture.