However, the guard hair remains relatively consistent throughout the year. They shed their undercoat during warmer months, reducing their thickness and insulation properties. The MC1R gene (E locus) and the PMEL or SILV gene alleles are responsible for the coat colors (D locus).īeing a cow that weighs between 1,100 and 1,800 pounds, the Highland cow, unlike most people think, does not need a lot of human intervention to maintain its coat. It helps them conserve energy by reducing heat loss in cold weather, ensuring they stay warm even in freezing conditions.Ħ0% of these cows have the typical coat color, which is a reddish brown 22% have yellow coats, and the remaining percentage is made up of pale silver or black. The insulating properties of the undercoat are crucial for maintaining the cow’s body temperature. Their shaggy coat is a natural shield, repelling moisture and wind to keep the cow’s skin dry and comfortable. Highland cows are primarily found in regions with unpredictable weather, including the rugged Scottish Highlands. The undercoat is especially crucial during harsh winters, as it traps warm air close to the skin, providing essential insulation. Portrait of a Scottish Highland cattle in the snow during winter | Sjo via Getty Images This layer acts as a thermal regulator, helping Highland cows maintain their body temperature in cold climates. The guard hair can vary in color, encompassing shades of red, black, yellow, brindle, and silver, contributing to the breed’s visual diversity.īeneath the guard hair lies the soft and insulating undercoat. It serves as a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and biting winds. The outermost layer, known as guard hair, is thick, coarse, and longer than the undercoat. The coat’s colors can vary, encompassing red, black, yellow, brindle, and even silver shades. This double coat comprises a thick, coarse outer layer known as the “guard hair” and a soft, insulating undercoat. The most iconic aspect of Highland cows is their long, shaggy, and dense double coat. One of the easiest ways to recognize this cattle breed is by their shaggy coats. Highland cattle boast remarkable physical traits that make them instantly recognizable. The Highland Cow Breed Does it get any shaggier than this? | Mark Duffy via Getty Images Keep reading to discover more about this unique cattle breed. Highland cattle can be found on farms and ranches far from their Scottish homeland, where they continue to captivate people with their endearing appearance and gentle nature. They have also gained popularity worldwide for their unique charm. Their rugged appearance and association with the untamed Highlands have made them a source of pride for Scots and a symbol of Scottish culture. Highland cows have transcended their agricultural and historical roles to become iconic symbols of Scotland. Some families managed to preserve their cattle, often smuggling them away, and these herds symbolized resilience and cultural identity. Highland cattle also played a pivotal role in the Highland Clearances, a period of great social upheaval in the 18th and 19th centuries when many Scots were forcibly evicted from their ancestral lands. They are one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world, with a lineage that can be traced back over a thousand years. The history of Highland cows is deeply intertwined with the history of Scotland itself. Scottish Highland Cow | LeoPatrizi via Getty Images This thick, coarse coat protects against the harsh weather conditions of the Scottish Highlands, where they originated. One of the most distinctive features of Highland cows is their long, shaggy hair. These shaggy, gentle giants have a story spanning centuries, showcasing their resilience, adaptability, and cultural importance. Highland cows, also known as Highland cattle or “coos” in Scottish dialect, are a breed of cattle that have captivated people worldwide with their unique characteristics and historical significance. With a lineage that stretches back over a thousand years, these gentle giants have played pivotal roles in the lives of Highland clans, the struggles of a nation, and the collective imagination of people worldwide. Highland cows are more than just livestock they are living testaments to centuries of survival and adaptation in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Leave a comment / By: Gina Erickson / Updated on: 11th November 2023 Name Highland Cow Diet Herbivorous Scientific name Hielan coo Weight 1,100 to 1,800 lbs (500 to 800 kgs) Pronunciation hi-land kau Length 157 to 206 cm (61 to 81 inches) Classification Mammalia, Artiodactyla, & Bovidae Location Scotland, USA, Canada, Australia The Highland Cow Gage Beasley’s Highland Cow Stuffed Plush Toy
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