Whether you’re new to Highland cattle ownership or an experienced breeder, this guide covers the essentials—from housing to nutrition, health care, and breeding practices—to ensure your herd thrives.
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Choosing the Right Housing Conditions
Highland cattle are well-suited for outdoor living, but they still benefit from shelter to protect them from extreme weather. Here are some key considerations:
1. Pasture Area
- Size: Highland cattle need 2-5 acres per animal for grazing, depending on pasture quality.
- Water Source: Ensure there is a reliable source of fresh water in the pasture.
- Terrain: Highlands thrive in varied terrain, so fields with hills and different vegetation types are ideal.
2. Shelter Space
- Provide a three-sided shelter or loafing shed with 20-30 square feet per animal.
- Position the open side away from prevailing winds to reduce exposure to harsh weather.
- Ensure good ventilation and use straw bedding for warmth.
3. Fencing
- Use sturdy, high-tensile fencing to secure the pasture.
- Avoid barbed wire, as Highland cattle’s long hair can get caught.
- Consider electric fencing for rotational grazing setups.
4. Handling System
- Set up a handling facility with a squeeze chute and headgate to make medical care and breeding easier.
Providing Optimal Nutrition
Though Highland cattle can tolerate poor-quality forage, ensuring they receive high-quality nutrition is crucial for their health and productivity.
1. Pasture Management
- Rotational Grazing: Use multiple paddocks to rotate grazing and prevent overuse of any one area.
- Legumes: Incorporate clovers or other legumes to provide extra protein and fix nitrogen in the soil.
- Weed Control: Regularly scout for and remove poisonous plants.
2. Hay and Silage
- Winter Feeding: Feed good-quality grass hay or mixed grass-legume hay during winter or drought periods.
- Silage: If using silage, ensure it’s mold-free and of good quality to provide sufficient fiber and energy.
3. Grain Supplements
- Weaning and Pre-Calving: Feed grain or pelleted rations during weaning (around 6 months) or the 30 days before calving to boost growth and milk production.
- Caution: Avoid excessive grain feeding to prevent digestive issues like acidosis or bloat.
4. Mineral Supplements
- Provide free-choice access to a complete mineral mix formulated for beef cattle, ensuring proper intake of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, selenium, and other key minerals.
5. Water
- Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Use automatic waterers for convenience, and consider float-controlled tank heaters in cold climates to prevent freezing.
Health Care for Highland Cattle
Highland cattle are generally robust, but good health care practices are essential to prevent and manage potential issues.
1. Deworming
- Conduct fecal egg counts at least twice a year to monitor parasite loads.
- Deworm cattle if necessary using products like ivermectin, and rotate dewormers to prevent resistance.
2. Vaccinations
- Work with a veterinarian to create a tailored vaccination schedule, which might include protection against IBR, BVD, PI3, Leptospirosis, and BRSV.
3. Hoof Care
- Regularly trim hooves every 6-12 months to prevent overgrowth, cracks, and discomfort.
4. Calving Care
- Monitor cows closely in the weeks leading up to calving. Be ready to assist if needed and provide colostrum to calves within the first few hours of birth.
5. Body Condition
- Track body condition scores, especially before calving and breeding seasons. Cattle with a score below 3 should receive supplemental feed to maintain health.
6. Identifying Illness
- Learn to recognize signs of common diseases such as:
- Foot rot (lameness)
- Mastitis (swollen udders)
- Pinkeye (eye lesions)
- Isolate sick animals and consult your vet for treatment.
Best Breeding Practices for Highland Cattle
To produce healthy calves and maintain a productive herd, follow these breeding guidelines:
1. Breeding Age
- Breed heifers for the first time between 15-18 months to allow for proper skeletal development.
- Mature cows can remain productive and fertile well into their teens with proper care.
2. Breeding Methods
- Both natural breeding and artificial insemination (AI) are common for Highland cattle.
- For AI, pay close attention to heat detection since Highland cows show subtle signs of estrus.
3. Calving Season
- A compact calving season of 60-90 days is recommended for easier management. This allows calves time to grow before winter and aligns with breeding schedules.
4. Calving Interval
- Maintain a calving interval of 415-450 days to allow cows sufficient recovery time. This ensures they don’t become exhausted from back-to-back pregnancies.
5. Record Keeping
- Keep detailed records of breeding, calving, and health events. Track sire and dam performance, weaning weights, and any health issues to make informed breeding decisions.
Conclusion
While Highland cattle are hardy and self-sufficient, they still require diligent care to thrive. By providing adequate pasture, shelter, nutrition, and health care, you’ll set your cattle up for success. Implementing good breeding practices will ensure continued productivity and healthy calves year after year.
With proper management, Highland cattle can live and contribute to your farm’s sustainability for over 20 years. Partnering with an experienced veterinarian will further enhance your herd’s health and productivity, helping your Highlands truly flourish.