NBA Winter Magazine_2023_

Highland | Breed Society Focus
How suited are Highland Cattle
to a grass-fed system and genetic
selection?
Highland cattle are well-suited to a grass-fed system
as they are adapted to grazing on rough terrain and
can thrive on a diet of grass and other forage. Their
long, shaggy coats help them to withstand cold and
wet weather, which can be beneficial in regions
where grazing is possible for a long season. In
addition, they are generally hardy, low-maintenance,
and do not require a lot of inputs such as grain or
supplements to produce high-quality beef. Being
able to live outside all year means a large reduction
in bedding costs.
Highland cattle are also well-suited to genetic
selection as they are a purebred breed with a
distinct set of desirable traits. For example, they
are known for their excellent meat quality, with a
fine-grained texture, high marbling, and rich flavour.
They are also efficient at converting grass to meat,
which can be an important consideration in a grassfed
system. You can also utilise any rough grazing
as Highlands will convert all types of rough forage,
such as moorland and woodland pasture. Use of
costly fertiliser can be minimised or eradicated
completely.
Additionally, Highland cattle are known for their
maternal qualities, producing calves with a high
survival rate and good growth potential on a grass
fed system.
One thing that is often overlooked is cow production
replacement costs. A Highland cow will, in the
majority of cases, keep calving until their late teens,
meaning they have around 10-15 healthy calves (or
more) during their lifetime. Meaning less frequent
need to replace the cows in the herd and therefore
lower replacement costs.
They are also the ideal animal for conservation
grazing and pasture improvement commanding
additional income depending on the types of
payments available in each country or availability of
land needing this sort of treatment.
It is important to note that genetic selection for
certain traits can take time and careful planning.
It is important to select animals based on a range
of traits that are important for your operation and
the market you are serving. Additionally, it may
be necessary to bring in new genetics periodically
to maintain genetic diversity and improve traits
such as growth rate and meat quality. Care must
be taken at all times to maintain the good traits.
The Highland Cattle Society are slowly introducing
genetic measurements. Results so far show higher
stay ability and milkiness than the average herd of
suckler cows.
Overall, Highland cattle can be well-suited to a
grass-fed system and genetic selection, and can
produce high-quality beef, demanding a premium
price, in an efficient and sustainable manner.
For further information please visit the Highland
Cattle Society website www.highlandcattlesociety.
com or telephone the Breed Secretary Anne-Marie
Carruthers on 01786 446866.
WINTER 2023 | The National Beef Association Magazine
33