This leads to hoof rot and a higher chance of infection. Longer hooves are more prone to breakage. This also affects pasture management as they’re unable to graze as far, allowing some areas of the field to grow up and some areas to remain unfertilized by their manure. Not only does it decrease their life, but if it’s painful to walk then they’re likely to eat and drink less, which means a smaller birth weight of calves and smaller weight of animals at harvest time. Why bother trimming their hooves? If you don’t trim their hooves, severe cases can lead to deformity and the development of arthritis.Īrthritis shortens the life of the animal (and this shortens your return on investment if it’s your breeding stock). This is best done by a professional farrier since it requires special equipment and knowledge. During estrus, the cow is influenced by increased levels of. If you’re keen to see a coo our recommendations would be to join us on a visit to Lynbreck Croft (to be included on the Highland Family Adventure and Cairngorm Discovery tours) or check in with Rothiemurchus estate on their coo tours for your rest day activity.Because Scottish Hyland cows are used to the rocky mountains of Scotland, where they naturally get ground down from the rough terrain, they will need their hooves trimmed once to twice per year. The shortest interval, estrus, marks the 24-hour period when the cow is the most fertile. Our Highland Wilderness Trips are famous for sights of deer, rare birds, badgers and of course the gorgeous Highland coo too! Your safest bet would be the Highlands, and for the true rural Scottish wildlife experience we highly recommend setting up base in the Cairngorms and taking a few days to explore. Nowadays you can find the Highland Coo dotted all over Scotland, including the islands! VisitScotland have created a handy guide of all the places you might spot a Highland coo as and when COVID restrictions allow, from the northern tip to the borders of the country. Where can I meet a Highland Cow?įirst recorded in the Scottish Highlands (as early at the sixth century!) – they were named after their origins. Females have longer, thinner horns which have much more of an obvious curve. Male horns will generally come out parallel to the ground and turn up or forward slightly at the ends. Although they look intimidating, they’re used to forage for food or to dig through the snow in winter – so a very tough look for a far more innocent use! You can tell a male and female coo apart by their horns. ![]() Their famous fringe (called a dossan) and long eyelashes protect their eyes from the weather and pesky midges.Ĭheck out VisitScotland’s Coo Cam and say hello to Thelma, Louise, Cairistiona, Breagh and Janima from Kitchen Coos and Ewes in Dumfries and Galloway and Swanston Farm in Edinburgh.īoth male and female highland cows have horns. They have a downy undercoat and a longer, oily outer coat that can grow up to 13 inches long to easily expel snow and rainwater. Highland cows are adapted to the nature of the environment they thrive in. While most cattle would take warm shelter in harsh weather conditions, our highland coos are comfortable setting up for a night in an open shelter (called a fold). Another characteristic feature of the Highland cows is their unique coat, hence the name fluffy cow. Though the classic ginger fringed cow is the star of many selfies, they actually come in a variety of colours – blonde, black, brown and a mixture! They have two coats, one longer outer coat to protect them from the elements, and a downy undercoat to keep them cosy. As they have a lifespan of twenty years, each. ![]() So Highland cows can produce a single calf in a year. ![]() A Highland cow will carry the calf for approximately 9-10 months in its womb, just like humans. They’re a far cry from the short-haired black and white dairy cow, and that’s because these hardy souls evolved to put up with the wind, rain, snow and sub-zero temperatures that come with living outdoors through a Scottish winter. The young female Highland cow, commonly known as a heifer, will have her first calf at two to three years by natural means or artificial insemination. ![]() Male cows, just like their female counterparts, are born with horns. Are male cows born with horns There is a lot of speculation regarding whether male cows are born with horns. Being the nature enthusiasts that we are and regularly having the chance to see these beauties roaming freely, we thought we’d answer some regular coo FAQs! Why do Highland cows look so different to regular cows? Image Credits: Male & female Highland Cattle by rejflinger is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Everything you need to know about the humble Highland coo!Ī visit to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without catching a glimpse of the ginger-fringed and friendly Highland coo ! These lovable and docile creatures are a famous picture-postcard icon of our country, but they’re more than just a pretty face.
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