CLAREMONT HIGHLAND CATTLE
Origin
Highland cattle originated in the highlands and the west coastal islands of scotland. One of the original beef breeds ,they have remained unchanged over the centuries.It is thought that the breed developed long ago from two distinct strains the Kyloe a slightly smaller black animal from the islands and the larger red cattlefrom the remote highlands.
Highland cattle were first imported to Australia in the mid 1800s and were exhibited at the Royal Melbourne show in the 1880s.However there were no further importations until the 1950s.In the 1970s the foundation of todays herd began with the importation of quality genetic's and the establishment of breeding up programs.The breed has spread through out Australia due to advances in artifical insemination ,embryo tranfer and the importation of cattle from the united Kingdom.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
The distinctive features of this wonderful breed are their long shaggy coats,wide spreading horns and sturdy statures.In Australia their colours come in Black,Brindle,Red, Yellow. Dun & White.They have two distint coats of hair (providing excellent insulation against the weather) the outer long and strong ,the under softer. The hair between the horns is known as the dossan and is long and think often reaching down to the muzzle,The prominent eye brow under this mass of hair provides protection against problems such as pinkeye,
Thye average weight for a bull is 900 kg and around 600kg for a cow.The average birth weight for calves is 25 - 30 kg.
Both bulls and cows have symmetrical horns that emerge almost horizontally from the head, curving slightly forwards then upwards .In bulls, the horns are strong ,but not to heavy the horns of the cows are generally slightly lighter and tend to rise upwards more.
Highlands are usually extremely hardy & healthy , rarely requiring more than routine cattle management. They also generally have quite temperaments and are good foragers. The cows have wonderful marternal qualities and calve easily and ensure that their calves get their first essential first feed unaided. Known for there longevity, many cows continue to breed past the age of 18 having produced 16 calves over the years,
Economic Factors
As the thick coat and hide provide such good insulation, the amount of fat cover on the outside of the  carcase is limited . Less fat means less waste, therefore greater dressed weights. Intra- muscular fat   however, is not compromised and highlands are gaining recognition for well marbled meat they produce.Due to their marbling ability the beef is of the highest quality,being both tender and flavoursome.Their carcases generally also have a high proportion of eye muscle.
Highland cattle are also being used in cross-breeding programs especially with dairy heifers which can be joined at an earlier age, with out compromising calving rates.  

Claremont Highlands

10 - 12 month old heifers sired by Clayco & Duntroon

10-12 month heifers
Sired by Clayco & duntroon

10 - 12 month old heifers
Sired by Clayco Duntroon & Shado

10 - 12 month old heifers sired by
    Clayco, Shado & Duntroon

10 - 12 month old heifers
Sired by Clayco, Shado & Duntroon

14 month heifer sired by shado playin towin of Claremont

Young 15 month old heifers
Sired by Clayco & Duntroon

Eight month old dehorned steers

        Guy Of Hidex
Proven Predictable & Priceless

                 Hamish of Cruachan
AHCS National Show Senior Champion Bull 2000
                Sold to New Zealand

Black Opal with calves Milo & Shado
Clunes & District Agricultral Show Interbreed Champion 2003

AHCS National Show 2004
Grand Champion Female
Rumour Has it

AHCS National Show 2004
Supreme Exhibit
Clayco Ndoubt about it

AHCS National Show 2003
Grand Champion Bull
Clayco Ndoubt about it

AHCS National Show 2002
Grand Champion Bull 
Royal Melbourne Show 2002
Supreme Exhibit
Duntroon of Rahil Park

AHCS National Show 2001
Grand Champion female
Rebecca Bhuidhe

Elspeth & Skye

Bonnie of  Claremont
1997 senior champion female AHCS National Show

                                    Jeff & Curly .
Curly is an eight year old steer we have kept to let people see how big highlands grow

Clayco Ndoubt about it of Claremont 
2004 Supreme highland Exhibit 
       National Show

Curky at home in the paddock

    Jeff Hamish & Sue
Hamish at eighteen months

CLAREMONT HIGHLAND BEEF

Scottish Highland cattle are renowned around the world for producing high quality beef which is lower in fat and chelestrol and higher in protein & iron than other beef  with excellent flavour and tenderness, but this can only be achieved by raising handling and feeding the animals in a natural and calm manner.

Claremont HIGHLAND BEEF is a healthy alternative to commercially available beef products. Our beef , although not certified organic is as naturally raised as we can possibly make it.

Our bull Calves and  Commercial heifers are dehorned and the young bull casterated then returned to there mothers until weaning .

Our cattle range free on clean pasture's and are fed quality hay through out the year. No additives such as growth hormones, implants or low dose antibiotics are used, although  they are vaccinated as calves and are wormed and liced routinely. As Highlands are naturally very hardy antibiotics are used only in extreme circumstances.

All our cattle regardless of age and sex enjoy being well looked after. Our steers and heifers are fed additional fed the few months prior to slaughter .
They are killed between 20 - 24 months of age. The beef is inspected and hung for 10 days . We are in constant touch with our butcher during the hanging and cutting up process to ensure a high quality product.

Our beef is normally sold by the carcass in whole bodies halves or quarters - The price being based on the carcass weight as hung on the Rail >HCW 

HIDE SALES
Claremont Highlands have a good supply of Tanned Highland Hides.
If you have ever had the urge to stroke or pat one of these wonderful animals and were suprised at how soft the hair was. You can now have the real thing in your home everyday.
Our hides are professionally tanned at Greenhalgh Tannery using traditional wattle bark methods.
Hides come in many Colors White, Red, Black, Yellow, Dun, Silver and Brindle
If we can help you please drop us an e-mail