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.
