Highland Cattle
A Robust and Elegant Scottish Breed
Originating from the Scottish Highlands, Highland Cattle are an iconic breed known for their beauty, hardiness, and ability to adapt to the most demanding environments.
Distinctive Characteristics
With their long, woolly coats in various colors (red, black, white, brown, and even silver-gray) and their elegant long horns, Highland Cattle are truly eye-catching. Their thick fur effectively protects them from harsh weather, allowing them to live outdoors year-round, even in the most severe climates.
Hardiness and Environmental Stewardship
These hardy cattle are undemanding in their diet, efficiently utilizing natural pastures and contributing to landscape maintenance. They are often used in eco-grazing, as their selective grazing helps preserve biodiversity.
Even Temperament
Highland Cattle are renowned for their calm and docile nature, though they remain very protective of their calves. This maternal trait makes them excellent nursing cows.
Exceptional Meat Quality
Their meat is prized by connoisseurs for its tenderness, rich flavor, and low-fat content. Naturally produced, it perfectly aligns with current expectations for quality and sustainability.
Why Choose Highland Cattle?
In our farm, we have chosen this breed for its authenticity, hardiness, and the trusting relationship we build with each animal. Highland Cattle embody a perfect harmony between tradition, respect for nature, and excellence.
Introduction in Belgium
1970s-1980s:
During this period, the first Highland Cattle were imported from Scotland to Belgium. Their hardiness and ability to adapt to diverse environments made them an attractive choice for Belgian breeders, especially in regions where other cattle breeds might struggle to thrive.
Initial Objectives:
The breeding of Highland Cattle was initially motivated by their use in maintaining natural pastures and their ability to keep open landscapes, such as in nature reserves or protected areas. These cows contribute to biodiversity preservation by grazing on woody or undesirable plants, promoting the regeneration of other plant species.
Development of the Breed in Belgium
Natural Conservation:
Many ecological associations and managers of Belgian nature reserves have adopted Highland Cattle for their role in eco-grazing. They are found in natural spaces like the High Fens, the Ardennes, and other rural areas of the country.
Private Breeding:
In parallel, passionate breeders recognized the potential of this breed not only for its ecological role but also for the production of high-quality meat. Over time, the demand for local and ethical products has strengthened interest in this breed in Belgium.
Galery
While strolling through the Belgian Eastern Cantons, around Malmedy, or near the High Fens, you might have the chance to encounter our Highland cows in their pastures or in nature reserves.
