Highlander embryos and donors available

  • In collaboration with our company veterinarian, we produce embryos exclusively in our breeding facility using natural methods.
  • We select and raise our donors from birth.
  • The mares or heifers selected based on breed requirements are subjected to the necessary gynecological and health checks before superovulation.
  • It is possible to agree, after contacting us, on possible donor matings and available breeders.

HIGHLANDER BREED

A cattle breed native to the Scottish Highlands, it is characterized by its long, thick coat, predominantly reddish or black, and long horns that can reach up to 1.60 meters. Widespread throughout most of the world, it has also been raised in northern Italy for several years. Its thick coat allows it to survive even in the most adverse climates.

Height at the withers is 1.20-1.30 metres and can reach a weight of 500/600 kg in females.

Considered a dual-purpose breed, it was imported into Italy mainly for meat training, being highly prized and appreciated for its high protein content and low fat content.

GROWTH OF THE BREED

The history of the Highland breed can be traced back to two distinct populations:


a smaller one, black in colour, especially widespread on the islands off the west coast of northern Scotland;

a larger one, reddish in colour, widespread in the more remote areas, the Highlands of Scotland and also a white one, more valuable than the others.

Nowadays the breed is considered unique, and even animals with different coat colours are considered to belong to the same breed: in addition to the black and red of the original line, also the colours yellow, dark grey and silvery white[1].

The Highlander breed is characterized by a short stature (around 1.2 meters), a weight between 500 and 600 kilograms, large horns (up to 1.6 meters) developed in a lyre shape (very similar to buffalo), and a thick, long coat. The Highlander breed is generally very resistant to disease, thanks in part to its long eyelashes and the down that falls on its forehead, which serves to protect the eyes from insects.


Despite their wild appearance given by the rough fur that covers them, specimens of this species are considered to have a calm and docile nature but, given their origins in a highly wild territory and climate, they are certainly not easy to raise, even though they do not require particular care regarding the climate and housing. They tolerate harsh climates well, but can also adapt to more southern climates while still maintaining good levels of health and production[1].


The Highland breed is bred for its high-quality meat, which is leaner and lower in cholesterol; this is mainly due to the fact that their thick fur helps them maintain a high body temperature, without therefore needing a thick layer of subcutaneous fat.