Embryos and donors available Highlander breed

  • In collaboration with our company veterinarian we produce embryos exclusively in a natural way on the farm.
  • The donors are selected and raised by us 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 pairings and available breeders.

HIGHLANDER BREED

A bovine breed originating from the Scottish highlands, it is characterized by its long and thick fur, mainly reddish or black, and long horns that can reach up to 1.60 meters. Widespread throughout almost the entire world, for some years it has also been bred in the regions of Northern Italy. The thick fur allows them to live even in the most adverse climatic conditions.

Height at the withers is 1.20-1.30 meters 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 of the western coast of northern Scotland;

one of larger size, reddish in colour, widespread in the more remote areas, the Highlands of Scotland and also one of white colour 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, with large horns (even up to 1.6 meters) developed in a lyre shape (very similar to buffalo), and a thick and long coat. The highland breed is usually very resistant to diseases, partly thanks to the long eyelashes and the down that falls on the forehead, which serves to protect the eyes from insects.


Despite their wild appearance given by the bristly fur that covers them, the specimens of this species are considered to be calm and docile in nature but, given their origins in a highly wild territory and climate, they are certainly not easy to breed, even though they do not require particular care regarding 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 prized meat, of good quality, as it is leaner and lower in cholesterol; this is mainly due to the fact that their thick fur helps them to maintain their body temperature at high levels, without therefore having to have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat.