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Scottish Highland Cattle “The Heilan Coo” by Elizabeth, 7th Grade Click here for a bibliography of source material
I’m sure many of you have seen the “big, fluffy
cows with the long horns” while on a road trip. But how many of you know what
they actually are. Well, to the Scottish they are known as “The Heilan Coos!”
and to the rest of us as…Scottish Highland Cattle! I choose the “heilan coo”
for my ILC because whenever we drive to California, we usually see some of the
“fluffy cows”, and I’ve always wanted to know more about them. Before I go any further I must inform you of a few things: A female cow that has given birth is called a cow. An adult male is called a bull. A steer is a neutered male. A heifer is a young female that hasn’t given birth. Calves are newborn or very young. They can be boys or girls. The “heilan coo” is a mammal that originated in the northwest part of Scotland. They were brought to the U.S. in the second half of the 19th century and are the oldest registered breed in the U.S. The “coo” might possibly be the oldest and most pure breed today! They are classified as a medium sized breed by cattle standards. They range in color from white, silver, yellow, and dun to brown, brindle, and black. The “coos” are characterized by their long, flowing coat, sweeping “handlebar” horns, and shaggy “bangs”. They have shorter legs, which means less foot problems. Highland cattle can live almost anywhere in the world. Their hair helps them adapt easily. Hot climate: thinner coat. Cold climate: thicker coat. All they really need is food and they’ll eat almost anything!! From what I’ve read in my research, a “heilan coo” could take on just about anything the same size or smaller than a wolf. I read: “…or have their dog tossed like a caber by ‘Morag’ in wild ox mode…(Morag is a heilan coo)… Don’t forget thought, that even a highlander can do you an injury if you get careless. It’s good to remember that they are much bigger than you and a “gentle” nudge with their horns can hurt…” from the bi-weekly newsletter from Hamish at www.highlandcowshop.com. Also from www.highlandcowshop.com: “I guess ‘Morag’ and Co. in wild ox mode is just to much for even a wolf… “Coos” are herd animals like most other cattle. They (like I said) eat just about anything! They will eat underbrush and foliage other types of cattle would rather die than eat. They don’t even need a barn to sleep in! In the browsing and brush-clearing category, the “heilan coo” is pretty close to the top. The gestation period for a “coo” is 9 months, same as humans. When they are born, the calves’ weigh 50-75 lbs, so the cows usually don’t need assistance. A mature adult Highland cow’s average weight is 900 to 1,200 pounds. Some cows have been known to have up to eighteen calves in their lifetime. Highland milk is rich in butterfat, which causes the calves to gain weight rapidly. This is a good thing because when they are born winter is fast approaching. They have very low calf mortality rates. The special adaptation it has is its hair. Bangs cover its eyes helping prevent eye diseases like pink eye. The hair helps the “coo” adapt to wherever it lives! The outer coat protects them from the weather elements (it casts off rain) and the soft undercoat provides insulation year round. Their coat also protects the cattle from bugs such as flies, heel flies, grubs, mosquitoes, etc. This double coat of hair insulates them rather than a layer of fat, providing a leaner, healthier beef. They are know for their gentle disposition and they are “a naturally laid back beast.” They are gentle and loving creatures. Cows will nurse their calves and then leave them lying behind a clump of grass for long periods of time. This is quite normal for Highlanders. Out on the moors of Scotland, the cows would have to forage some distance away from their calves, to find their daily requirements. They have been know to form a circle around the young to protect them from predators. The cattle’s food intake does not increase until –18 degrees F, whereas most breeds of cattle’s needs increase at 32 degrees F. Thus proving that the Highland Cattle are well adapted for harsh conditions. Highlands are slow growing creatures and are known for their ruggedness. Positive impacts of the “heilan coo”: · It is a great brush clearer. This means that the cattle can be put out to graze in a forested area and they will eat all the underbrush making for a healthier forest. Regular cattle will not eat such material. · The Highland Cattle produce a much healthier beef for human consumption low in fat, lean and tasty. · Highland Cattle are much easier to keep because they do not require a barn or much care. They are fairly independent creatures. However they do respond well to human contact. They love being brushed and can even be halter trained. Negative impacts of the “heilan coo”: · I have been unable to find any bad negative impacts of the Scottish Highland Cattle. Facts about Highland Beef: · It is low in fat and cholesterol because their heavy double coat of hair reduces the need to put on surplus back fat. (Testing done in laboratories has determined that grass-fed highland beef is actually in cholesterol that chicken.) · Consumers are happy with the lean, tender, flavorful meat with little or no waste. · Highland beef is highly sought after. · The beef is recognized as premium beef. Extra Informational Facts About Scottish Highland Cattle: · They are known worldwide. · The Queen of Great Britain raises a herd of heilan coos for her own personal use. · There are less than 10,000 “coos” worldwide with many in the U.S. and Canada. They recently have been removed from the rare breed list of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and placed on a “watch” list. · Registered associations include: American HCA (Highland Cattle Assoc.), Mid-Atlantic HA, Northeast HCA, Mountain States HCA, Heartland HCA, Northwest HCA, Canadian HCA, Australian HCA, New Zealand HC Society, Mac Ladanae HC, Cruachan HC, Suomen Highland Cattle Club – Finland, and Highland Cattle Breeders Assoc., Lower Saxony, Germany. “The variety of ‘Facts ‘n Fun, News ‘n Views’ that make the‘heilan coo sic a braw beastie.’ (Translation…”make the highland cow such a beautiful beast.)” – www.highlandcowshop.com A Limerick “There once was a wee heilan coo; Who didn’t quite know how tae moo; so her maw says tae her; jist gie it a bir; so she did, an’ she can, it is true!” |
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