Highland cattle are a distinctive breed of cattle known for their long, shaggy hair, impressive horns, and adaptability to harsh climates. Here’s a description of Highland cattle and their distribution:

Description of Highland Cattle:

• Appearance: Highland cattle are easily recognized by their long, shaggy hair, which serves as insulation against cold weather and harsh conditions. They have a thick double coat consisting of a long, coarse outer layer and a soft, downy undercoat. Their characteristic long horns curve upwards and forwards, and they have a broad, sturdy build. Highland cattle come in various colors, including black, red, yellow, dun, and brindle.
• Size: Highland cattle are considered a medium-sized breed, with adult cows typically weighing between 450 to 600 kilograms (1,000 to 1,300 pounds) and bulls weighing between 680 to 1,100 kilograms (1,500 to 2,400 pounds).
• Behavior: Highland cattle are known for their docile temperament and hardiness. They are well-suited to grazing in rough and hilly terrain, where they can efficiently utilize a variety of vegetation types. Highland cattle are excellent foragers and are capable of thriving on poor-quality forage and marginal pasture land.
• Uses: Highland cattle are primarily raised for their beef, which is known for its lean, flavorful meat. They are also valued for their ability to maintain pastures, as their grazing habits help control vegetation and promote biodiversity. Additionally, Highland cattle are sometimes kept for their milk, which is rich in butterfat and protein and used to produce cheese and other dairy products.
• Conservation: Highland cattle are considered a hardy and primitive breed, well-adapted to survive in rugged and remote environments. They are relatively low-maintenance compared to some other cattle breeds and are often used in conservation grazing projects to manage natural habitats and restore biodiversity.

Distribution by Counties: Highland cattle are found in various countries around the world, but they are particularly associated with Scotland, where they originated. In Scotland, Highland cattle can be found in many counties, including:

• Inverness-shire
• Perthshire
• Argyllshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Stirlingshire

These counties encompass the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Scottish Highlands, where Highland cattle have been traditionally raised for centuries. Outside of Scotland, Highland cattle are also found in other countries with similar climates and landscapes, including parts of North America, Europe, and Australia, where they are valued for their hardiness and adaptability to harsh conditions.