Highland Cow Husbandry

Whiskey River Highland Cow: New Owner Information Sheet

 

Welcome to the Whiskey River family! Owning a Highland cow is a unique and rewarding experience. These hardy, friendly cattle require specific care practices to thrive. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you provide the best possible environment and care for your Highland cow.

 

Basic Breed Characteristics

 

• Origin: Originally from Scotland, Highland cattle are adapted to withstand harsh conditions.

• Temperament: Docile, social, and intelligent. They enjoy interacting with caretakers and are generally easy to handle with proper training.

• Lifespan: With good care, Highland cattle can live 15–20 years.

 

1. Arrival Day and Initial Setup

 

• Temporary Yard: When your Highland cow arrives, place them in a secure cattle yard or day yard with strong, sturdy fencing. The yard should have:

• Shade: Protection from direct sun to prevent heat stress.

• Water: Ample access to clean, fresh water to keep them hydrated.

• Minimize Stress: Travel can be unsettling for cattle - especially as this will be their first time travelling. Give your Highland a quiet environment with limited stimulation on the first day. A reminder that stressed calves can deteriorate very quickly or become stressed and frantic. It is essential to keep over enthusiastic children at a distance to allow the calves to settle and relax into their normally sweet and docile manner. 

 

• Calm Approach: Avoid chasing or overwhelming your calf. Sit quietly outside the fencing for the first few days, allowing them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Feeding hay in small amounts can help build trust.

Once you are certain they are relaxed, bring a chair into their yard and sit down with food a few metres away from you. 

The more time you spend around them the quieter they will become. Our highlands as adults come to call and pick up our routines very quickly. In no time they will be at the fence waiting for you. 

 

Heat Stress Management

 

Highland cattle are well-suited to cooler climates but can be susceptible to heat stress in warmer regions. They do shed out their heavier coat but require a few things: 

 

• Shade Access: Ensure they have access to multiple shaded areas, especially in the summer months.

• Water: Provide multiple water sources if possible, as they’ll need extra hydration in warm weather. Ours enjoy wading in the creeks. 

• Grazing Times: In hot climates, encourage grazing early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

 

2. Feeding and Nutrition

 

• Primary Diet: Highland cattle thrive on a forage-based diet.

• Grazing: High-quality pasture should be the main food source. Rotate pastures regularly to promote regrowth and prevent overgrazing.

• Hay: In winter or when pasture is limited, provide free-choice grass hay.

• Supplements:

• Mineral Blocks: Provide a cattle-specific mineral block, like Norvite Cattle Supplement Block or MaxiMin Block, which are commonly available in Australia.

• Grain: Highland cattle generally don’t need grain; however, a small amount in winter can help maintain body condition if you have no pasture. This is not a necessity. 

• Water: Ensure clean, fresh water is always available. 

 

3. Things to Avoid

 

To ensure the health and well-being of your Highland cow, here are important things to avoid:

 

• Do Not Feed Lucerne (Alfalfa/ Prime) Hay: Lucerne hay is high in protein and calcium, which can lead to bloat and urinary calculi (kidney stones) in Highland cattle. Stick to grass hay or pasture grazing. Grass hay with a small amount of lucerne in moderation is not a problem. 

• Avoid High-Starch and High-Sugar Feeds: Foods with high starch or sugar content, including sweet feed or high-molasses products, can disrupt their digestive balance and lead to acidosis. Avoid these feeds entirely.

• Do Not Overfeed Grain: Highland cattle usually maintain a healthy weight on pasture and hay alone. Feeding too much grain can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and metabolic problems. Only small amounts should be offered in winter if very necessary.

• Avoid Foods Not Meant for Cattle: Never feed kitchen scraps, breads, fruits, vegetables, or human foods to your cow, as these can cause digestive upset and health issues.

• Avoid Poisonous Plants: Keep cattle away from areas with plants like oleander, rhododendron, yew, and bracken fern, which are toxic to cattle if ingested in large quantities.

• Do Not Use Unapproved Chemicals or Sprays: Only use cattle-safe insecticides and fly sprays. Avoid using household chemicals or garden pesticides on or near your cow, as these can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

 

• Avoid Stressful Handling: Don’t chase, yell, or use aggressive techniques when handling your cow. Highland cattle are gentle and respond best to calm, quiet handling and patience. They get easily frightened. 

 

4. Health and Veterinary Care

 

Vaccinations

 

To maintain health and prevent diseases, Highland cattle should follow a vaccination schedule. Here are some essential vaccinations to consider, available in Australia:

 

• Clostridial Vaccines: Use a 5-in-1 vaccine like Ultravac 5-in-1 or Coopers 5-in-1, which protects against common clostridial diseases, including blackleg and tetanus.

• Leptospirosis: For areas where leptospirosis is a risk, consider a 7-in-1 vaccine such as Ultravac 7-in-1, which includes coverage for leptospirosis strains found in Australia.

• Pestivirus: Pestivirus can affect herd health and fertility. A vaccine like Pestigard is effective for Australian cattle.

• 3-Day Vaccine: Common in some regions of Australia, a 3-day vaccine like Three-Day Sickness Vaccine helps protect against Bovine Ephemeral Fever (3-day sickness). Discuss this option with your veterinarian based on your location.

 

Consult your vet to establish a tailored vaccination plan based on your cow’s needs and local disease risks.

Your WRR calves come having received their first dose of 7 in 1 and cydectin for worming as well as regular tick sprays. They have their NLIS tags in. 

 

Parasite Control

 

Highland cattle are susceptible to both internal and external parasites. Here’s a guide to managing them with products available in Australia:

 

• Worming:

• Products: For internal parasites, consider Cydectin Pour-On or Virbac Cattle Pour-On, which are effective and widely available in Australia.

• Schedule: Adult Highland cows can be wormed 2-3 times per year, depending on your region and pasture rotation. Calves may require more frequent dosing.

• Administration: Follow dosing instructions on each product carefully, as doses may vary by cow size.

• Fly Control:

• Ear Tags: Use Australian-approved insecticidal ear tags like Coopers Fly Tags or Y-TEX® PYthon® Tags. These can help protect against flies, which are common irritants, especially in summer.

• Other Products: For additional protection, consider a pour-on insecticide like Flygon Spray or Permethrin Cattle Spray. These are effective during peak fly season and can be used alongside ear tags.

 

5. Grooming and Coat Care

 

• Coat Maintenance: Highlands have a long, double-layered coat that sheds in warm weather. Regular brushing helps maintain coat quality and prevents matting. During shedding seasons, brushing also helps remove loose hair and check for parasites.

• Shedding: Your cow will naturally shed parts of its winter coat in warmer months. Brushing can speed up the shedding process and keep them comfortable.

 

6. Handling, Taming, and Training

 

Taming Tips

 

Highland cattle respond well to gentle, consistent handling, especially if they’re used to coming up for food. Here’s how to continue building trust:

 

• Slow Movements: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can startle them.

• Sit and Observe: Spend the first few days sitting quietly near their yard or pasture, just outside the fencing. Avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a threat.

• Offer Hay by Hand: Once they’re comfortable with your presence, try offering hay or small treats by hand, just beyond their reach, so they come to you.

• Gradual Contact: If they approach willingly, extend your hand slowly for them to sniff. With time, they’ll begin associating you with food and safety.

 

Training and Socialization

 

• Routine: Highland cattle thrive on routine. Try to keep feeding and handling times consistent.

• Basic Commands: Use simple commands when feeding or handling, as this will help them learn your voice and basic cues.

• Halter Training: When they’re comfortable, introduce a halter to gently teach them to lead. Highlands are intelligent and can learn commands with consistent, positive reinforcement.

• Enrichment: Highland cattle are curious animals. Varying their grazing areas or providing small challenges like food hidden in hay bales can keep them mentally engaged.

 

7. Breeding and Calving (If Applicable)

 

• Breeding: If you intend to breed your cow, consult a veterinarian for guidance. Highland cows have a long gestation period of 9–10 months and typically breed naturally.

• Calving: Most Highland cows are good mothers and rarely need assistance with birthing. Set up a quiet, clean area for calving if possible and monitor closely, especially during the final days.

 

Additional Tips for New Owners

 

• Observe Daily: Regularly observe your cow for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical appearance. Early signs of illness or discomfort can be subtle, so daily check-ins are essential.

• Routine Care: Establish a consistent routine for feeding, handling, and grooming. Cattle respond well to predictable routines, which helps reduce stress.

It is a good idea to have cattle yards and a crush to allow a vet to handle your cows and for you to do routine pest treatments. 

Otherwise a small safe yard where you can get close enough to put pour on and spray them for ticks. 

 

Emergency Contact List

 

Keep contact information for your local large-animal vet, mentors, and experienced Highland cattle owners for guidance and support.

 

The highland club pages can offer more information too.