The rumen (stomach) of a cow is approximately 1 degree warmer than the cow’s body temperature. In the warmer months, the horns are critical for the health of the cow. The blood flowing through the horns is cooled, much like a radiator in a car, before circulating through the body. In addition, the horns are very vascular. They can move brush aside for foraging, scratch a pesky itch on their back, and protect thier young. These majestic animals are able to use their horns with almost surgeon-like precision. These horns are as much a necessity to the cow as your arm is to you. The long-curled horns of a Highland cow are beautiful and intimidating at the same time. The hair tends to thin during the warm months but will become thick and long during the colder months. It also gives the cows summer protection against flies in their eyes and face. The hair, known as the “dossen”, serves as a shield for wind, rain, sleet, and snow. The most recognized trait of a Scottish Highland cow is the long shaggy fringe of hair covering the face and eyes. The Highland cattle on Cyrus Ridge Farm are selected, bred, and trained to be friendly and docile with their owners. We are able to enjoy the benefits of those years of selective breeding. Of course, it was crucial that their cattle had docile and friendly personalities with these living arrangements. They would bring their cow(s) into the house during the winter to generate heat for the family and to keep the cow safe from predators or thieves. Most of the Highland mountain farmers didn’t have the means or space to build barns and shelters for their cows. These cows continue to meet all the criteria for which they were originally bred. Through centuries of selective breeding the Scottish Highland cattle breed was developed. They found themselves looking for a cattle breed that would be able to survive the harsh winters, provide calcium & protein rich milk, and offer tasty lean meat. The families were unable to feed or sustain a large herd of cattle. The homesteads in the mountain regions were relatively small, mostly restricted by the geography. Necessity is the mother of invention, and the Scottish Highland cattle breed is the product of a dire necessity. The Scotts, being a resilient and determined clan, found ways to make life in the mountains comfortable. The primary challenge for these settlers was to survive in the harsh climate. This mountainous region was inhabited as early as the 14th century by the Scottish settlers who wanted to move out of the “crowded” lowlands area. To restore the property back to nature’s rhythm as much as possible, repairing the damage done only a few years ago.The Scottish Highland cattle breed originates from the Gaelic region of Scotland known as the Highlands. Since the beginning our goal here is to create a safe haven for animals and humans alike. We are very excited to have crossed our KuneKune with the Minis to create a wonderful mix of piglets that we do rehome to caring homes. Mid 2019 we brought on two KuneKune pasture grazing pigs (a sow and a boar). Four are mini juliana/potbelly mixes who have been moved in a mobile pen as little tillers. They currently enjoy the open pastures with plans to help pull and for transport. In 2018 two Haflinger horses joined us here, Clyde and Doc. In 2017 we added four Alpine dairy goats to our family here, we are at eight and helping keep our undesirables (aka weeds) under control. All enjoy roaming and picking away at wild forages. In 2016 our farm expanded to a wonderful mix of poultry which includes Chickens, Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks. Calves are happy, our relationships grow, and the health of everyone is high. This much more labor intensive managing ensures our grass fed animals have fresh new grass and evenly deposit manure throughout each paddock. In 2015 One final purchase was made for 8 more Scottish Highland cows who have successfully joined the growing herd we currently have restoring the property.Īnother passion which was inspired by raising cattle is our usage of Managed Intensive Grazing by rotating the animals through smaller paddocks which are consistent in size, slope, shape and access to water from a fresh spring.
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