Scottish Highland Cattle & High Park Cattle: Quick Guide To Understanding Their Coat Genetics
If you ever visited Scotland, you might have seen those long-horned and long-haired cattle which the country is known for. Did you know that the Highland cattle is one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the world? According to Animalia Scottish Highland cattle can live for 15-22 years. It can chase you at a speed of about 40 kilometers per hour. This breed type also can weigh between 500-800 kilograms and grow with a height of about 90-120 centimeters.
Scottish Highland Cattle: Characteristic
This breed is also known for its long horns which are long and pointed and seem to take the color black at its tip. But one can determine a bull from a cow through its horn. Bulls have a wider base and would grow forward whereas the cow’s horns grow upwards. The latter also has horns longer
These hairy cows are generally bred for their meat but their milk is also an excellent source of butterfat. These breeds produce meat that is high in protein and iron and low in fat and cholesterol. Even the Queen of England is reported to have her breed of Highland Cattle and according to Highland Titles, it is the only kind of beef she prefers to have.
Scottish Highland Cattle are known for their long coats and are known to be the species that has the longest coats. These coats, which come in different colors, are composed of two parts - an inner coat and an outer coat. The outer fringe of Highland cattle can reach up to 13 inches long. The oiled coat provides them protection against snow and rain Thanks to these coats, these animals can live despite the changes in weather conditions. The long coat protects them during the cold, winter season but sheds off during summer time. Highland cattle grow less hair during the hot season allowing them to move around despite the heat.
According to CattleSite, there are Scottish Highland cows that produced 15 calves in a lifetime of about two decades.
Scottish Highland Coat Genetic Color
When two genes interlink, they make up for seven solid colors of this breed, some even have some highlights. There are Highland breeds that are a solid color but would show off their highlighted tails or tips of their coats.
Years before, Highland Breeds only appeared in two solid colors - red and black. It was then discovered the gene that dilutes the red and black color. Breeders can now predict what would be the coat color of their cow, thanks to the advancement of technology and the aid of science. The interaction of two genes - loci and gene - which were generated from the sire and dam make-ups for cattle with coat color of Black and shades thereof.
Shades of Black
Black
Dun
Silver Dun
Shades of Red
Red
Yellow
White
Brindle
This means that a red-colored breed could never produce silver or black calf. A yellow or red breed will always come from a red breed. The dilution in their genes makes their genetic color, this is something that was just discovered recently.
Understanding the Genetic MakeUp of Highland Cattle
In an article published by Dr. Glen Hastie, determining the coat color of the cattle is through the aid of loci and gene options which is
Locus E - identifies black vs red - ED, E+, e Genes
Locus D - dilutes black and red color - DH, + Genes
Locus A - for brindle patterns - Abr, A Genes
Below is the complete guide for the genetic make-up of the seven known color
Coat Color Changes Amongst Calves
According to the Heart and Highland Cattle Association, the cattle’s coat color changes as they age. You can check the pigment color of their muzzle to be certain. The black and dun calves, which are usually born with chocolate-colored hair, change into the shade of black as they reach one year of age. A newborn white and yellow calf would look the same but changes over time.
The reason for the color change remains unknown until today. It could be the animal’s adaptive defense against predators.
Is there a 100% Guarantee for Genetic and reality?
There is no guarantee that genetics and reality would 100% match up because of several factors.
Perception of the breeder. A white or yellow calf that has similarities in color upon birth may be registered yellow (even if it's white) as perceived by its breeder. Some animals which were registered on the color yellow could grow up with a different shade once grown. You may refer to this chart for more details.
The genetic makeup of the animal may involve some other genes which can alter its color shade.
Coat color changes over time. The calf’s color will adapt over the changes in season. The longer the hair, the lighter it appears.
High Park Cattle: Characteristic
According to High Park Cattle Online, HighPark Cattle™ is the product of Scottish Highlands and White Park. Though white, you can see some color across its ears or around its eyes. This breed, which has a good line of reproduction, has a long lean body and majestic horns. It has gained interest to breeders for its warm, submissive nature. It is not difficult to take care of this breed. Similar to Scottish Highland, it sheds off its coat during the hot season. The mini-high park cows are considered to be less than 106 centimeters in height.
Helpful Tips in Breeding High Park Cattle
Expand your network and reach out to other breeders of High Park Cattle. There is high value in the exchange of information and knowledge
Keep your record well-detailed. As a breeder, you can identify your best practices and areas to be improved on by keeping a record of all the things you are doing.
As a starter, begin your breeding project by getting a full-bodied stock.
Do your research with regards to color dominance to keep yourself informed if you are aiming for a particular color.
Breeders need to have a background and basic knowledge of their breed’s genetic makeup. This could equate to a better breeding structure and a preventive measure for a genetic mutation.
