THE HIGHLAND STORY The first meeting of the Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc. took place in Melbourne on the 7th of May 1988. From those humble beginnings, the Australian Highland cattle Society was formed. The Highland Society of Scotland was founded in 1894. In Australia the first highland cattle landed at Port Albert, Victoria in1841, and several other importations occurred in the 1800's and 1900's hundreds. In 1954, a Mr. A. Wood of Tooperang, imported three highlanders. These imports were earmarked for the abattoirs due to the sudden death of Mr. A. Wood until saved by an old Bullock Trainer named Percy Thorpe near Kingston SE in South Australia, Mr. Thorpe later sold his highlands to Mr Bob Hawkes of Salt Creek. Descendants of these cattle can be seen in some of today's cattle. Mac-Ladanae Highland cattle Fold has utilised the benefits of modern breeding techniques to breed quality Highland Cattle. Making the use of the best Scottish, Canadian and American genetics, and joining those genetics with descendants of cattle imported in the 50s, bred up cattle, and full blooded cattle from Canadian, American and New Zealand imported lines. WHY CHOOSE HIGHLAND CATTLE? The highland breed, unlike many other breeds of cattle have had little interference from man in its development, because of this the breed has more incontestable features. HARDINESS:- One of the breeds most famous attributes. In Sweden it is the only breed allowed to be out wintered. Liusadh of Mac~Ladanae (aged 11 months) EASY-CALVING:- Heifers and cows calve easily as part of the daily routine, requiring the minimum of attention. Average pure bred birth weight at Mac-Ladanae 27kg, and cross-bred calves 30kg. LONGEVITY:- Many cows Breed to ages in excess of 18, having borne fifteen calves. This can reduce replacement calves by 25%. FORAGING:- Highland cattle make the most of whatever is offered to them, wasting nothing, and is the only breed in Europe to be used in National Parks to selectively graze and improve grazing land. HEALTH:- The highland cow rarely requires more than routine dosing, keeping vet bills to an absolute minimum. MANAGEMENT:- The health, ease of calving and foraging ability keep labour to the bare minimum. ADAPTABILITY:- The versatility of these animals has led to their importation in over twelve countries where their adaptability has made them much envied. THE BEEF:- Highland Cattle produced a high quality lean carcass. Because the meat is low fat, with the meat being ideally marbled to improve the taste and flavour. BY-PRODUCTS:- The hides of the Highland beast make beautiful floor rugs, and are eagerly sought after, the horns of some cattle are made into wall mounts after they have been polished, with the by-products bringing high prices equalling the prices paid for the beef. COLOURS:- Highland Cattle come in all colours being, Red, Yellow, Brindle, Dun, Black, White and Parti-colour. TEMPERAMENT:- The breed has a docile nature, which makes the breed easy to handle. WHAT THE BUTCHERS SAY... It was a very good clean carcass, compact, well covered and no waste fat. It was an ideal "butchers Beast" killing out at 60.35%. They were carcasses of the type require today without surplus fat, but with good eye muscle through the loin and rise. It was a grand carcass had a great eye meat in the lion, nicely marbled and a lovely flavoured. I would like to be able to get four a week, killing out 60% We were delighted with the steer, the dead weight was 635lbs and the beef was excellent, we have never been disappointed with a highland steer. Table 1. Productivity of Dams - 5 Year average Breed Calves Weaned Weaning Weight Kgs Total Weight Kgs Highland X Hereford 82 177.12 14524.06 Highland (Purebred) 79 162.63 12847.53 Hereford (Purebred) 71 168.06 11932.47 TABLE 2.PRODUCTION OF DAMS -5 YR. AVE. (Based on 100 cow herd) All weight in Kg Hereford Highland Highland X Hereford Hereford X Highland Birth Weight 31.35 28.67 33.20 31.71 ADG to weaning 0.661 0.639 0.711 0.729 ADG Feedlot (kgs) 0.838 0.720 0.838 0.775 Weight gain per day of age 0.788 0.711 0.824 0.801 Dressing % 56.90 55.90 56.40 57.30 Rib-eye (sq.cm.) 57.16 60.91 59.68 60.26           For further information on this unique and ancient breed, please contact

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