Dreaming about your own little cute and cuddly miniature Highland Cow? With such charming and fluffy coats, these cows are irresistible to have in one’s grasp. If you have enough space and desire in your heart for such lovely pets, then miniature highland cows are for you to keep. No need to worry about the size as it says ‘Miniature’ in the name.

These cows are the shorter version of the highland cows found in Scotland. Keep reading to know more about how to raise, maintain, and keep these miniature highland cows as your most beloved companions.

Miniature Highland Cow

What is a Miniature Highland Cow?

A highland cow is a breed that is made with the crossing over of small bulls. This cow is not like ordinary giant cows, but it is recognized by its small size. Remember, these are complete cows; not calves.

Origin and Development:

As the name shows, highland cows originate from the Highlands of Scotland. They survive in snowy areas and lushgreen lands.

The Rise of “Mini” Highland cow:

The size of the highland cow is an important consideration. These cows were a bit larger when the Scottish started to breed them. Over time, their size got smaller, and we used to see this original(small) size.

Some breeders start using unethical ways to get the smaller size of a miniature highland cow:

  • Pull the calves away and bottle them that results in stunted growth
  • Breed them with small-sized parents that genetically decrease growth
  • Choosing inbreeding ways for smaller sizes causes serious health issues

Physical Appearance of Highland Cows

The physical appearance is just like a small and cute baby cow. The beauty of this cow attracts everyone. Whoever sees it for the first time, just wants to cuddle with it.

Size:

As we already know, small size is the signature of a high land cow. They come in a range of sizes, but the standard size is 36 to 42 inches approximately.

Horns:

Newborn and baby highland cows do not have horns, but adults have long and sweeping horns.

Coat:

The fluffy coat of highland cows is adorable. Their coat makes them cute, cozy, and soft to the touch. They have double coats of hair. Further, these coats provide insulation in cold climates.

Color:

Highlands cows can be seen in many different colors. They are available in brown, red, black, yellow, silver, and white. Moreover, all these colors have further dark to light shades.

Newborn and baby highland cows

Characteristics of a Miniature Highland Cow

There are numberless amazing characteristics of a miniature highland cow. These properties make it a good animal, pet, and companion.

Behavior:

Highland cows are friendly. They are calm and peaceful kinds of cows. You can get attached to them quickly and easily. Even they do not harm any stranger with their horns.

Remember, mini highland cows can become aggressive in the season of mating. So, you will behave accordingly.

Milk Producer:

Highland cows are milk producers,but they producescanty milk. Some breeds of these cows in adult age do not produce milk.

Active:

Unlike other cows, they are active and energetic. Whenever you leave them in an open area, they run like bucks with their short legs.

Easily Trainable:

One wonderful nature of mini highland cows is that they are easily trainable. As they are friendly, that’swhy it is easy to train them. Further, they can understand human clues easily. It also makes them easily trained.

Climate Resistant:

These cows can bear climate changes effortlessly. As compared to regular highland cows, mini cows live in cold climates because of their origin. Remember, hot climates like desertsare not suitable for them, but they can survive with difficulty.

Good Pets:

Miniature Highland cows can serve as good pets. Their friendly nature, activeness, and cuteness make them attractive pets for all pet parents.

Animal Friendly:

Highland cows are not only frank with humans but also with animals. They are compatible with other animals. That’swhythey are becoming famous aspet zoo animals. They are happy around goats, sheep, bulls, and calves.

Life Span:

Usually, they have a life span of 12 to 20 years. As a breed, it is a long time. The life expectancy of a miniature highland cow also depends on how you treat it, which kind of food it receives, and any health problems.

Care of a Miniature Highland Cow

To keep a healthy and active mini highland cow,it is important to take proper care of it.

Habitat:

Habitat plays an important role in the life of a cow. It includes grazing areas, shelter, and fencing.

  • Grazing area:

A cow feels free and active in its grazing area. That’s why it is important to provide a large grazing area for this mini cow. Usually, a minimum of1-acregrazing area is required for a herd of highland cows.

  • Shelter:

Proper shelter is very important for a Mini Highland cow. In winter, a barnand closed areaare necessary for creating a warm atmosphere.In summer, proper shade is requiredtoprevent direct sunshine.

  • Fencing:

A sturdy and long fence is requiredbecause these cows can cross fences with their playful tricks. Approximately 4-6 feet of fence is enough for an adult miniature Highland cow. Further, fencing is also necessary to withstand their sharp and long horns.

Bathing and Brushing Needs

These cattle do need regular brushing in their coats, but you can do it once a month.

A neat and clean miniature highland cow looks more attractive than a dirty and smelly one. That’s why it, like other cows and bulls, is important to bathe them. You can bathe them twice a month.

Health Maintenance

A healthy Mini Highland cow is more valuable than a lean and weak one. That’s why it is necessary to take care of them properly.

  • Vet Checkups:

Regular Vet checkups are important for Highland cows’ health maintenance. It is also necessary to check whether your cow has any genetic disease or not. Some diseases get neglected by an untrained eye, but a vet doctor can detect them and cure them in your cow.

  • Common Health Issues of Highland Cows: 

Some common health issues are mostly found in mini Highland cows:

  1. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)
  2. Parasitic Diseases
  3. Johne’s Disease
  4. Calving Difficulties
  5. Heat Stress

Preventive Measures:

There are the following preventive measures to prevent all the above diseases in your Highland cow:

  1. Give vaccination against common diseases.
  2. Do regular Vet checkups for disease assay
  3. Maintain good herd management practices
  4. Complete their nutritional needs

Nutritional Needs

  • As Herbivores, grass, hay, and plants are their main food. Usually, miniature Highland cows eat 2-6% of their body weight in a day. Many other factors like season, activeness, and mood of your cow also depend on the quantity of meal.
  • Fruits and vegetables cover their vitamin and mineral needs.
  • Fresh water is also an important part of their diet. That’s why a highland cow owner needs to provideplenty of water to them.
Nutritional Needs

Does a highland cow is a good pet for me?

Overall, a mini highland cow can serve as a very good pet. Their docility, friendliness, and small size make them a wonder pet.

Advantages:

There are some advantages that you will get after having a miniature highland cow as a pet. Such as:

  • Unlike other cows, mini highland cows need a small space for residence.
  • They produce milk.
  • Less time and energy arerequired for their complete maintenance.
  • You can make them happy easily.
  • Miniature highland cows easily survive in cold climates.

Disadvantages:

Some points do not make a highland cow the best choice for you.

  • If you need a cow that produces a large amount of milk, then it is not an adequate option for you.
  • They are small. So, produces less amount of meat.
  • If you have a low budget, then you cannot afford a miniature highland cow.
  • They need vaccines regularly. It is also an expense for the owner who is keeping them.
  • Mini Highland cows are very social. They cannot leave alone. That’s why you will spend a lot of quality time with them or keep more cattle around them.
  • They have long hair. So, they can get ticks easily.

The Business Side of Mini Highland Cows

Mini Highland cows not only give you a sense of pleasure but also provide you with profit. But how? There are the following points that any homestead can follow to generate revenues from them:

Sell Calves:

The calves of these cows are also cute and worthy. You can sell them and can cover the ongoing expenses of these cows. Further, you can generate profit as well.

Sell Milk Products:

However, mini cows do not produce enough milk to sell. But you can make milk products like cheese, and butter and can sell them near your surroundings.

Sell Meat:

The meat of mini highland cows is rich in beneficial nutrients and doesnot contain high lipid content. That’s why you can sell it easily and at a high price. No doubt, a single highland cow does not produce enough meat, but if you have a herd of these cattle you can generate large revenues.

How to choose a perfect miniature highland cow?

There are some important steps that you should follow in finding a perfect miniature highland cow:

perfect miniature cow

Proper Research

  • Understand about the breed:

It is important to understand the breed you are choosing for the birth of a Mini Highland cow. You should know characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.

  • Health Issues:

You should familiarize yourself with common health issues, treatments, and preventions from diseases of Highland cows.

  • Care Requirements:

In this regard, you should do proper research about nutritionalneeds,residence requirements,bath timings, and brushing needs.

Cost

Cost is a very important element whenpurchasing a miniature highland cow.

  • Primary Cost:

You should estimate the price of a mini cowexcluding other expenses. These cows are expensive, but their price also depends on their age, pedigree, and type, etc.

  • Ongoing Expenses:

Secondly, estimate the other maintenance expenses. These expenses include vaccination, vet checkups, feed, and grooming.

  • Transportation cost:

If you are purchasing a cow from a distant place, then transportation costs will also come.

  • Insurance:

It will be a good idea to invest in livestock insurance to cover health issues or losses.

Breeders

Choosing an authentic, ethical, and professional breeder is also an important step.

  • Reputation:

Hire a reputable breeder with positive reviews and a proven track record of raising healthy and well-socialized cows.

  • Visit the Farm:

If possible, you can visit the breeder’s farm to see the living conditions and how the animals are cared for. This can give you a good sense of the breeder’s practices.

  • Ask Questions:

You should ask about the cow’s health history, vaccinations, deworming schedules, and any previous health issues. A good breeder will provide detailed information and be open to questions.

  • Pedigree and Documentation:

It is also important to make sure thatthe cow comes with proper documentation, including pedigree papers, health records, and any registration papers if applicable.

Zoning Regulations and Permits

It is also necessary to follow all the zoning rules and regulations for the safe upbringing of a miniature Highland cow.

  • Local Regulations:

You should visit the zoning office to understand the regulations related to keeping livestock. Some areas have specific zoning laws that may restrict or require special permits for keeping miniature cows.

  • Permits:

You should investigate if you need any permits to keep a miniature Highland cow on your property. This may include permits for fencing, barns, or other structures.

  • Space Requirements:

You should have enough space to provide a suitable environment for the cow. Miniature Highland cows need sufficient pasture space, shelter, and access to water.

Conclusion

Miniature Highland Cows, because of their cute looks and fluffy hair, are the perfect choice for pets. Their friendly nature and not too much large size make them perfect to keep at home. Raised in Scotland’s highland region make the m unique in a lot of aspects. Some of them include climate adaptability and training friendly. Meanwhile, all of this sounds pretty easy. The prospective owners and buyers must always keep their research straight and have enough space and arrangements for the maintenance of cows.

You must always keep yourself well-taught on the rules and regulations of cattle placements in your specific region. Additionally, you must know the cow’s health requirements. Remember! Miniature Highland Cows have low milk production and have more veterinary doctor’s visits. Be patient and happy with them and they might surprise you with their profitability.