Why are Highland Cattle often called ‘Coos”?

- Because in old scots language a cow was called ‘Coo’. Scots is a variety of Scottish English and has been around for hundreds of years.

What is the correct Gaelic name for ‘Highland Cattle’?

- Tha sin furasta, canar crodh ‘ Bò Ghàidhealach’

So how old is the breed really?

- The first record of ‘coos’ is as far back as the 6th Century. The Highland Cattle Society was first formed in the UK in 1884, but written records are from 1780’s

What coat colours are there?

- There are 7 recognised coat colours Black / Dun / Silver Dun / Red / Yellow / White / Brindle. A great website to read if you’re interested in coat colour genetics in Highland can be found here: https://www.scottishhighlandcattle.com.au/html/coat_colour_basics.html

Why are they hairy?

Highlands have a double coat. The long outer course hair can be up to 33cm in length great for resisting rain and wind, while the short soft inner coat is a great insulator. Nature’s own down puffer jacket! It’s this coat that allow highlands to resist extreme cold, wind and snow thriving where other cattle cannot.

What is the difference between a Purebred and Fullblood?

A somewhat controversial topic - Fullbloods are cattle descended in entirety from imported lines from countries that do not allow grading up. Purebreds are Highland Cattle 4th generation or higher who have another breed in their pedigree somewhere more than 4 crosses ago (ie they are at minimum 94.8% highland. To better understand read this great article: http://www.bairnsley.com/Fullblood%20vs%20Pure.htm

Why ‘Fold’ and not ‘Herd’?

Again from past practices and scots language, Highland herds are called folds because that was the traditional name for the open shelters made of stone that the coos were brought together into at night during winter.

Can you have a coo as a house cow?

Many crofters in Scotland did. Highlands have a high butterfat content and yes, they can be milked if trained for it, just like any other house cow. We don’t know of anyone who does it today, but you certainly could if you wanted to!