Highland cows are an ancient breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles, with archaeological evidence dating back to the 6th century and written records from the 12th century12. The breed descends from two strains: the smaller, black Kyloe from the islands and the larger, reddish cattle from the mainland12. These cattle were integral to the Scottish economy, with large numbers sold to English drovers in the 18th century2. The Highland Cattle Society of Scotland established the first herd book in 1884 to preserve the breed, which has since been exported worldwide23. Today, Highland cattle are known for their hardiness, distinctive long horns, and shaggy coats, making them well-suited to various climates and environments12.

Highland cows possess several unique characteristics that distinguish them from other cattle breeds:

• Distinctive Appearance: They have long, wide horns and a shaggy double coat, which includes an oily outer layer and a downy undercoat, providing excellent insulation against harsh weather12.

• Color Variety: Their coats come in various colors, including red, black, yellow, dun, silver, and brindle, with red being the most common12.

• Hardiness: Highland cows are exceptionally hardy, thriving in cold, wet, and windy conditions with minimal shelter and feed supplements12.

• Efficient Grazers: They are skilled foragers, able to subsist on rough vegetation, which makes them ideal for poor grazing lands12.

• Maternal Instincts: Highland cows have strong mothering instincts, rarely abandoning their calves and providing excellent protection against predators1.

• Health Benefits: Their beef is lean, well-marbled, and lower in fat and cholesterol, while being rich in protein and iron, making it a healthy choice12.

• Longevity: These cows have a long productive life, often breeding into their late teens, which reduces replacement costs for farmers12.

• Environmental Impact: Their grazing habits promote biodiversity and soil health, making them beneficial for conservation efforts12.

Highland cattle are renowned for their distinctive double hair coat, which consists of a long, coarse outer layer and a soft, woolly undercoat, providing excellent insulation against harsh weather conditions23. This unique coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, yellow, dun, silver, white, and brindle, with red being the most common24. The color of a Highland cow's coat can change as the animal matures, particularly in black and dun calves, which are often born a "chocolate" color that gradually reveals their true hue over time5. The genetic basis for these coat colors involves several loci, with specific genes determining the presence of black, red, and diluted colors like dun and silver dun14. This genetic diversity not only contributes to the breed's striking appearance but also plays a role in their adaptability to various environments.