The Highland cow is an ancient, hardy breed of cattle known for its long, shaggy coat and distinctive appearance. These cattle have been successfully adapted to the harsh conditions of the Scottish Highlands for centuries. The presence of horns is a defining and genetically expected characteristic of the purebred animal.
The Standard Breed Trait
Horns are a requirement of the breed standard for Highland cattle in both males and females. Every purebred calf is born with horn buds that begin to grow visibly within the first few months of life. The Highland breed carries the horned gene, and naturally polled (hornless) individuals are non-existent in purebred lines.
The only reason a purebred Highland might appear hornless is due to human intervention. In commercial operations, dehorning or disbudding is often performed on young calves for safety reasons. Older animals may undergo “tipping,” which involves removing only the sharp points to reduce the risk of injury to other cattle or handlers, but these practices do not change the animal’s genetic predisposition for horns.
How Horns Differ Between Bulls and Cows
While all Highlanders have horns, their shape and direction of growth differ depending on the animal’s sex. These distinctions are governed by hormones and serve as visual cues of gender and dominance within the fold. The horns of a mature Highland bull are thick and robust, especially at the base, and grow level with the head before curving slightly forward or downwards. This forward growth provides an advantage during dominance contests.
In contrast, the horns of a Highland cow are narrower, longer, and finer toward the tip. Female horns usually grow outward from the head and then sweep gracefully upward, often creating a wide lyre-like shape. Castrated males, known as steers, often develop horns that grow outward and upward, similar to a cow’s, due to the lack of male hormones.
The Practical Purpose of Highland Horns
The horns of the Highland cow serve several functional purposes, particularly in their native, challenging environment. Historically, the large horns were a primary defense mechanism, allowing the cattle to protect themselves and their young against predators like wolves. This natural protection contributes to their hardiness and maternal instincts.
Foraging is another practical use, as the horns act as built-in tools for survival during winter months. Highlands use their robust horns to root up the ground or sweep away snow and ice to uncover buried forage. Within the herd, horns are instrumental in establishing the social hierarchy and dominance relationships.
The bony core of the horns contains blood vessels, which plays a role in thermoregulation. For a breed adapted to a cold climate, the horn structure is designed to minimize heat loss, providing an advantage in extreme weather.