The Highland cattle breed is an ancient and robust livestock originating in the harsh, rugged environment of the Scottish Highlands. Known for their distinctive long, flowing coats and calm temperament, they are one of the most recognizable cattle breeds in the world. A defining characteristic of the Highland cow is the presence of horns on both sexes. Unlike many other cattle breeds where only the males are horned, female Highland cattle, known as cows, possess these impressive cranial appendages just as the bulls do. This trait is a natural and expected part of the breed standard for all Highland cattle, including steers, or castrated males.
Distinguishing Male and Female Horns
While both sexes of Highland cattle have horns, a clear difference in their shape, thickness, and orientation exists due to sexual dimorphism. This variation is often the most reliable way to distinguish a bull from a cow at a distance. A mature bull’s horns are robust and thick, especially at the base where they emerge from the skull.
The bull’s horns generally grow out from the head, nearly level with the ground, often inclining slightly forward or curving slightly downward. This forward-projecting growth pattern gives the bull a wide, powerful, and imposing appearance.
A cow’s horns, by contrast, are usually thinner, finer, and longer than those of a bull. They emerge more squarely from the head before rising sooner and sweeping gracefully upwards. This upward and outward trajectory gives the female a more elegant and majestic look. The horns of steers (castrated males) often grow similarly to those of cows, becoming more slender and curving upwards due to the lack of male hormones.
The Biological Role of Horns
The horns of Highland cattle serve several important functions related to survival and social structure. Historically, the large horns provided an effective line of defense against predators in the wild Scottish landscape. Cows use their horns to ward off potential threats, particularly when protecting their calves.
Within the herd, horns are instrumental in establishing and maintaining the social hierarchy. Cattle use their horns in non-lethal pushing matches to determine dominance and ranking. This sparring behavior minimizes conflict, as the established hierarchy dictates access to resources like food and mates.
Horns are also practical tools for foraging, especially in cold or snowy conditions. Highland cattle use them to push aside brush, clear snow, or break through ice to access water and vegetation. Furthermore, the bony core of the horn contains blood vessels and is connected to the sinus cavity. Blood flow through this core aids in thermoregulation, helping the animal dissipate excess heat during warmer periods.
Horn Growth and Composition
The horns of a Highland cow are permanent structures that begin development shortly after birth as small horn buds. They are complex biological features, composed of a hard, outer sheath of keratin that covers a living core of bone. This bony core is an extension of the skull, meaning the horns are fully integrated with the animal’s anatomy.
The horn core contains blood vessels and nerve endings. This means that any procedure like dehorning is a painful and invasive process for the animal. Horn growth is continuous throughout the cow’s life, although the rate slows significantly after the first two to three years. Early growth can sometimes show ridges or flaking, but the horns continue to increase in length and circumference.