![]() It has been said that transportation is likely the most stressful event cattle will face in their lifetime. The cows are happier when they have access to a brush, and in certain countries, providing access to coat care is mandatory.Īt our farm, we have opted to install poly bristle street sweeper brushes instead of buying pricey cattle brushes! Same concept, but it won't hurt your pocket as much! Their circulation is increased with each use, and boredom, stress, and abnormal behaviors all decrease. It lets a cow groom where they can’t reach themself. They help remove harmful parasites, dead skin or hair, and dirt. These cattle brushes do more than scratch an itch. A great way to allow them to safely scratch is to install a cattle brush that is free of any metal. It’s safe to say cows are motivated by anything that will give them a good scratch. Fence posts, tree trunks, electrical lines, cell towers, your tractor when you drive in the field, you name it, and they will rub against it. If you’ve spent any time around cows, you know they will rub up against anything to scratch their itch. We're not talking about that itch to run out and get yourself a Mini Scottish Highland. It goes without saying that clean dry bedding is an essential part of a healthy environment for your calf and your family. Limiting the sensory overload will help your new calf adjust more smoothly. Another great setup is a small stall in a barn or shelter. The smaller pen is used initially to help get the calf used to your smell, the farm sounds, and the new environment. A small corral style pen inside of a larger pasture is an ideal setup. The space you have prepared must be large enough for them to not feel trapped, but small enough for you to be able to interact with them. ![]() As they become accustomed to your weather, they will likely prefer to be out in the cold and snow. For Highland cows coming into a cold climate from a warmer climate you’ll want to have adequate area for them to rest out of the wind and snow. Just as you would invite a dear friend to your home, ensure that they have all of their basic needs met and are comfortable. Give them plenty of shade, easy access to fresh water, and readily accessible food. Keep this in mind when preparing a space for your fluffy friend. The same applies for them moving from a warm climate to a cool one. ![]() It takes days, if not weeks, for them to acclimate properly. While this is an extreme example, these majestic cows are unable to shed their coats overnight when moving from a cool climate to a hot one. It would stand to reason that we would get warm very quickly and possibly even dehydrated. Only in our case, we couldn’t take off our coat and hat. ![]() Imagine with me for a minute, living in an environment like that then moving to a climate like yours. Scottish Highlands were bred and developed in the hills of Scotland at high elevations where the temperature is cold, the wind is brutal, and the vegetation is barren. ![]()
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