How to Care for Your Baby Highland Cow

Highland cattle have been a favorite of photographers, animal lovers, and farm enthusiasts for years because of their gentle eyes and shaggy coats. Baby highland cows are undeniably adorable, but there’s a lot more to consider when caring for them. These sturdy little creatures need the right nutrition, care, and environment to thrive.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important aspects of caring for your highland calves, from diet and shelter to health and socialization. Our tips will give you the knowledge you need to give your calves the best start in life.

Table of Contents

• Baby Highland Cow Temperament and Growth
• How to Prepare for Your Highland Calf’s Arrival
• What Do Baby Highland Calves Eat?
• Create the Perfect Environment
• Basic Healthcare for Highland Calves
• Provide Adequate Socialization and Playtime
• Track their Growth and Development
• How to Train Your Highland Calf
• Help Your Baby Highland Calf Thrive

Baby Highland Cow Temperament and Growth

Highland cattle are native to Scotland and are known for their thick, long fur, which provides them the insulation they need to survive harsh weather. The calves also have the same resilient, hearty nature, but they do need a little extra care in their early days.

These creatures are known for their calm temperament. They’re curious and friendly and are naturally inclined towards socializing. These fluffy calves are born smaller than other breeds, and they develop more slowly. This allows their bones and muscles to mature at a sustainable, healthier rate.

Unlike other beef cattle breeds that reach their finish weight in 18 to 24 months, highland cattle fully mature in three to four years. Here’s a quick look at their growth rate.

How to Prepare for Your Highland Calf’s Arrival

If you’ve recently acquired a highland calf or are expecting one from your existing stock, it’s important to prepare your environment in advance. These calves are adaptable and hardy, but they need extra care to ensure they transition into the world smoothly.

Set Up a Calf-Friendly Space

Like other young cattle, baby highland calves need a sheltered, dry, and clean area where they can rest. Make sure their space is sufficiently protected from extreme weather conditions if you’re raising a calf in an outdoor setting. A well-constructed shelter or barn with bedding like hay or straw can keep them safe and warm. There should be enough space for them to stand up, turn around, and move comfortably.

Basic Equipment

There are a few things you’ll need to care for your baby highland calf. A feed bucket or feeding container is helpful for offering milk or milk replacer. Calves can be messy eaters, so you’ll need an easy-to-clean, sturdy bucket that doesn’t tip over easily. You’ll also need a calf bottle if you’re bottle feeding.

Another must-have is appropriate fencing. Baby highland calves are curious, and if they’re properly contained, they may wander off. The fence should be secure and tall. Use wire or mesh to prevent escape attempts.

If you live in a cold environment, you’ll also need a calf blanket or jacket. While they’re hardy enough to adapt to cold environments, they’re still vulnerable in the early stages of life. Choose a jacket that isn’t restrictive but fits snugly. Choose a breathable material to prevent overheating.

What Do Baby Highland Calves Eat?

Adequate and proper nutrition is an important part of a calf’s development. The nutrition they get in the early stages of life will have a huge impact on their growth and well-being.

Mother’s Milk

Highland calves should receive their mother’s milk if possible. This milk is packed with nutrients and colostrum, which is important for their immune system development. The calf’s ability to absorb colostrum is at its peak during the first 24 to 48 hours. This first milk has antibodies that protect them against diseases and help them grow strong.

Milk Replacer

If the mother is unable to nurse or is unavailable, use a high-quality milk replacer. The formula should be specifically designed for calves and must have the right balance of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fats. A good quality milk replacer mimics the nutrients found in the mother’s milk and ensures that your calf remains healthy.

Feeding Schedule

Baby highland calves need to be fed every 3-4 hours during the first few weeks of life. As they begin consuming more solid food, this can gradually decrease. They start eating grass, hay, and other solids by 6-8 weeks. Overfeeding and underfeeding can both cause issues so it’s important to keep track of their intake.

Create the Perfect Environment

Highland calves may be hardy animals, but their early environment plays a crucial role in their growth and health. Here are a few essential elements to pay close attention to when you set up their living space.

Temperature Regulation

Highland calves are accustomed to cooler temperatures, but they’re still vulnerable in their early days. Make sure their shelter is dry and well-ventilated but shielded from rain or wind. If temperatures drop below freezing, consider providing extra bedding and a heat source like a heat lamp.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

It’s also important to maintain a clean environment because calves are susceptible to illnesses and infections. Clean their bedding regularly, remove manure, and wash water buckets daily. Proper hygiene prevents the spread of diseases and keeps their living space comfortable.

Basic Healthcare for Highland Calves

Like any young animal, highland calves require basic health care to ensure they grow into healthy adults.

Vaccinations and Deworming

Calves typically begin their vaccination schedule within the first few weeks of life. Consult your veterinarian for a proper vaccination plan, which will usually include protection against diseases like Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and clostridial diseases. Regular deworming is also necessary to prevent parasitic infections.

Hoof Care

Even at a young age, highland calves require attention to their hooves. Hoof trimming is usually done at regular intervals to keep their hooves healthy and avoid deformities. Check their hooves regularly for any signs of cracks or infection.

Signs of Illness

Keep a close eye on your calf for any signs of illness. These might include lethargy, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, or diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian right away to prevent the illness from getting worse.

Provide Adequate Socialization and Playtime

Like all young animals, baby highland calves benefit from socialization. It’s important for them to interact with their mother and other animals from the moment they’re born. This helps them develop strong social bonds and learn important skills, such as how to behave in a herd.

Make sure your calf has plenty of opportunities to play and exercise as it grows. Calves should be able to explore their environment with safe boundaries. Playing with other calves is not only enjoyable for them, but it also helps them develop coordination skills.  

Track their Growth and Development

It’s important to monitor your highland calf’s growth and development to ensure they’re on track. Calves grow rapidly in their first few months of life, and weight gain is a good indicator of their overall health.

Keep track of their weight. If they aren’t growing at the expected rate, consult your veterinarian. Here are a few growth milestones to track:

• 1 Month: By this age, most highland calves should have doubled their birth weight.
• 2-3 Months: Calves should begin grazing on grass and other solid foods.
• 6 Months: They should be fully weaned and thriving on a diet of hay, grass, and other solid foods.

How to Train Your Highland Calf

Training your highland calf is important because it helps build trust. It also makes them comfortable around animals and humans and helps them adjust to life on a farm. Create a routine that feels safe and predictable. Here are a few basic training tips to follow:

• Start early: Begin socializing and handling your calf from day one. The earlier you start, the easier it will be for them to get used to human contact and to the farm’s sights, sounds, and smells.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, affection, or praise. This encourages the calf to repeat the behavior and strengthens the bond between you.
• Be consistent: Like any animal, highland calves respond well to routine. Consistency helps the calf understand what’s expected of them, whether it’s during training sessions or daily care routines.
• Keep sessions short and focused: Calves, especially at a young age, have shorter attention spans, so aim for short training sessions that don’t overwhelm them.
• Introduce different environments gradually. As your calf grows, it’s important to introduce them to new surroundings. Take your time and gradually expose them to different areas of your farm. This helps them become more adaptable and less fearful of unfamiliar places.

Help Your Baby Highland Calf Thrive

Raising a baby highland calf is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but you’ll also need patience and the right knowledge. If you want them to grow strong and healthy, pay extra attention to their nutrition, environment, and health. With a little effort and love, these fluffy calves will not only thrive but also become an important part of your farm.