Cordane Highlands Scottish Highland Cattle Stud New Zealand

IT'S SO HOT WHERE WE LIVE, WILL THEY SURVIVE?
Yes they will. Although Highlands originally come from the deep cold of Scotland, they are now bred worldwide in all sorts of
climates. Highlands are successfully bred in the Far North of New Zealand (our most extreme climate), and also in the even more
extreme climate of Australia.
Highlands are blessed with a dual layer coat, which acts by keeping the Highlands both warm and cool depending on their climate.
They do appreciate shade though and if possible it's always good to provide it, along with water.

I'VE AN ISSUE WITH THE HORNS BUT LOVE THE HIGHLAND
To be honest, I believe the horn maketh the Highland. However, you have a choice.
Firstly, you can purchase a standard Highland at a young age and grow with it. When they are young, and very cute and hairy and
lovely, their horns are very small and budlike. As your relationship with them grows, you acclimatise to the horn growth. You learn
and trust in their personality and you slowly become aware of the extra 'space' you need to give them to allow for head movement as
you work around them. Believe me, by the time your baby has grown a full sized set of horns you will wonder what you were
worrying about in the first place; or
Secondly, you can purchase a Hummel. This is a Highland who is born with no horns at all and will never grow them; or
Thirdly, and this is entirely up to the breeder you purchase from, but you could request that they dehorn the Highland you would like
to purchase. It is not common practice and I've not heard of anyone who has either requested it, or had it happen, but it is an option.

I'VE A SMALL BLOCK OF LAND, CAN I HAVE HIGHLANDS HERE
Yes. On average you can run 3 Highlands to the acre (depending on grass growth and supplement feed requirements) compared to
a standard cow being 1 to the acre. They are gentler on the paddocks as they have a uniquely shaped claw foot which doesn't pug
up the paddocks as much and as they are generally of a smaller stature and a lighter weight all combined this makes for a much
more attractive and viable option.

CAN I MAKE MONEY
Quality is the key. If you have purchased quality stock, in terms of confirmation, genetics, structural soundness and disposition,
YES, you can make money. The breeder you purchase from may also provide a service whereby they buy back your stock, help
you sell your stock on, or you may also have a ready-made market all of your own.

WHAT SORT OF HEALTH ISSUES DO HIGHLANDS SUFFER FROM?
Generally Highlands have no health issues. They are quite hardy and resilient. They may, in more humid heats suffer from Lice, but
a regular preventative treatment twice a year will prevent this. Other than standard drenching nothing else much bothers them.

THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS BUT WITH LONG HAIR DO YOU HAVE TO GROOM THEM EVERY
DAY?
No, but I'd take a bet that you will want to. They don't generally get knotty, and they groom each other so it needn't be an issue.
You can devote as much or as little time as you want to give them. It must be said that they do love a brush and if you have a
'hands on' Highland, they will love you for it.

DO I HAVE TO SHOW THEM?
It is your decision if you do or don't. It's not a requirement of ownership. There are various shows throughout NZ where you can enter
your Highlands and take pride showing them off to the public. In each district area there is always a gathering of breeders who show
their Highlands and it makes for a very busy but very pleasant and rewarding day.

WHAT DO THEY COST?
Like most things, you get what you pay for. It is true that you could purchase a hairy fireball from TradeMe for a grand sum of $1,000
but what you will get for that is anyone's guess. Through a reputable breeder you will purchase quality stock that would obviously
cost more but will guarantee you a quality animal that will fit your request, whatever it may be.

WHAT ABOUT DNA AND TRU-PARENT VERIFICATION? WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
DNA testing is not mandatory, but for many breeders who want to backup the animal they are selling, provide a DNA marker test
which provides the genetic background of that particular animal. Cordane goes one step further. We believe it's important to
guarantee that the Sire and Dam of the animal we are selling is who we say it is. This provides absolute assurance to you that you
are really getting what you are paying for. A reputable breeder will provide a DNA certificate, any reputable breeder will be happy to
provide Tru-parent Verification as well. Anyone who won't is someone to stay clear of.

HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH BREEDER TO BUY FROM AND SHOULD I SHOP ROUND?
This is a good question. There will be some reason why you will choose the breeder you do. It may be they got back to you really
quickly and you have formed a relationship. It may be that they simply have the genetics your after, or it was the first website that
came up when you googled Scottish Highlands. For whatever the reason make sure that who you choose is in fact a reputable
breeder. You can do this by asking for references, and by visiting them in person (if you are in the same district). A good breeder will
ask questions and listen and provide you will a lot of help to source what you are looking for. They will provide backup and
guarantees (such as DNA and health guarantees) that is there not just before but after your purchase (if required). Ask questions of
them. A good breeder will be there to help answer them.