Consequently, rotating cattle to new pasture frequently is important. For this reason, they cannot graze grass that is less than 1 cm in height. “The key to improving management of grazing cattle is to simply observe their grazing behaviour and understand the cues they provide.Ĭattle graze by encircling grass and other plants with their tongue and breaking it of with a sharp sideways movement of the head. Karen Schwartskopf-Genswein of Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development Division: The following is from an article written by Dr. We have discovered that Highlands digest oats, regardless of whether they’re rolled or whole better then barley, wheat or corn. On our own farm, Barrking Hill, we pasture our animals in the spring, summer and fall and feed hay in the winter but we also add a helping of oats to the animals we’re raising for our beef market (2 five gallon pails for 5 animals per day). Our ration of cereal grains is thus made up almost exclusively of oats.” I noticed that the oats, even if it does not produce growth results of as spectacular as corn, gives a really delicious taste. The nature type of food also influences the taste of the meat. The tenderness and the profit were largely improved by that. The results were interesting but we pushed a little further with our tests and came from there increased that to give up to nine or ten pounds per day. At first in the beginning, during our own experiments, we gave only two to three pounds of cereal grains per animal per day. Sometimes, it is necessary to add cereal grains to the ration and the quantities vary according to the objectives of your farm. “The ration of food must be abundant and rich in proteins and energy. Ghislain Falardeau, a 20 year Highland breeder in Quebec has experimented with a variety of grain inputs and wrote the following information in a previous issue of our breed magazine, The Kyloe Cry: Cows with calves at foot can be offered supplementary feed rations such as oats, barley or corn in adverse weather conditions. They will require access to minerals to ensure vitamin levels are maintained. In winter, good hay, straw, green feed or silage can be fed with no need for extensive feeding of concentrates. During the summer months they should have an ample supply of grazing and access to fresh water. Here the Highland has a distinct advantage, as its needs are simple and economical. In general, a wholesome diet is necessary for good health and growth. Most breeders do some experimenting and come up with a formula that works best for them. They include strictly grass and hay diets, to pasturing with an input of cereal grains, or barley, wheat or corn silage, to the more bizarre peas, turnips or the leftover hop residue from a brewery. Over the last couple of years, I have heard of a large variety of diets used by Highland breeders. The cattle are experts at improving unproductive land and maintaining a balance of plants and they will thrive on rough fodder enabling less competitive grasses and flowers to flourish. Highland cattle represent one of the best ways to preserve our landscape. Highland beef often commands a premium price over other breeds due to its succulent fine flavour and healthy eating appeal. Highland beef is slow-maturing making it a lean, well-marbled premium beef with low fat and cholesterol levels whilst remaining rich in protein and flavour, criteria increasingly demanded by today’s market. Highlands are noted for their browsing ability and therefore are well suited to farmsteads where there is an excess of poor pasture or rough terrain with meager grazing. The Highland is unusually healthy and hearty and will survive on roughage and poor grazing including brush, if necessary, under climate conditions where most of our popular, commercial breeds would suffer. Terri Barr, Barrking Hill Farm, Exeter, ON
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