top of page
RBF_Final Files-03_edited_edited.png

Igor

RBF_Final Files-ICONS_Barn.png

Crossbreeding

Benefits of Highland Genetics

Crossbreeding beef cattle offers two primary advantages: 1) crossbred animals exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor), and 2) crossbred animals combine the strengths of the various breeds used to form the cross.  Heterosis or hybrid vigor refers to the superiority in performance of the crossbred animal compared to the average of the straight bred parents. Numerous crossbreeding studies conducted in the Southeast and Midwest have shown an increase in calf livability coupled with an increase in growth rate. Maternal heterosis results in improvements in cow fertility, calf weaning weight and cow longevity. 

​

Highland cattle  are a perfect selection  for crossbreeding. They are the hardiest of cattle with the highest food conversion factor. Crossing them with other breeds produces a faster growing and more commercial animal without losing the hardiness and low maintenance of the pure Highland. As Highlands have virtually untampered genetics since the 12th century, they are quite different from most other cattle. This provides maximum heterosis effect in crossbreeding.

​

Crossbreeding with a Highland bull on commercial cows virtually eliminate calving problems and increases calf survival with strong and healthy calves. This is particularly effective with first calf heifers. Crossbred calves will retain their familiar appearance. The horns are recessive and are not expressed when bred to a polled animal. Highland cross calves have increased vigor and hardiness, as well as natural disease resistance, forage ability, and high efficiency.

​

The Highland cow is well known for important traits like longevity and hardiness, often producing into her teens. She has superior maternal instincts and milking ability to raise a healthy calf.  Highlands are good convertors of poor quality roughages and excellent foragers to take advantage of the grazing/feed resources available in your program.  Cross calves have the longer eyelashes and forelock like Highlands.  Steers gain and grade well. Hanging weight percentages of 60 to 65 % are not uncommon, with ample marbling and no wasted back fat. Crossbred steers can be finished on grass or in feedlots. Highland cross heifers make ideal commercial brood cows of  medium size.  Economical to feed and handle, they calve with no assistance, have high butterfat milk to feed a large calf to full potential and have long productive lives.

​

John Lawson at the CDA Research Station , Lethbridge, Alberta has shown that Highland - Hereford cross steer calves exceed the Hereford in growth rate and equalled them in carcass characteristics. The cross cows were hardy, excellent mothers and had high conception rates, ranking among the best of all breeds and crosses produced in the study.

​

​

Highland x Wagyu

Highland x Hereford

cattle-1-58.jpg
cattle-1-57.jpg
untitled-.jpg

Mother is an F1 Cross, the calf, an F2

untitled--11.jpg
untitled-.jpg
untitled--14.jpg

Sold
Highpoint Highlands

untitled-6.jpg
untitled-164.jpg
untitled-.jpg
untitled-91.jpg

 

Red Briar Farm is located in central Alabama, at the base of the Cheaha mountains. Our cattle are raised on wide-open pastures of mixed native grasses, clover and fescue. Free-flowing, spring-based streams provide their water.  They are antibiotic free, and pasture fed, except for the occasional treat to bring them in for check-ups and vaccines. Our beef is not harvested until the steers are at least two years old to allow for full flavor development.

 

We offer:

  •   Registered Highlands to add to your herd or improve your genetics.

  •   Highland cows as cross breeds can add genetic vigor, ease of calving and improved finishing on grass.

  •   Highland bulls for ease of calving, hybrid vigor, ease of grass finishing , and delicious meat. 

 

  •   We sell beef by the full, half or quarter carcass. 

 

 

 

For information, sales or a tour, please contact 

emccain@eleanormccain.net

850-585-5359

bottom of page