Among the Thistles

Raising a bottle calf can be incredibly rewarding—but it also requires precision, consistency, and a strong understanding of calf health. When a calf cannot be dam-raised, you are stepping in to replace everything the cow would naturally provide: nutrition, immunity, and stability. This guide walks you through the entire process—from the first feeding to weaning—along with one of the most critical topics producers face: what it means when a calf won't take a bottle—and what t

Why responsible breeders choose chondrodysplasia genetics—backed by science, history, and real-world results For over a century, cattle breeders worldwide have intentionally selected for chondrodysplasia—a genetic trait that creates miniature cattle with shortened legs and proportional bodies. Yet despite its widespread use and extensive research, chondrodysplasia remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of miniature cattle breeding. Some dismiss it as a gimmick. Others

You know what’s amazing? Our Facebook community! Awhile back, I posted a simple question: “What’s the #1 question people ask you about Highland cattle?” I was expecting maybe a handful of responses. Instead, our followers absolutely flooded us with questions – and honestly, it was eye-opening! Turns out, there are some seriously common questions that keep popping up, no matter who we’re talking to. So I decided to do something fun with all that feedback: I compiled the most

History, Appearance, and Breeding Decisions for Coat Color Highland cattle are famous for their remarkable range of coat colors—reds, yellows, blacks, duns, silvers, and brindles—often within the same herd. While traditional Highland terminology has described these colors for centuries, modern genetics now explains why they occur. One of the most important (and often misunderstood) concepts in Highland coat color genetics is the Wild Type gene, commonly referred to as E⁺.

Welcoming a newborn calf into the world is a joyous occasion, but ensuring their health and well-being from the start is crucial....

Welcoming a newborn calf into the world is a momentous occasion that comes with great responsibility. As a caretaker, ensuring the...

Welcome to 'Baby Coo: Part 1,' where we delve into the fascinating world of calving and parturition, shedding light on crucial aspects of...

Understanding the crucial task of ensuring a calf has nursed properly is fundamental in their early development.

​Two Factors Important to Calf Survival There are two very important factors to calf survival. The first factor is body temperature, and...

When it comes to cattle health, and especially health of your young calves watching their poop is important. Scours is calf diarrhea that...

Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed of cattle in the world! They have the longest hair of any cattle breed. When it comes to...

Are your cattle showing signs of poor coat quality or hair loss? A lice infestation can cause cattle to relieve the irritation by...