>Steve, >I have an opportunity to get a small highlander cow with her a calf for a >good price. Part of the pasture I was going to use has some small fruit >trees and I am afraid they will eat them. Should I be concerned? Also the >cow is not very tame, would she become easy to handle with time? How small >is your pasture and do you provide all your own feed or do import some? >They would probably be my first choice if we don't go with a dairy breed and >can work the fruit tree thing out. > >Thanks, >Daniel
Daniel - I've worked with highland beef before. I've seen them wrap their horns into apple tree branches and shake the fruit from the trees. They have a reputation for 'walking down' trees to eat the leaves from their crowns. I understand that they were once used for clearing woods because of this skill. But, you've got to love them! They are gentle, attentive animals. A little electric wire goes a long ways towards keeping them in their place. -Allan
