Caring for Your Mini Highland Cattle

Mini Highland cattle are hardy, charming, and surprisingly easy keepers when given the right care. While their smaller size makes them more manageable than full-sized cattle, they still require consistent attention to diet, health, and housing to thrive. Whether you’re a first-time owner or building a herd, here are the essentials for keeping your minis healthy and happy.

🥕 Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Mini Highlands do best on high-quality hay provided free-choice, along with a loose mineral mix designed for cattle. Minerals should be available at all times and refreshed regularly.

For young, growing calves, an added source of protein (such as calf starter or a supplement recommended by your vet) will support proper growth and development. Consistency is key — sudden changes in feed can cause digestive upset.

💉 Vaccinations

Like all cattle, minis benefit from a regular vaccination program. Core vaccines are typically given annually or biannually, but the exact schedule can vary depending on your region and local disease risks. Always consult your veterinarian to design a program tailored to your herd.

🧹 Grooming

Mini Highlands’ iconic coats require routine grooming:

• Brushing helps reduce mats, keeps skin healthy, and builds trust with your animals.
• Bathing and washing are helpful in warm months to remove debris and loose hair and it will give you a good opportunity to inspect your animals skin for pests or injury. 
• Trimming is important for health and hygiene:
  
• Expectant cows benefit from trimming around the teats to make nursing easier for calves.
• Bulls may require trimming of penile hair to prevent debris buildup and irritation.
• Long mats in the coat should be carefully clipped or scissored away.
  

🪰 Pest Control

• Flies (summer): Apply fly treatment nearly daily during fly season. Fly sprays, rubs, and feed-through supplements all help reduce irritation and risk of pink eye.
• Lice (winter): Treat with a topical or pour-on product every two months through cold weather, when lice thrive under heavy coats.

🏠 Shelter and Housing

Even with their thick coats, Highlands need proper shelter. Provide access to:

• A windbreak or barn during winter storms.
• Shade in summer months to prevent heat stress.
• Clean, dry bedding to avoid hoof and skin issues.

Fresh, clean water must be available daily — and check frequently in winter to prevent freezing.

🧹 Cleanliness and Barn / Pasture Care

Regular mucking of stalls and pens keeps your cattle comfortable and reduces parasite and fly loads. Clean environments are especially important for calves and expectant cows. Dragging common areas helps break up cow patties allowing the sun to dry them out.  

🐛 Deworming

A deworming program is essential. Frequency depends on your region and herd management style, but many herds benefit from seasonal or rotational deworming. Fecal egg counts (done with your vet or at home with training) are the best way to monitor parasite levels and adjust treatment.

🐾 Hoof Trimming

Hoof trimming needs vary depending on your soil and pasture type. Cattle kept on rocky or firm ground may need trims only once a year, while those on soft pasture may require more frequent attention. Overgrown hooves can cause lameness and long-term structural issues, so regular checks are important.

🔒 Facilities and Safety

Finally, one of the most important investments you can make is a safe working facility. A well-designed setup that includes a chute or headgate allows you to handle, treat, and trim your animals safely. This protects not only your cattle but also you and your handlers.

In Summary

Caring for mini Highland cattle is both rewarding and manageable when you prioritize good nutrition, routine health care, grooming, and proper facilities. With the right setup and consistency, these beautiful cattle will reward you with many years of healthy companionship and quality calves.