The Poll Highland Cattle Society Inc. members have been breeding hornless Highland cattle since its formation in 2015, offering a safer alternative to the traditional horned breed.
Poll Highland Cattle Society Inc president Julia Webster said the organisation was created by people who “loved the horned Highland breed, but saw a need for hornless Highlands for more safety with handling for owners, vets and in saleyards”.
“We have bred the horns out of the traditional Highland cattle, that is really where it started,” Julia said.
“A poll is a Highland, except that it doesn't have horns, because it is genetically bred out.
“They are easy to handle.
“They are safer to humans as well as the other cattle.”
The hornless breed retains all characteristics of traditional Highlands, including their distinctive double coat.
“They originated from Scotland, where they like the hairy cow, or the hairy coo, as they call them over there,” Julia said.
“That is really why people fall in love with them because of their shaggy coats and their docile personalities.”
Julia, who has been breeding Highlands since 1991, runs 60 to 70 head including calves on her 35 hectare property.
“You fall in love with them, and then you just want more and more,” she said.
The cattle shed their long winter coats at winter’s end and regrow them around March and April.
The society registers poll, horned and miniature highlands, with standard size being 122cm at hip height.
For more information, email info@pollhighland.com.au, phone 0493 236 320 or visit pollhighland.com.au