Female vs male highland cow

Female vs male highland cow

Battle of the Shaggy Giants: Female vs Male Highland Cattle

You know those adorable shaggy cows you see all over social media? While both boys and girls rock those impressive hairdos, there's quite a bit of difference between the lads and lassies of the Highland cattle world.

Let's talk about the ladies first. Highland cows (or 'coos' as the Scots would say) are typically smaller than their male counterparts, but don't let that fool you – they're the backbone of any Highland herd. They usually weigh around 500-600 kg and sport more delicate, upward-curved horns. These mamas are famous for their incredible maternal instincts. They'll brave the harshest Scottish winter to protect their calves, and they're so good at it that farmers rarely need to intervene during calving season.

Now, onto the boys – and boy, are they impressive! Highland bulls are the real heavyweight champions here, tipping the scales at 800 kg or more. Their horns are something else entirely – they're much wider than the cows' and sweep out sideways before curving forward and upward. While they might look intimidating with their massive horns and muscular build, they've actually inherited the breed's famously calm temperament.

Here's where it gets interesting – both sexes sport that iconic double coat, but males often develop a thicker neck ruff, giving them an almost lion-like appearance. The girls tend to have more refined features, while the boys rock that rugged, masculine look that's almost comically macho.

Color-wise, there's no real gender divide. Both males and females come in various shades, from the classic rusty red to black, brindle, or even blonde. Though I've noticed the males often have darker highlights in their coats, especially around their neck and shoulders.

One of the most charming differences is in their social behavior. The females are typically more gregarious, forming tight-knit groups with other cows and calves. Bulls, while not antisocial, tend to be more independent once they reach maturity. Though during mating season, they certainly make their presence known!

Whether male or female, one thing's for sure – they're all absolutely brilliant at what Highland cattle do best: thriving in tough conditions while looking fantastically photogenic doing it. Just don't expect them to tell you their secret for maintaining those incredible hairdos!