Kyloe

Black highland heifer for mono Monday challenge ancestors.

 

Did you know that west highland cattle were called Kyloe cattle and were originally black in colour? This is recorded in the 1884 herd book for the breed, they were mainly found in the western isles of Scotland. These cattle were also smaller and shaggier than the mainland types. Other colours besides black had been noticed but only in more recent years and came with cattle introduced from Perthshire. Does this mean that our Heather who is a black highland cow is more closely related to those original west coast highland cattle? Her mother was red and her father was black. It appears for one reason or another there became a preference for red highland cattle and funnily enough as fashions change the black highland cattle make reappearances in popularity. At the farm where we manage the livestock they are keen to keep a black herd to be as close to what their ancestors used to breed.

 

Nice not to rush my feeding today and then to enjoy a gentle stroll with the dogs in the morning sunshine. Then I got down to ordering my lambing supplies its just over 4 weeks until it kicks off so I want to be prepared. A bit stressful trying to get what I want without paying more than the product is worth on postage. Most things I get from my usual website that is free delivery as I spent so much but a couple of specific items were difficult to locate. Anyway all done hopefully I wont get emails cancelling orders as they wont deliver to me. Very tired today.

 

8c 8mph W Sunshine and occasional showers