Shetland cows are a versatile breed of cattle from the Shetland Islands. They are suitable for milk and meat production and are also good for filling. The breed is known mainly for the fact that they use them in the agriculture of the Shetland Islands.
The Shetland Islands are located off the northeast coast of Scotland. Most organizations consider this breed to be the oldest of cattle. Since Shetland cattle return to viking age.
It is believed that the breed first appeared between 700 and 1100 AD and has since undergone many other influences (eg interbreeding with other breeds of cattle).
Shetland cows were once an important animal species in Scotland due to their hardiness. And there they were famous for being used in the production of bread, as well as for the production of milk and meat, and also as draft animals for pulling plows.
But in the 19th century, they experienced a sharp decline in population. The cattle population was estimated at 15,000 head and was on the verge of extinction by the mid-20th century. The larger breed then proved more popular with local farmers and the popularity of Shetland cattle declined.
Efforts are currently being made to re-establish the Shetland cattle breed in the UK, despite the rapid decline of subsistence farming. These efforts are mainly Shetland Cattle Breeders’ Association.
Shetland cattle breeds are smaller than most, as are most other cattle breeds native to the Shetland Islands. Shetland cows are a fairly rare breed of cattle today and they are classified as at risk by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK.
Shetland cattle are currently used as a beef breed in specialist niche markets. Small farms that depend on a high income from sales usually keep these cattle.
The breed is also kept due to low feed maintenance costs. Self-sufficient Shetlanders also keep Shetland cattle. Although their number is very small.
There are currently 800 registered Shetland breeding cows and an average of 180 calves are born each year. Learn more about this breed below.
Characteristics of Shetland Cattle
Shetland pets are very beautiful small to medium sized animals with white spots on a black coat. In color, they resemble the Holstein-Friesian cattle breed.
Bulls and cows usually have horns and their horns are curved upwards. Shetland cattle have long woolly coats that protect them in winter.
The average body weight of mature bulls ranges from 550 to 600 kg. And cows are generally much smaller than bulls. And the average live weight of mature cows ranges from 350 to 450 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
Shetland cows are versatile animals. They are used for milk, meat and spills. They have also been known to use them on small farms in the Shetland Islands.
Special Notes
Shetland cows are smaller but very hardy than most other cattle breeds. They are well adapted to the harsh climate of their native environment.
They are usually very strong, diseases and other health problems are much less so. Over time, their size increased with the advent of other breeds.
Shetland cattle breeds are ideal for smallholdings as well as extensive grazing commercial cattle systems. They have the advantages of easy calving as well as a high growth rate.
The breed is also very suitable for conservation grazing. However, check out the full profile of this breed of cattle in the following table.
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| Breed name | Shetland |
| another name | everything |
| Purpose of the breed | Milk, Meat, Draft |
| Special Notes | Robust, strong, rather fast producers, well adapted to local climatic conditions, excellent grazing abilities. |
| Breed size | small medium |
| Bulls | Varies from 550 to 600 kg |
| cows | Varies from 350 to 450 kg |
| climatic tolerance | All climates |
| coat color | White spots on black wool |
| horned | Yes |
| milk production | Moderate |
| scarcity | Ordinary parts |
| Country/place of origin | Scotland |
