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The attributes of the Shetland cow fit it for a place in modern agricultural society outside as well as within Shetland. |
It is the ideal for the small holder with its ability to flourish on poor or limited grazing hence requiring less space to keep. |
Its small size and light frame makes it less likely to churn up that limited pasture in wet weather. |
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The Shetland cow is extremely efficient in converting grass to milk hence to beef via her calf, and requires a lot less supplementary feeding than other breeds. |
Cows are extremely good mothers to cross bred calves, however, in the past this nearly led to the extintion of the pure breed. |
Its longevity, compared with other breeds, means that it will produce more calves during its reproductive lifetime, which may extend well into its twenty, especially if pure bred calves are produced. |
Nowadays, with BSE and other bovine diseases, the tracability through the dam, must be considered an asset. |
The SCHBS believes that the above makes a sound economic case for the preservation of the breed, as farmers, rather than passing fashion for something unusual or rare, for a hobby. |
