Why Choose Shetland Cattle?

A unique Scottish island rare breed which is:

Dual Purpose

Shetland cattle were used for both milk and meat. Without this valuable asset many families would not have survived. Dual purpose does not really desribe their multi-faceted assets because not only are they good milkers who produce highly nutritious meat, but they are extremely suitable for conservation grazing. They were also originally used extensively for draught purposes.

High in CLA in Both Milk and Meat

The milk and the meat have been proven through scientific analysis to be high in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a healthy fatty acid which may have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Small but very Adaptable

Relatively small and light boned, Shetland cattle are easy to keep in a wide range of conditions.

Of High Fertility

They have good calving rates throughout their lives.

Easy Calving

Due to their conformation they calve easily even to larger bulls.

Known for Healthy Strong Calves

Pure Shetland calves are quick to get up and suckle.

Known for Quantity and Quality of Milk

Due to milk quantity and quality pairs of calves can easily suckle simultaneously.

An Ideal Conservation Grazer

Shetland cattle have a light frame and large feet which prevents poaching on soft grazing. They eat a wide range of grasses, including rushes, coarse herbs and thistle tops. They browse a wide variety of shrubs, including young heather.

Long-lived

Cows can calve late into their teens and even beyond, thus fewer replacement breeding stock are required.

Hardy and Thrifty

Hardy and thrifty, Shetland cattle, have an innate ability to convert low quality grazing into efficient milk and meat production.