The Shetland, or Shetland kye in Scots, is a small, hardy breed of Scottish cattle from the Shetland Islands, which are north of mainland Scotland. Most cattle are black and white, but there are also some grey, red, and dun ones.
History
Usually, Shetland cattle are black and white, like the Holstein Friesian breed. However, an estimated 10% are red and white, while a small but growing percentage are brown and grey. A long, shaggy coat protects cattle in the winter, but they shed during the summer months. Shetland cattle are valued by many breeders for their calving ease and quick development to mature size.
Cattle were one of the first types of cattle that the Neolithic people who lived on the Shetland Islands tamed and raised.This probably happened around 3,600 B.C. The first remains indicate a very large animal that these first farmers had to contend with. It is thought that the first cattle were young aurochs captured in the Scottish forests, which were the direct ancestors.
Shetland cattle are used for beef in niche markets right now. Shetland cattle are currently used as beef cattle in some niche markets. These livestock are usually kept on small-scale farms that depend on high sales income and low maintenance costs for feed. A small number of subsistence people also keep cattle in Shetland. There are currently 800 registered breeding cows, and an average of 180 calves are born each year.
Efforts are underway to revive the Shetland breed. The Shetland Cattle Hardback Society works to maintain the breed's protection. Members can access valuable genes for trait maintenance in SCHBS's mini-database and warehouse.
Characteristics
Shetland cattle are black and white like Holstein Friesian. However, approximately 10 percent are red and white, while a small but increasing percentage are brown and grey. Most cows weigh between 350 kg (770 lb) and 450 kg (990 lb), while most bulls weigh between 550 kg (1,210 lb) and 600 kg. Most breeders and organisations consider them to be small in size.Its horns curve upwards, but are shortened during commercial production.
A long, shaggy coat protects cattle in the winter, but they shed during the summer months. Shetland cattle have many qualities that breeders like, such as being easy to have calves and growing quickly to adult size.
