Our breeding

Our organic farm

The Highland Cattle herd, grazing on 25 hectares of meadows, eats exclusively what the pasture offers. Diverse vegetation, lush green grass and a constant access to water are the basic principles of organic breeding. In winter, we feed the cattle with pre-rolled hay.

Even very low temperatures do not hinder the functioning of the farm. A few alders and a wooden shed serve the animals for a shelter. In summer, those places provide shade from the sun and heat, in winter they protect from wind and snow.

Our herd has its own habits. Three to four times a day the animals relocate - pleasing the eyes of the hotel’s visitors. In summer, the herd can spend its entire day lying between the trees. Only in the evening, when it gets cooler, they comes out to feed on the meadows. In winter you can see them eagerly eating hay from the snowy and frozen ground.

The breeding is carried out exclusively for the purpose of the restaurant, thanks to which we are able to serve our guests an exceptionally tasting meat. That way of working gives us a total control over the quality and processing of the royal beef.

About breeding

Highland Cattle is a breed with very low requirements. The Scottish breed adjusted to the Polish climate quite quickly.
Longevity, good reproductive rates and low mortality are some of the great advantage of this cattle.

In our herd the births take place without human supervision. Births are not hindered by low temperatures, therefore calving takes place all year round. However, most of the babe cows are born in spring.

Shortly after being born, a youngster weighs in average 22-25 kg. Because the mother's milk is very rich in fats, the calves gain about 500-650 g a day.
The mothers are very protective and caring of their young. Rejection is rare and if it occurs, it is usually only for a few days. During this time, other cows take over the care of the new born calf.

About the hair

The diversity of hair colour against the green meadows or snow-white down is enchanting to see. The whole palette of shades of brown, light grey, cream and black not only decorates but also protects the cattle. A luxuriant mane and the charming curls on the muzzle, go together with the gentle character of these animals.

The fur consists of two layers: an outer pile - consisting of long bristles, thinner in summer and thicker in winter, reaching up to
30 cm underneath - consisting of soft down, which provides excellent insulation.
 

This superior body construction reduces the need for body fat, providing ideal protection against cold and heat.
Although the dark haired animals appear more dignified and less friendly, studies show that fur colour has nothing to do with the animal’s temperament or productivity.

Horns - a noble ornament

The beautiful and grandly horns are a type of ornament characteristic for both male and female, but differing in shaped for both. In adult specimens their spread can reach up to 150 cm.

Bulls' horns - powerful at the base - are thicker and directed sideways, almost horizontally.

They are a dangerous weapon against possible competitors.
The horns of a cow are thinner and shaped in a gentle upward curve.
The dark rings on the horns, characteristic for females, mark a successive calving and determine the cows age.

Meat parameters

Highlanders are one of the smallest breeds of beef cattle. The body weight of the largest bulls is up to 750 kg and of a cow up to 600 kg. At birth, a female baby weighs about 22 kg and a male baby about 25 kg. In the first year of their life the daily growth is about 500-650 g.

The slow growing rate of the muscle tissue and the natural nutrition (grass in summer and rich in herbs from the meadows, hay in winter ) results in an exceptional taste and human health benefits. The pronounced marbling and fine fibres are appreciated by the finest meat eaters.
The low amount of fat (38%) and cholesterol (4%) distinguishes this type of meat from the others. The low fat production is due in part to the well-insulating, double-layered fur. Adult cows reach 110-120 cm at the bulls 125-135 cm.

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