Highland Moscow
SCOTLAND - The Russians want hardy Scottish cattle .. to fight off the wolves
21 August 2007
1 minute read
"Their thick hair and skin keeps them warm in the winter. But the thickness of their skin actually helps them stay cool during the Russian summer, which is hot."
Ken Brown, chairman of the Highland Cattle Society
Scores of Highland cows are off to Russia - because they're hardy enough to beat the cold and tackle wolves.
Russian farmers are desperate to get their hands on Highland cattle, who can survive in the country's sub-zero temperatures.
In the past three months, a number of £5000-a-head cows have been bought by Russian farmers for breeding and scores more are set to follow in the next few months.
Ken Brown, chairman of the Highland Cattle Society, said yesterday: "They are ideally suited to the climate over there.
"Their thick hair and skin keeps them warm in the winter. But the thickness of their skin actually helps them stay cool during the Russian summer, which is hot.
"And a major issue over there is wolves.
"While we don't have wolves in Scotland, Highland cattle tend to gang up on a predator and try to chase them if a calf is threatened, for example by dogs."
