Call for further information and an appointment to view our herd. There are other animals potentially available.
Bitterroot Farms, LLC
Tom and Deanna Newton
(360)495-3132
CATTLE FOR SALE
We presently have no animals for sale
Tips for Purchasing Highlands
Purchasing your first Highland animal can be a most rewarding or frustrating experience depending on how prepared you are prior to your transaction. It's easy to get carried away by the beauty and majesty of the Highland breed but be ready to really look your potential animal over carefully.
What to look for when buying registered Highland cattle:
If your are purchasing a registered Highland, ask to see registration papers. If the animal you are purchasing is not yet registered, ask to see the parents' papers and a copy of the registration application. Ask the seller to register the animal as a condition of sale. Only the original owner (owner of the dam when she calved) may register the animal. Depending on the circumstances, it could be difficult or impossible to get the animal registered or transferred.
Check to see if the animal has been properly tattooed. The tattoo is usually in the left ear and must match what is noted on the registration certificate or application. An animal without an AHCA tattoo must follow certain rules to remain registered.
If possible look at the dam and sire, they are the best gauge as to what your animal will look like when it grows up. If the parents are not available, ask for photos.
Check the parents’ pedigrees for close in-breeding or line breeding such as father to daughter or brother to sister. Only a very knowledgeable breeder has the know-how to do this successfully. Line breeding has the potential to enhance the better qualities but also enhance the poorer qualities.
Conformation can be challenging for novice cattlemen and women. Basically, the animal should look like a Highland, have good legs and feet placed squarely under the body, walk without difficulty and appear to be healthy. Check to see if the hooves are too long or cross over one another. A seasoned cow should have a fairly level udder with the teats not too long for easy nursing of calves. The back should be fairly level and the butt fairly squared. Bigger isn't always better. Check for extra fat pockets at the base of the tail. When you feel the sides of the animal, there should not be a 'jelly-jiggle'. This is fat, not muscle. An overweight animal will be more difficult to breed.
If the seller claims the animal is halter broke and gentle, ask for a demonstration if this is an important consideration for you. This will also give you a glimpse at the disposition of the animal. Keep in mind that the animal may be a little rusty if it has not been haltered for a period of time. A calm animal is much easier to deal with when a medical need arises and is just basically more fun to be around. A flighty animal can have a negative affect on your entire herd. It's worth paying the extra for an animal that has already been worked with. Remember, you get what you pay for!!
Some states require animals, either born in the state or transferred into the state, to be Brucellosis vaccinated. This must be done, on females only, usually prior to the age of 10 months. The Brucellosis tag is metal and usually easily seen at the top of the ear. If no tag is visible and may have pulled out, look in the ear (usually right ear) for a Brucellosis tattoo. Check with your veterinarian for complete health requirements/guidelines in your state and region.
If you will be transporting your new purchases over state lines make sure you check with your local veterinarian or the State Board of Animal Health before loading them into the trailer. A bill of sale may be required to prove you are the new owner. In some states a health certificate from the vet stating the animals’ identity and status of good health is all that is necessary. Other states may require blood tests, permits and other paperwork that will require additional time to prepare.
While this may seem complicated it is easier than it appears. A reliable Highland breeder likely knows what is needed to register, transfer and transport your animal to its new home. Most breeders are very willing to make this an enjoyable experience.
