Rare pedigree Shetland calves arrive safely at Hill of Forss
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Two rare pedigree Shetland male calves have arrived safely within days of each other after a successful insemination programme carried out last year by technician Willie Mackay.
The calves were born at Sula Sgeir, Hill of Forss, a 40-acre holding owned by Scotty Farquhar.
Mr Farquhar bought the pedigree Shetland cows Whitehills Connie and Whitehills Calleigh last year from a farm in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. Shetland semen by the bull Garth Adonis was purchased from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.
Mr Mackay said: "The Shetland cattle are known as Shetland kye and are in the minority of cattle breeds in the UK, with only 750 to 1500 breeding females left.
Mr Mackay explained that the cows are dual-purpose, being ideal for beef and milk. They are small but hardy, mostly black-and-white in colour, but they can come in grey, red and dun.
Mr Farquhar hopes to purchase a further two more pedigree Shetland cows this year and will forward all four for a synchronised insemination programme in July.
