Successful introduction of rare breed at Guidibest Farm

English Longhorn cattle are back in the valley of Smerral, Latheronwheel, thanks to a successful AI breeding programme at Guidibest Farm.

Farmer Neil Macleod had for years wanted to introduce this very old rare breed of cattle and purchased six straws of semen from the AI bull Gupworthy Onzlo at the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in Stoneleigh.

Onzlo was the champion bull at the National Longhorn Show, held as part of the Three Counties Show in 2016 at Malvern, Worcestershire, and also took the all round champion title at the Royal Welsh Show the same year.

Local AI cattle breeding technician Willie Mackay, who carried out the inseminations, said: “The two heifer calves born so far are exactly as predicted in colour and conformation with distinct white markings along the spine and brown/red mottling on the face and hindquarters.

“They are docile and very attractive making ideal heifer replacements for the small herd of Aberdeen Angus cross cattle at Guidibest."

English Longhorn cattle are a long-horned brown/red and white breed of beef cattle originating from Craven in the north of England. The breed was initially used as a draught animal, which its body is well suited for, and milk from Longhorn cows is high in butterfat.

The notable long curved horns of mature Longhorns serve to distinguish this breed from others and can make an individual appear aggressive although by temperament they are usually friendly.

Mr Macleod has one other week-old Longhorn bull calf and has a further cross cow to calve in a few weeks' time, to the same bull.

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