SCBA - The Versatile Shetland: Shetland Cattle in Conservation Grazing

With livestock farming declining in many parts of the country, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find any graziers, let alone those with suitable stock. This has led many land managers and conservation organisations (natural, cultural and archaeological) to decide to manage their own stock. This fact sheet has been prepared to assist such organisations make an informed choice of breed for grazing conservation land. Ecologists and conservation managers will know how effective cattle grazing is for maintaining such sites in a healthy condition. What is sometimes not appreciated, however, is the importance of selecting the right breed attributes for the particular site requirements, which are frequently very different from those encountered in conventional production farming.

In general the breeds most suited to conservation grazing are the traditional ones which are in decline in the commercial beef industry where, overwhelmingly Friesian/Holstein crosses and the large continental breeds are favoured. Such animals need good pastures and a high concentrate input to thrive, neither of which commonly applies in the typical conservation situation. With the intensification of livestock farming the fortunes of most traditional breeds have waned, and many are now classified by the RBST as rare or endangered. This does not mean, however, that they are obsolete and should be allowed to join the passenger pigeon and the dodo! They possess a unique combination of qualities that are very valuable for low input sustainable systems. They are also well suited to organic farming. This is particularly true of the Shetland. The very qualities that have led to Shetlands being ignored for intensive production agriculture make them ideal for an environmental role. In particular, it is their unique combination of qualities which deserves to be better known to conservation managers seeking the most appropriate breed for their sites. What is on the check list for your particular sites?

Here are some of the most sought after attributes that the Shetland has to offer.

They are extremely hardy, having been bred to cope with the often harsh, wet and windy conditions and impoverished terrain of the Shetland Islands. To quote from the 1912 Herd Book “They are extraordinarily hardy, the weaklings having died out long ago”. Historically, during Shetland winters cattle often had to endure what has been called “controlled malnutrition”. While thankfully such husbandry is a thing of the past, the resilience acquired, lives on.
They are self-sufficient and will readily out-winter.
They are versatile foragers. With appropriate management systems, they will thrive on swards ranging from low quality rough grassland to fertilised meadowland.
They are enthusiastic browsers and will eat regenerating birch on lowland bogs, for example.
They do not need expensive concentrates, although, if out-wintered on low protein forage, in common with other traditional breeds, they will benefit from access to protein blocks that stimulate rumen activity.
They are calm, easy to handle, do not require special handling equipment like Highlanders, and can be trained to come to the bucket if required (they were the original house cow of the Shetland crofter).
They are very fertile and extremely easy calving when bred pure (second only to the Jersey in pelvis width), and are very attentive mothers, making them ideal suckler cows.
They are long lived, and will continue to breed into their mid-teens, or even twenties in some cases.
They range from small to medium in size (350-500 kgs). This is particularly important on wet sites or where out-wintered, as poaching is minimised.
They are popular with the public – aesthetically attractive with black and white or red and white markings and “Viking style” short horns; not aggressive; their small size makes them non-threatening; bulls are docile in company with cows; and people are interested in their rarity and heritage.
They are “dog proof” and will defend young calves against dog attack, but they rarely show aggression to their owners, even with new born calves.
Animals not required for breeding are readily marketable, as they produce excellent beef. They are eligible for the Traditional Breeds Meat Marketing Scheme where they command a substantial price premium, and are eagerly sought by TBMMS finishing units.
It is one of the faster finishing native breeds, in most cases ready for slaughter well within 30 months off grass, an excellent economic benefit.
They are well proven in a conservation role. They are currently grazing SSSI’s comprising everything from Scottish lowland bog to English heathland and coastal grazing marsh to woodland in the Midlands, and have been selected by the National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, County Councils and unitary authorities among others.

Why should you choose Shetlands when many of these attributes are shared with other traditional breeds? We would suggest for the following reasons:

Very few breeds, if any, are able to offer this combination of benefits. A comparison of your breed selection criteria with Shetlands’ attributes will, we believe, demonstrate their suitability for the intended role. You might like to complete our checklist to test this in your circumstances – click here for checklist.
In many conservation situations it is essential to be able to use large herbivores without damaging the sward, especially on wet sites or where out wintering is desired. Shetlands’ small size coupled with their calm demeanour makes them ideally suited to such sites at appropriate stocking rates.
In choosing Shetlands you will be helping to bring a breed at risk back from the brink, conserving a valuable genetic resource and part of our heritage, at the same time as managing for wildlife and ecosystem biodiversity.
Stock is readily available at very competitive prices.
Last but not least, you will have the support of a breeders’ association, run by experienced, enthusiastic owners, many of whom are themselves active in conservation grazing. Membership is free for the first year of ownership, and very competitive thereafter. Click here for details of Association membership.

If you feel that Shetlands might be for you, but would like more information or advice before deciding, please do not hesitate to . As a small association dedicated to our breed, we guarantee that you will receive ongoing support and advice as required.

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Last revised: 03 July 2008