Furry Critters

As I mentioned in the comments the other day, Tori, coming from the south, took two years living in the north to grow a proper winter coat. We were lucky that those winters were milder than this one.

Knightmare, Tori, Shiloh, winter 2014

It's hard to see, but her fur is just as thick and long now as Knightmare and Shiloh's, who were born and raised in the north. 

Toothless, summer 2013

 Toothless, lean and sleek through the summer, becomes a furry beast in the winter.

Toothless, winter 2014

He's a holstein cross, bottle baby from the auction.  Again, we were lucky.  His first winter was much milder.  Last winter was harsh, but not as bad as this year.  He has adjusted to life outside in the great white north.

Nelly was born furry, and keeps a fairly thick coat even through the summer.

Nelly, winter 2014

And then there's Dorie.  She's another furry beast, although she loses her thick fur coat in the spring. 

Dorie, winter 2013

The funny thing about Dorie- we don't really know what she is.  We know she's a beef cow, a crossbreed, probably Limousin, but those horns just don't match up with any of the common beef breeds in the neighbourhood.

Scottish highland cows (picture stolen from facebook friend)

Cranberry, my sister-in-law, has a cousin who lives in my area, and they raise Scottish Highlands.  When I added her to facebook, she looked through my pictures and commented about Dorie being part highland.  Hmmm...  Well, then...  If the horn fits...

Highland cows are well suited to northern winters and poor pastures.  They eat more scruff and browse than typical cattle.  So you'd think I'd want to jump in with both feet, right?

Their meat also has a taste of it's own.  I can't really explain it.  Some people say it's more gamey.  It doesn't taste like any deer or moose I've ever eaten though.  Slightly lamby?  Maybe goat-like?  I've never eaten goat myself.  At any rate, not my preference.

Mind you- the most delicious beef I've ever tasted, was Dorie's calf, Casper.  His Daddy was angus.

Majesty, winter 2014

This furry little beast is the future.  She looks little in the picture, but Nelly's a good 50 feet or so behind her.  She's a big little girl.  Her fur is long and thick.  She's at least 1/4 holstein and 1/2 beef. (Toothless' and Dorie's daughter). 

Sheila, winter 2014

My only explanation for Sheila surviving this winter is her age.  Her fur is a little thicker, but not very long.  She looks great, just about ready to kid.