Our Livestock
Our herd is made up of Pedigree Aberdeen Angus, Pedigree Shetland cattle, and crosses between the two. These traditional native breeds are naturally well suited to life in the Angus Glens and thrive on a grass-based diet.
We choose cattle that can live well in this landscape with minimal intervention.
That means animals that can graze diverse pasture, stay healthy through the seasons and raise strong calves without intensive inputs.
Working closely with nature creates a more resilient farming system. When livestock are suited to their environment, there is less stress on the animals, less reliance on external inputs and a healthier balance across the farm.
Many of our Angus bloodlines trace back to smaller native Angus cattle historically developed in these glens before modern farming shifted toward larger-framed animals. Their hardiness and ability to thrive in upland conditions make them a natural fit for Rottal.
Our approach is low-input and nature-led.
We select cows for traits that matter in a low-input system: fertility, longevity, calm temperaments and the ability to calve unassisted. Young females stay within the herd and learn from older cows, helping maintain natural herd behaviours and reducing the need for intervention.
Calves stay with their mothers for longer than is common in modern systems, usually until 10 to 11 months old. This supports healthier development and allows calves to mature gradually on pasture. Every animal has a name, partly because we believe respect matters in farming.
The cattle are moved regularly onto fresh grass, often daily, using low stress handling methods. We do not routinely medicate animals, instead focusing on strong natural health and resilience. If an animal becomes sick, treatment is always given when needed for welfare.
We calve in late spring to match the natural flush of grass growth, allowing cows and calves to thrive from pasture as much as possible. Our aim is to keep the farming system simple, while allowing the ecology around it to stay rich, diverse and alive.
