What’s the deal with crop ear?
Crop ear or “fairy ear” as some like to call it, is an insignificant variation in the shape of the external ear seen in some (I believe many) highland cattle. Crop ear is a genetic trait that leads to a cartilage irregularity of the ear, which can be hard to see at times given their naturally "fluffy" ears. The presence of crop ear in Scottish Highlands has been documented in folklore for centuries, and really only becomes an issue if you decide it is. There is more information below to help you decide whether or not this trait matters to you.
Is it dangerous?
Absolutely not. Crop ear variation is not associated with any other genetic conditions. It only affects the appearance of the outer ear and does not in any way affect hearing. It is a cosmetic variation only that has variable expression. That means it can be anything from hard to notice to changing the shape of the ear itself. It is also inherited as autosomal dominant. So if you breed a heterozygous crop ear with a non-crop ear, you have a 50% chance the offspring will express the variation. Crop ear has no negative bearing on meat production or quality of cattle.
Should I Care?
That's a question with a lot of opinions in the Highland world! For some people, it's a deal breaker. For others, they don't care one bit. It really comes down to your preference. We have decided to let the ears grow as they may.
Bottom Line
Although we love our girls and our current herd sires, we appreciate that the crop ear gene may not be for everyone. We aim to be upfront and honest about what we have to offer in our 2025 fold. If you're looking for a perfectly shaped ear, some of our calves may not be for you. But if you're looking for a healthy, friendly, happy Highland or High Park with great hair, all of our calves should fit your needs!
