CroP Ear

At our 2019 AGM, the Crop Ear Committee suggested that the CHCS not take a stance on crop ear – and that was approved. Crop ear is a genetic trait in Highland cattle that simply affects ear shape. It does not affect the health of the animal or the quality of the meat. It is purely cosmetic.
 

After much research and discussion - it was felt taking a position that suggested an animal with crop ear was less desirable, no matter its other physical traits and blood lines, could have a serious and lasting impact on the diversity of the Canadian Highland gene pool.
 

Registered Highland offspring are already being lost to breeders who choose not to register their animals. We need to encourage breeders to maintain their registered animals, not add more fees or make it more complex. Any barriers to breeders with crop ear animals via registration constraints could result in a bias towards these breeders. Or worse, could result in breeders culling animals with great genetics for a cosmetic trait. That would be like punishing breeders for their animal’s hair colour, the conformation of their horns or the length of their tails.
 

Highland breeders have been doing an excellent job managing crop ear for hundreds of years; we feel those decisions should stay in the hands of individual breeders. There are genetic tests available to aid in those breeding decisions and breeders can contact their preferred genetic testing company to see if they are able to assist. A number of pilot diagnostic tests have performed at the laboratory CHCS uses, and a fee has been established. If a different facility is used there may a separate set-up fee.
 

The CHCS strongly encourages breeders to be knowledgeable and upfront in their business dealings.
 

A certain amount of responsibility and due diligence must remain with the purchaser of an animal to make themselves aware of what they are purchasing and ask the right questions, including physically checking ears as they check for the tattoo numbers. Do keep in mind that crop ear presentation varies in extremes and is very occasionally not physically detectable.
 

The CHCS will continue to provide education materials on this matter, so that new breeders are aware.

 

The following article written by Glen Hastie explains the genetics of crop ear:

 Crop Ear in Highland Cattle