Highland Cattle In Australia: Genetics, Grading and the Value of Selection by Standard

Australia’s Highland cattle community is as diverse as the breed itself—rich in history, passionate in practice, and evolving in philosophy. Whether you're a breeder, buyer, or enthusiast, understanding the distinctions between Fully Imported Bloodlines (FIB), Purebred, and Graded Highland cattle is as a part of the breed as dossans, unpronounceable pedigree names and horns. But just as important is appreciating what these distinctions mean.

Fully Imported Bloodlines (FIB)

FIB cattle are considered genetically pure, with 100% Highland ancestry traceable to herd books in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada—where grading-up is not permitted. These animals are marked with an “F” in the Australian Highland Cattle Society (AHCS) database and are eligible for international registration.

Purebred Highland Cattle

Purebreds are the result of a grading-up process, either within the last 4 generations for new P class stock to decades or more in past. You typically reach 93% Highland genetics by the fourth generation. They are marked as “P” in the AHCS registry. While they may look identical to FIB cattle, their lineage may include non-Highland breeds such as Angus or Jersey in earlier generations.

Graded Cattle

Graded cattle can only be cows in the grades C / B / A.  C graded cows are those that have one registered parent and one non-registered parent.   The subsequent Grades up to A are the result of the breeding a Registered Bull over the previous grade cow.  Thus a C Grade cow bred to a Registered Bull will produce a B Grade Heifer or unregistrable bull calf.  A registered bull pairing with an A Grade cow will produce a P grade offspring of both sexes.

The grading system progresses through:

• C Grade: 50% Highland

• B Grade: 75%

• A Grade: 87%

• P Grade: 93% (Purebred)

This system was crucial in establishing the breed in Australia, where importing live animals was costly and logistically difficult.

What’s Better?

That’s probably answerable more in line with your own expectations and desires.  Some breeders are strict FIB only, some have a mixture of P and FIB and others will have all three types.  There are arguments for/against each of them and its down to your philosophy and desires as to what you want in your fold.  Your philosophy bears a lot in that decision but you should always ask – Is this animal a great example of the breed?  Does it show the desired characteristics set down in the Breed Standard? A badly conformed FIB or P animal has dubious claims to continue its genetics.

Pedigree Transparency and Registry Reform

In 2016, the AHCS reintroduced grade designations in its online database to clarify genetic origins. This move was welcomed by many breeders, who value transparency and international alignment.

But what does this Actually Mean?

Let’s face it you are either buying for your breeding program or for the joy of ownership.  Intended use plays a huge role here in what your selection decisions will be.

Does the FIB or P classification actually matter? – Personally, not really. Why, because you should be selecting based on conformation – that is according to the breed standard.  Both FIB and P are registered official AHCS classifications.  You should select stock based on what you need for your breeding program.  Selection for trait improvement, be that feet, docility, backline – what ever it is your looking to improve, lock in etc. Now having said that - A perfectly conformed FIB animal with loads of Scottish genetics does excite me!

If you’re buying an animal because you want a coo – again select according to standard – and here is where we, the registered breeders, should be doing right by both the breed and the purchaser – It’s up to us to ensure we are breeding to the standard and culling those animals that don’t measure up.  FIB, P or Graded is irrelevant if the animal is not of great conformation.

Are the graded animals worth it? – That’s a question that gets a lot of consideration.  A C grade animal could be ½ Registered Highland ½ Angus – but it could also be ½ Registered Highland and ½ Unregistered Highland with 93% or higher Highland genetics – The resulting C Graded animal is genetically a purebreed.

To register a C class animal into the Herdbook requires DNA Testing & Photographs to show that the animal “looks” Highland.  I have seen and also registered C class animals that you would never be able to pick out from a group of purebred highlands.  Why? – Because the unregistered parent was the result of a former breeder’s stock being dispersed to non-society members who continued breeding.

I say this to point out that grading up has its place.  Graded animals are a legitimate way to commence a breeding program for many reasons – cost being a big one. Graded animals are always less cost than P or FIB stock and thusly become a cost effective way for the casual owner to have that Hairy Coo grass puppy.  Again though, as responsible breeders even your graded stock should be selected for conformation.  A badly conformed animal that whilst it could be registered as a B or A grade shouldn’t be if its conformation is suspect.

Highlands are magnificent eating.  We still enjoy any animal that fails the conformation test.

Conclusion: Genetics Meet Experience

The world of Highland cattle in Australia is shaped by both science and sentiment. Genetic classifications like FIB, Purebred, and Graded provide structure and clarity, especially for breeders focused on heritage and export potential. But the heart of cattle breeding lies in the relationships we build—with the animals, the land, and each other.

Whether you're seeking a show-quality FIB or P heifer or a gentle companion for your paddock, understanding both the genetics and the values behind each breeder’s approach will help you make the right choice.