How are highland cows better protected against cold weather than jersey cows?

Answer 1

Highlanders have thicker, coarser hair which I believe is double-layered that protects them from the elements. Highlands are also beef cattle, which means they are able to have more of an internal body covering (like fat) than Jerseys will. Jerseys are dairy cattle, they are typically much thinner, less fatter and grow have the density of a coat of hair like Highlanders are capable of. Jerseys can survive the cold alright, but only if they have a good shelter to turn to during winter storms and good quality feed to help keep them warm. Highlands just about need none of this, they can survive with just a few trees or a wind-break fence to take shelter in if the weather gets particularly nasty, and don't need such high-quality forage or grains to survive in the cold. Moderate- to low-quality hay is good enough for them during the winter. (Of course, low-quality hay shouldn't be fed to them if they are in poor condition, like any animals going into winter.)