A motorcyclist suffered a horrific death when a cow on the highway hit him at high speed.

Police were called to Sugarshed Road, near Glenella Connection Road in Glenella, Mackay, shortly before 2am on Sunday after hearing reports that a motorbike had hit a cow.

The driver, a 27-year-old from Sarina, was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition but died a short time later.

Initial investigations showed that the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle when it hit a cow in the opposite lane.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

If you have information for the police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.