Breed Societies

Introduction

UK AYRSHIRES

The Ayrshire Breed of dairy cattle originated in the South West of Scotland over two hundred years ago, and during the next hundred and fifty years it rapidly spread to many parts of the world, where its ability to produce high quality milk at an economic cost and its great longevity in all conditions, made it a big favourite. Many were exported, especially to Scandinavia and the USA and Canada to help found their red and white breeds.

Now found in all continents, their ability to thrive in climatic extremes makes the British Ayrshire the ideal cow for African heat or a Scandinavian winter.

During the 1980’s the British Ayrshire lost some of its popularity as dairymen pursued a high output, high cost policy with little regard for overall profitability, but that has all changed as dairymen worldwide have come to realise that profitability is not all about output but also about low input costs and that health, longevity and fertility are of equal importance if not more so than extreme milk output.

Now Ayrshires are in big demand not only as purebreds, but equally for crossing by other breeds as people come to realise that she is the ultimate, economic dairy cow with her ease of management, low vet’s bills and low replacement costs, while her ability to forage in extremes of weather has endeared her to commercial dairy farmers everywhere.

Contact Details

Mr John Cochrane - Breed Secretary

Ayrshire Cattle Society, 17 Barns Street, AYR, KA7 1XB

Tel: 01292 267123 or 07815 096325 - Fax: 01292 611973

E-mail society@ayrshirescs.org - www.ayrshirescs.org

Registered Charity No.SC007015

SHORTHORN SOCIETY

The Dairy Shorthorns of today are the modern version of the world’s oldest pedigree breed, many tracing back to the first volume of Coates’ Herd Book, the world’s first Herd Book published in 1822. The Breed has also been used as the foundation for over 40 other world famous breeds.

These cattle are enjoying an upsurge in interest from many farmers who are wishing to take advantage of the adaptability and modern outlook.

They are of very docile temperament and extremely hardy, making them equally suited either for milking or suckling on all types of land and climates.

Colours within the breed range from white, through to roan and red. Noted for ease of calving, having the lowest incidence of calving problems of any breed, this also makes her ideal for crossing with other breeds, as the strong hybrid traits will be transferred.

They also have excellent feet and legs which seldom require attention making them equally suited for intensive or extensive systems and it is all these qualities that makes them so popular for organic systems, where the ability to thrive with minimum attention is essential.

The contemporary Shorthorn is very much a ‘dual profit’ cow with the ability to give high yields, if required, with a high percentage of protein and with a small fat globule. She produces a calf which is hardy and can grow into meat or a milker, and above all has a very long productive life.

Controlled cross breeding programmes and comprehensive breed improvement schemes involving performance and progeny testing have resulted in a modern dairy animal capable of high yields of milk whilst retaining the inherent fertility, mobility and longevity of a native breed.

Contact Details
Mr Frank Milnes - Breed Society Secretary

Shorthorn Society, 4th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Tel: 02476696549 or 07712 589917 - Fax: 02476696729

E-mail frankmilnes@shorthorn.co.uk - www.shorthorn.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 213216

UK JERSEYS

The ‘naughty noughties’ have been a great decade for the Jersey breed, worldwide, with cow numbers increasing on every continent.

Style as well as productivity

Across the UK, Jerseys have demonstrated the development within the breed as twenty two Inter-Breed Championships were won in 2009.

Showmanship has been raised to a new level as exhibitors strive to complement the quality of their animals by presenting them to best effect.

A vibrant Youth programme focuses on stockmanship and handler skills, thereby encouraging the next generation to have an even stronger affinity with Jerseys.

Production & management

Of particular interest to dairy farmers supplying cheese manufacture is the level of protein within the milk, along with a greater inclusion of the much sought-after Kappa casein BB.

The speciality Jersey dairy market also provides a financial premium from the indulgent products it offers.

For those converting to Jerseys, or new to dairy farming, the naturally high fertility levels within the breed is a pleasant surprise, resulting in more heifer calves being born and herd expansion happening as a matter of course.

Efficient & compact

The scientifically proven feed conversion efficiency of the Jersey cow is a valuable asset, leading to high milk solids output from small, compact, cows which lead from the front in all environments and are especially competitive grazers.

We look forward to the National All Breeds Show launching us in to the next decade, just as we will welcome all visitors to our ring-side stand at the Show.

Contact Details

Mr Roger Trewhella - Breed Society Secretary

UK Jerseys, 4th Street, Scotsbridge House, Scots Hill, Rickmansworth, WD3 3BB

Tel: 01923 695296 - Fax: 01923 695303

E-mail info@ukjerseys.com – www.ukjerseys.com

Registered Charity No. 252271

BROWN SWISS CATTLE SOCIETY

Brown Swiss cattle renowned for their protein production, locomotion and longevity, have milk yields that rival Holsteins and a place in all milk production systems.

Come and see for yourself how the breed can benefit the modern dairyman.

Meet with breeders who can advise on crossbreeding, pure breeding, pedigree and grade-up registrations, bulls, imports, embryos and breed management.

If you can’t make it to the Show to see the cattle then please do contact us at the office for further information and we can put you in touch with breeders throughout the UK.