South African Ayrshire Cattle Breeding: A Model of Success
Source: The DairyNews
Members of the World Ayrshire Cattle Federation recently visited Crumlin in Co. Antrim to explore the renowned Ravenhill herd managed by John Suffern. Among the visitors was the immediate past president of the federation, Edmund Els, from South Africa's Western Cape.
Edmund Els runs a dairy operation with 660 Ayrshire cows, producing milk year-round. All heifers and dry cows are kept on the farm. "We supply branded Ayrshire milk to the Woolworths retail chain, a business we have developed since 1986. The milk is pasteurized on the farm, and we also produce a range of soft cheeses," said Els. He noted that their Ayrshire milk receives a 10% premium over non-branded options, equating to 37ppl currently.
To sustain his herd, Els produces as much feed as possible on his farm, including homegrown forage oats and maize.
Regarding the future of Ayrshire breeding in South Africa, Els is optimistic: "While we remain a niche breed in many respects, Ayrshire numbers are currently on the rise."
In New Zealand, Chris and Pauline Prattley run a share milking enterprise near Christchurch on the South Island. Their farm hosts 750 cows, including 250 Ayrshires. "The cows average 500kg of milk solids per lactation. Ayrshires are hardy animals, and we received an average price of NZ$7.80/kg of milk solids last season," Chris said. The cows graze for most of the year and receive a supplementary mix of wheat, barley, and molasses during milking.
The Prattleys' herd is unique as it is A2A2, allowing their milk to be used in infant formula for the Chinese market. "We always use A2A2 bulls for breeding," Chris added.
The Prattleys believe in a sustainable future for the dairy industry in New Zealand. "New Zealand is an excellent country for milking cows," Pauline said. "One of the key challenges moving forward will be ensuring that the dairy sector maintains the highest environmental standards."
To sustain his herd, Els produces as much feed as possible on his farm, including homegrown forage oats and maize.
Regarding the future of Ayrshire breeding in South Africa, Els is optimistic: "While we remain a niche breed in many respects, Ayrshire numbers are currently on the rise."
In New Zealand, Chris and Pauline Prattley run a share milking enterprise near Christchurch on the South Island. Their farm hosts 750 cows, including 250 Ayrshires. "The cows average 500kg of milk solids per lactation. Ayrshires are hardy animals, and we received an average price of NZ$7.80/kg of milk solids last season," Chris said. The cows graze for most of the year and receive a supplementary mix of wheat, barley, and molasses during milking.
The Prattleys' herd is unique as it is A2A2, allowing their milk to be used in infant formula for the Chinese market. "We always use A2A2 bulls for breeding," Chris added.
The Prattleys believe in a sustainable future for the dairy industry in New Zealand. "New Zealand is an excellent country for milking cows," Pauline said. "One of the key challenges moving forward will be ensuring that the dairy sector maintains the highest environmental standards."
