Our Pedigree Cows
Friesian
Friesians, also known as Holstein-Friesians, are the cornerstone of our dairy operation. Renowned for their striking black-and-white coats, these large cows are global leaders in milk production, yielding 20–30 liters per day under optimal conditions. Their docile temperament and adaptability make them ideal for large-scale dairy farming. On our farm, the 547 Friesian females form the backbone of milk production, supporting both fluid milk sales and dairy product processing.
Key Traits
- General Health: Friesians are generally robust but prone to mastitis and lameness due to high milk production and large udders. Regular hoof trimming, udder health monitoring, and vaccinations are essential. They have moderate heat tolerance but thrive in temperate climates.
- Feeding Requirements: Require high-energy diets to support milk production, including 20–25 kg of dry matter daily (e.g., silage, hay, and grain concentrates). Access to quality pasture enhances milk yield. Calcium and protein supplements are critical during lactation.
- Milk Production: Exceptional milk yield of 20–30 liters per day, with 3.5–4% fat and 3–3.5% protein, ideal for fluid milk and cheese production.
- Temperament: Docile and easy to handle, making them suitable for mechanized milking systems and large herds.
Jersey
Jersey cows are smaller, fawn-colored dairy cattle known for their high butterfat milk, ideal for cheese and butter production. Producing 15–20 liters per day with 4.5–6% butterfat, they are efficient and hardy, requiring less feed than larger breeds. Our 73 Jersey females contribute to specialty dairy products, adding richness to our farm’s offerings with their creamy milk.
Key Traits
- General Health: Jerseys are hardy with good disease resistance but may face ketosis during early lactation due to high butterfat production. Regular metabolic monitoring and parasite control are needed. They adapt well to warm climates.
- Feeding Requirements: Need 15–20 kg of dry matter daily, including pasture, hay, and concentrates with high protein content. Their smaller size makes them feed-efficient, but they require balanced minerals to support milk quality.
- Milk Production: Yields 15–20 liters per day with 4.5–6% butterfat and 3.5–4% protein, perfect for cheese, butter, and cream production.
- Temperament: Gentle and curious, Jerseys are easy to manage but may require careful handling during milking due to their sensitive udders.
Aryshire
Aryshires are hardy, red-and-white dairy cows known for their balanced milk production, yielding 15–25 liters per day with good fat and protein content. They adapt well to varied climates and are efficient grazers, making them a versatile choice. Our 86 Aryshire females support both fluid milk and processed dairy products, contributing to the farm’s diverse dairy output.
Key Traits
- General Health: Aryshires are robust with strong resistance to respiratory diseases and mastitis. They require routine vaccinations and hoof care. Their adaptability makes them suitable for varied climates, including cold and wet environments.
- Feeding Requirements: Consume 18–22 kg of dry matter daily, thriving on pasture-based systems supplemented with silage and grains. They need adequate fiber to maintain rumen health and support consistent milk production.
- Milk Production: Produces 15–25 liters per day with 3.8–4.2% fat and 3.2–3.6% protein, suitable for both fluid milk and dairy processing.
- Adaptability: Highly adaptable to diverse climates and grazing conditions, making them a low-maintenance dairy breed.
Fleckvieh
Fleckviehs are dual-purpose Austrian cattle, valued for both milk (15–20 liters/day) and meat. Their robust build and spotted coats make them distinctive, and they are known for longevity and fertility. Our 17 Fleckvieh females play a dual role, contributing to dairy production while supporting the farm’s beef output through their offspring.
Key Traits
- General Health: Fleckviehs are exceptionally hardy, with strong immunity to common bovine diseases. They have low susceptibility to mastitis and good fertility rates. Regular deworming and vaccinations are sufficient for maintenance.
- Feeding Requirements: Require 18–22 kg of dry matter daily, including pasture, hay, and moderate grain supplements. Their dual-purpose nature demands balanced nutrition to support both milk and muscle development.
- Dual-Purpose Utility: Yields 15–20 liters of milk per day with 3.7–4% fat, plus high-quality beef from offspring, offering versatility for dairy and meat markets.
- Longevity: Known for long productive lifespans, often remaining in herds for 8–10 years with consistent milk and calf production.
Bull Breeds on Our Farm
Friesian
Friesian bulls, often Holstein-Friesians, are the cornerstone of our dairy breeding program. Known for siring high-yielding dairy cows, these black-and-white bulls ensure robust milk production. Our seven Friesian bulls are vital for maintaining our herd’s dairy output through natural service and AI.
Key Traits
- General Health: Susceptible to lameness and reproductive issues. Regular hoof care, vaccinations, and vet checks ensure fertility.
- Feeding Requirements: Consume 20–25 kg of dry matter daily, including silage, grains, and protein supplements. Balanced diets support semen quality.
- Primary Role: Dairy breeding, siring cows with 6,000–8,000 liters of milk annually.
- Temperament: Calm but strong, requiring secure handling facilities to manage their size.
Jersey
Jersey bulls are prized for siring cows with rich, high-fat milk, ideal for butter and cheese. These compact, light-brown bulls are efficient breeders. Our two Jersey bulls contribute to our dairy program, producing calves with superior milk quality for niche markets.
Key Traits
- General Health: Healthy but prone to mastitis in offspring. Vaccinations, parasite control, and regular checks maintain health.
- Feeding Requirements: Need 15–20 kg of dry matter daily, with pasture, hay, and concentrates. High-protein feed boosts fertility.
- Primary Role: Dairy breeding, siring cows yielding 4,000–6,000 liters of high-fat milk yearly.
- Temperament: Docile but can be stubborn, needing gentle yet firm handling.
Aryshire
Aryshire bulls are hardy dairy sires, known for producing cows with balanced milk yields and strong udders. These red-and-white bulls are reliable breeders. Our four Aryshire bulls support our dairy herd, siring calves that enhance milk production and herd resilience.
Key Traits
- General Health: Resilient but monitor for lameness and fertility issues. Vaccinations and hoof trimming ensure breeding success.
- Feeding Requirements: Consume 18–22 kg of dry matter daily, including silage and grains. Mineral supplements aid reproduction.
- Primary Role: Dairy breeding, siring cows with 5,000–7,000 liters of milk annually.
- Adaptability: Adaptable to varied climates, thriving in both pasture and barn systems.
Fleckvieh
Fleckvieh bulls are dual-purpose sires, producing calves for both dairy and beef markets. Their robust build ensures versatile offspring. Our 14 Fleckvieh bulls drive our breeding program, siring calves that balance milk yield and meat quality for farm profitability.
Key Traits
- General Health: Hardy but prone to joint stress. Regular vet checks, vaccinations, and exercise maintain health.
- Feeding Requirements: Need 20–25 kg of dry matter daily, with silage, grains, and protein. Balanced feed supports growth and semen quality.
- Primary Role: Dual-purpose breeding, siring cows for 5,000–6,000 liters milk and steers for 500–600 kg carcasses.
- Temperament: Energetic but manageable, requiring strong fencing and calm handling.