and France, respectively. Other European
breeds include Scandinavian breeds like the
Swedish Red and Norwegian Red.
While the live weight, milk yield and milk
composition vary between breeds, variation
within a specific breed is similarly large.
Holsteins are typically black and white in
colour although red and white also occur. It
is a strong and heavy cow with live weights
ranging from 550-750 kg, and high milk yield
levels, averaging about 8500 kg per lactation.
Fat and protein percentages range from 3.0-
4.2% and 2.5-3.8%, respectively. Jersey cows
are smaller, being brown and white in colour,
live weights ranging from 350-450 kg. Their
milk yield is lower than that of Holsteins,
being about 5000 kg per lactation, although
at higher solids components, fat and protein
percentages ranging from 4.0-5.5% and 3.5-
4.5%, respectively. Jersey cows have a mild
temperament although bulls are known to
be aggressive. Ayrshires are strong robust
animals with well attached udders. Their coat
colour varies from light to deep red/brown
combined with white. The live weight of
Ayrshires cows ranges from 400-600 kg. Milk
yield levels and fat and protein percentages
are intermediate between Holsteins and
Jerseys. Guernseys are medium sized cows
ranging in live weight between 400-550
kg and milk yield and milk composition is
intermediate between Jerseys and Ayrshires.
Breeds to use for commercial production
depend on farmers’ personal preferences,
environmental factors such as climatic
conditions, available feeds and milk end-
products. Processors producing cheese prefer
high solids milk produced by Jersey cows. The
high milk volumes produced by Holstein cows
are more suited for liquid products. Generally,
Holsteins are used in zero-grazing systems
being fed total mixed rations consisting of
forages and concentrates mixed according
to milk yield or stage of lactation. Jerseys are
generally used in pasture-based systems
because of their good grazing ability while
requiring smaller amounts of concentrates
because of lower milk yield levels.
Buy cows first
Dairy cows are generally in two production
phases, either in milk (lactating) or dry (not in
milk). It therefore makes sense when starting
AgriKultuur |AgriCulture
a new dairy, that lactating cows be bought at
first to provide an immediate cash flow.
Buy cows from well-established dairy farms.
Cows can also be bought at auction sales when
dairy cows are on offer. Attending a number
of auctions beforehand gives an indication
of sale prices and the quality of animals on
sale. Buying pregnant heifers at first gives
the opportunity to get used to feeding and
managing animals daily before the actual milk
production process starts.
The amount of milk cows produce is the result
of the sum of the effects of its genetic make-
up and external non-genetic factors such as
feeding, housing and management. Genetic
information on cows would aid the selection
of cows to be purchased. It would therefore
make sense to buy from a dairy farmer taking
part in the national milk recording scheme
as this provides genetic and production
information of all cows and heifers in a dairy
herd.
Sourced animals must be inspected to
establish their identity as well as body
conformation traits like feet and legs, udder
and teats. Udders should be inspected by
hand for signs of dry quarters and nodules
indicating past mastitis infections. The skin of
the udder must be pliable, silky in texture. It
should not too big while being firmly attached
to the body with strong suspensory ligaments.
Inspecting animals closely would give some
indication of their temperament. Buying cows
on show-ring performances should not be
seriously considered as sale prices may be
exorbitant while their milk yield potential may
be doubtful. The best cows to buy are those
that produce a high quantity of milk on similar
feeds to be used on the new farm.
To ensure continuous milk production
throughout the year, buy lactating cows
in early lactation as well as pregnant late
lactation cows. When buying dry cows, their
expected calving dates should be within two
months of the purchasing date. When buying
pregnant heifers, information on the calving
ease of the sires should be known to prepare
for possible distocia problems at calving.
Getting facilities ready for dairy cows
Before bringing cows to a new farm, some
basic facilities must be put in place. Lactating
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