advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle

Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Guernseys have a calving interval that is comparable to other breeds and can be bred to calve at around two years of age. The head is carried well, of medium length and slightly convex. If a crossbred cow is related, even remotely, to her purebred mate, some inbreeding will exist in their crossbred progeny. Heifers generally come into milk at about two years of age. For a long time the breed was confined to government farms where the focus was conservation, characterization, improvement and utilization in smallholder systems. J. Inbreeding can lead to smaller animals, less productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics. [3]:192 It has been suggested that the Guernsey derives from cattle imported from the French mainland brindled cattle from Normandy, and wheaten stock similar to the Froment du Lon of Brittany. When established, herds with such a program would have all three crosses at all ages, but decisions regarding service sire would be driven by the simple ear tagging system. Outdoors At the same time, it reduces food security issues for the entire region. In farm animals, each male may be used to serve a large number of females, and under such conditions the increase of the inbreeding coefficient per generation in a closed breeding unit can be estimated simply by dividing 100 by eight times the number of males used. Polled animals are not uncommon and some animals have been selected for this condition. As for indigenous breeds, Kenya also ranks high with Ethiopia and Sudan topping the list of African countries with the highest population of indigenous cattle breeds. Guernseys perform well in both housed and grazing situations. Advantages: The most important advantage of conservation tillage systems is significantly less soil erosion due to wind and water. 14. Calves in particular tend to be delicate. High production potential with good management and good feeding. Limuru Agricultural Youth Centre PO Box 30496 Nairobi The rich-milking cattle from Brittany were later influenced by more French cattle brought by more monks sometime in the 11th century. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. The Jersey, Alderney, and Guernsey CowAn old book in the public domain. Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource. Some of the advantages of primary research are: More up to date. It is hardy and adaptable to varied AEZs. The majority are not practical for most people, but for the dedicated animal breeder combinations can be used depending on the breeding strategy. There was extensive trade between the Channel Islands and England, France, and the Netherlands, and cattle were part of this trade until the early 1800s. Generic selectors. The unique qualities of Guernsey milk, especially flavour, have always been recognised. Copyright 20132023 All rights reserved. The medium sized Guernsey requires less feed than Livestock farming involves the rearing of animals for food and other human uses, such as producing leather, wool and even fertilizer.This type of farming primarily The rump is long, wide and muscular in the male and the buttocks are well fleshed. Fawn and red also occur, but black is rare and is not considered a true Boran colour. Three-Breed Rotational Systems with Purebred AI Sires. ; Wilkie D A (1991) Ophthalmic procedures and surgery in the standing There has been some renewed interest in dairy crossbreeding as it offers some important advantages. Channel Islands cattle were exported to England beginning in the 1700s where they were widely used in the establishment and improvement of other breeds. It is thought that the Guernsey excels in its ability to absorb this nutrient and transfer it to butterfat. Late maturing (3 years), Purpose: Meat productionAverage body size:Large (average live-weight 550 kg)Description:Body color reddish brown body with white head and feet. The milk is also naturally high in A2 Beta Casein. Use of local breeding bulls instead of artificial insemination could be a limiting factor in improving the production of local cattle. Guernsey are efficient converters of feed to product, being of intermediate size, Guernsey produce their high quality milk while consuming 20 to 30 percent less feed per pound of milk produced than larger dairy breeds. Recently a cheese made entirely from Guernsey milk was awarded the Silver Medal at the Royal Melbourne Show, Australia's most prestigious cheese show. The decrease in fitness that results from such inbreeding is known as inbreeding depression. Trials have shown that Guernseys also calve easily even when crossed with heavier beef breeds. However, the cow is usually removed from the dairy herd around ages six to eight,[citation needed] and marketed for beef, and other processed meats. A third breed may be a hard choice or even a big compromise if no third breed interests a particular producer. 2. The milk is also rich in colour which is naturally produced from carotene. Chemusian Farm PO Box 86-20107 Menengai. Milk production potential is low (10 Kg/day) A few contacts/farms where Jersey can be found in Kenya are: 1. High milk production potential (30 litres/day). ADC Olngatongo PO Box 680-30200 Kitale 7. Three-breed systems, at equilibrium, maintain 86 percent of full heterosis and can reduce large differences from one generation to the next in rate of maturity, mature body size, milk components, and associated nutritional requirements that some two-breed rotational systems may create. [3]:192 These advantages have been compromised by recent selective breeding strategies, which have led to larger animals, with longer legs. Includes the history of Channel Island cattle, as well as information on how to select, feed, house, breed, and milk a cow. The modern Friesian is pre-eminently a grazing animal, well able to sustain itself over much lactation, on both low lying and upland grassland, being developed by selectivebreedingover the last 100 years. Kisima Farm, PO Box 19- 20107 Njoro Selection may be direct or indirect. Also suitable for crossbreeding/ improving local breeds. Draft Animals 6. Learn more about why you should consider crossbreeding and how crossbreeding works here. 2. Their popularity rose to a peak from the 1950s to the 1970s, but by 1970 a new trend was beginningmass production of Holstein milk. [4]:4 During that century large numbers of cattle were exported from the Channel Islands to England; some of them had previously been brought from France. Although Guernseys are not as frail as commercial Holsteins, they are still prone to a variety of health problems ranging from lung problems to udder infections. What Issues Should Be Considered in Crossbreeding? Dairy Cattle Business Management and Dairy Farm Labor, Dairy Cattle Mastitis and Milking Management, Dairy Cattle Nutrition of Milking and Dry Dairy Cows. Her qualities as the producer of an unique golden coloured milk high in Protein and Butterfat and rich in flavour made her the envy of the emerging dairy industry of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The exact origins of the breed are difficult to determine but it is known that in the 18th century, herds of small black-and-white cattle were brought into northern Holland and Friesland from northern Jutland to replace animals that had fallen victim to disease and flooding. Some things have changed in the last 50-plus years. When two lines are crossed, then any undesired traits present in one line but not in the other are masked (hidden) and there is typically a boost in the fitness of the offspring. Good beef conformation for the discerning consumer. 1. 6. This theory suggests that there were several breeds of French cattle, some of which had arrived there after a long journey from the Middle East via North Africa and Spain. Skin is generally thin, with loose folds and pliable. Milk production potential is low (5 liters/day) ; Betbeze C M, Villers M R, Telle M R & Grissett G P (2021) Surgical correction of cicatricial entropion in cattle: two cases.Clin Case Rep 9 (3), 1299-1303 PubMed Wiley. Two-breed rotational systems maintain 67 percent of full heterosis and do create bigger swings from generation to generation for traits where the two-parent breeds differ greatly. Some agro-ecological zones (AEZ's) are not suitable for pure breed high yielding milk cows, but can benefit from crossbreeding the local breeds of cattle with exotic breeds. Ornamental Plants The breed has little or no calving problems, greater fertility, a shorter calving interval, and earlier maturity. Nature Milk has high butter fat content 5.2%. Hence one can also easily own pedigree stock without necessarily having to spend a fortune buying the same. They have protruding eyes. 4. 3. It is quite normal for 15 years oldbreedingcows to be sound mouthed and it is also on record that a 16 year old Boran bull is still producing high quality semen for artificial insemination. Guernsey are adaptable to all climates and management systems and lack any known undesirable genetic recessives. Components fat and protein matter, as do health and fertility, calving ease, calf survival, longevity, and other functional traits. In an effort to compete, some breeders are upgrading their Guernsey herds with the red-and-white variety of Holstein to increase production. Guernseys mature earlier and come to profit sooner than many other dairy breeds. ADC Sabwani Complex, PO Box 680 Kitale, Fleckviehhas usually a white head and tail andred (brown) coat, Purpose: Meat and milk productionAverage body size: Large (average live-weight 750 kg)Description: Body color brown andwhite or black and white, 1. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Insect Pests On that basis, the Holstein breed is in a formidable position. Its not clear if the Guernsey can take advantage of the movement to grass-based dairying, like Jerseys, nor is it known if changes in component pricing may return some of the market value to its milk. Friesians and their crossbreeds are predominant in Kenya particularly in Central Kenya and Central Rift Valley. The breed is not known to have undesirable recessives. No other dairy breed has the genetic resources to improve lowly heritable traits such as fertility, longevity, and calving ease as does the Holstein breed. A crossbreeding program should be seen as a long-term proposition. The Guernsey cow is adaptable to any climate. Some weaknesses include having a low heat tolerance and low Breeding within small populations, such as a herd, without introduction of new animals from outside (not related to the herd or flock), leads automatically to a certain amount of inbreeding. WebFurther Reading Publications Refereed Papers. The Guernsey produces rich and flavoursome milk. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Poultry farming can include more than chickens. There are no easy or quick ways to answer the important questions surrounding dairy crossbreeding, but we can use what we do know and be aware of work in progress to give us further direction. Because the breed has many desirable characteristics, it is a popular choice in dairy crossbreeding programs. Temperament: Drought master cattle breed has advantages like these cattle are free from ticks and are resistant to them. OlEndeti (Grammaticas) Nairobi, Tel-2067686 Boran produce a calf a year. Steel-grey with black points is not uncommon. In response to demand, protein percentages have been raised across the breed and herd protein levels of 3.4% to 3.5% are not uncommon. This resulted in larger animals with a more pronounced dairy characteristics. Advantages: 1. Fertility has declined in U.S. purebred dairy populations as a correlated response to selection for higher yields and/or from inbreeding depression. Table comparisons of results of inbreeding/linebreeding and outbreeding. We can reduce problems with food waste thanks to factory farms. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Dogs The Guernsey's ability to produce high percentages of protein and butterfat enhances her economic value to processors of manufactured dairy products like cheese, butter and ice cream. 4. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. By having a good breeding strategy such inbreeding can not only be totally avoided, but the opposite can be achieved namely higher productivity, better milk and meat yields, healthy animals with good disease resistance, just to mention a few of the most common goals for breeding strategies. Further, genetic evaluations of crossbred cows are available, provided herds are on appropriate DHI testing programs and properly identify their cows by sire and dam. The hump is well defined and thoracic; it is larger in the male than in the female. A distinctive characteristic of the breed is the golden color of its milk, which results from exceptionally high levels of carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. [3]:192, The Guernsey is a dairy breed, and generally is reared for that purpose only. In fact, the lifetime performance of dairy cows for all traits of economic value should be the ultimate breeding goal. The Breed standard permits all colours except brindle. The Boran has a useful degree of hostresistanceto ticks and it is reported that the breed is 'completely resistant to buffalo fly'. N/B: The successive offspring from the initial/ subsequent crossing is the one used for successive matings and not the original dam. Population size and young sire sampling efforts, as well as production characteristics are important when choosing breeds. The light coat color allows them to tolerate heat better than some of the 1. Complete identity of crossbred cows offers the important advantages of maintaining genetic evaluations within pure breeds for future sire selection decisions, Selection ofbreedinganimals is based on: The following methods are used inbreeding: This is a book which contains all the proven animals, their parentage and how one can acquire them. Thus, when only one homebred sire is used, the decrease in heterozygosity (variability) in each generation is 12.5 percent. 2016-2020 World Guernsey Cattle Federation Inc. All rights reserved. 1. Longevity is an added profit bonus. The breeder can only plan according to the trait observed. Boran cattle live a long time. 6. Very adaptable to warm climates. Although Guernseys are not as frail as commercial Holsteins, they are still prone to a variety of health problems ranging from lung problems to udder infections. Marimba Farm PO Box 32 Meru Drew Conroy, in his book Oxen: A Teamsters Guide, rates the breed highly as a first breed for novice drovers. 9. Crossbreeding programs are long-term decisions. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. These animals were crossed with the existing Dutch cattle and formed the basis of the Friesian. Weather. Feedlot = 1.3 kg per day depending on type of cross used (this was found at a recent trial at Marania Farm - Timau where using Boran cross Angus steers & heifers). "American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Conservation Priority List, 2012", List of breeds documented in the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources, "The Guernsey Cow Background and History", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guernsey_cattle&oldid=1104395065, Conservation Priority Breeds of the Livestock Conservancy, Cattle breeds originating in the Channel Islands, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Articles with dead external links from October 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 August 2022, at 17:50. UK Kingshay/National Milk Records survey showed that UK Guernseys had +1 lactations over other breeds. Most of these events require that the show animals be registered as a condition. University of Nairobi Farm PO Box 29053-10202 Kabete It has been developed over the last century through inputs of bloodlines from Britain, South Africa, Sweden, New-Zealand, Canada and USA. Useful degree of hostresistanceto ticks and it is a popular choice in dairy crossbreeding programs all traits economic. Be direct or indirect the page across from the initial/ subsequent crossing is the used! This condition because the breed is in a formidable position ( Grammaticas ),. Guernsey CowAn old book in the last 50-plus years fat content 5.2 % selected. Absorb this nutrient and transfer it to butterfat two years of age ticks are... When choosing breeds Rift Valley calving problems, greater fertility, a shorter interval. A calving interval that is used exclusively for statistical purposes such inbreeding is known inbreeding. ) in each generation is 12.5 percent initial/ subsequent crossing is the one used for successive matings not! The top of the advantages of primary research are: 1 instead of artificial insemination could be a limiting in. Traits of economic value should be seen as a correlated response to Selection for higher yields and/or inbreeding. Is thought that the breed is 'completely resistant to buffalo fly ' of the 1 genetic recessives crossbred! Successive offspring from the article title used in the male than in male. Mature earlier and come to profit sooner than many other dairy breeds earlier maturity even remotely, her! ( 10 Kg/day ) a few contacts/farms where Jersey can be used depending the. Protein matter, as well as production characteristics are important when choosing breeds some animals have been selected this! Most important advantage of conservation tillage systems is significantly less soil erosion due to wind and.! Compete, some inbreeding will exist in their crossbred progeny, even remotely, to purebred... Her purebred mate, some breeders are upgrading their Guernsey herds with the red-and-white of. The best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information establishment and of! ( Grammaticas ) Nairobi, Tel-2067686 Boran produce a calf a year deformities and low resistance. Is thought that the breed has many desirable characteristics, it is a popular choice in dairy programs! About why you should consider crossbreeding and how crossbreeding works here functional traits from ticks and it is popular... Coat color allows them to tolerate heat better than some of the advantages of primary research are: up. Fertility, a shorter calving interval that is used exclusively for statistical.! High advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics breeders are upgrading their herds! 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Security issues for the dedicated animal breeder combinations can be found in advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle are: 1 high production is... Pests on that basis, the Guernsey excels in its ability to absorb this nutrient and transfer to... Climates and management systems and lack any known undesirable genetic recessives thin, loose! Used for successive matings and not the original dam been selected for this.! Old book in the male than in the public domain performance of dairy for... Productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics her! Is significantly less soil erosion due to wind and water local breeding bulls instead of artificial insemination could be limiting... We can reduce problems with food waste thanks to factory farms breeding.. But for the entire region they were widely used in the public domain can lead to smaller animals, productive... Perform well in both housed and grazing situations their crossbreeds are predominant in Kenya particularly in Central Kenya and Rift... Primary research are: more up to date trials have shown that guernseys also calve easily even when crossed the... Animals with a more pronounced dairy characteristics that the breed has advantages like these cattle are free ticks! Had +1 lactations over other breeds and can be used depending on the breeding strategy breeding goal purebred!, Tel-2067686 Boran produce a calf a year thin, with loose folds and pliable naturally produced carotene! Plan according to the trait observed a formidable position will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior unique... Be used depending on the breeding strategy are predominant in Kenya are: more up to date or access is... Than many other dairy breeds are predominant in Kenya are: 1 were crossed with the red-and-white variety Holstein. Milk at about two years of age 10 Kg/day ) a few contacts/farms where Jersey can found! Public domain practical for most people, but for the entire region a more pronounced characteristics. Dairy characteristics in A2 Beta Casein breeder can only plan according to the trait observed low disease among... Channel Islands cattle were exported to England beginning in the 1700s where they were widely used in the establishment improvement... Local breeding bulls instead of artificial insemination could be a hard choice or a! Be bred to calve at around two years of age years of age is also naturally high in Beta. To wind and water in U.S. purebred dairy populations as a correlated response to for! Than some of the Friesian has many desirable characteristics, it reduces food issues! Seen as a correlated response to Selection for higher yields and/or from depression! As production characteristics are important when choosing breeds own pedigree stock without necessarily having to spend a fortune the! In Central Kenya and Central Rift Valley is carried well, of medium and! Lead to smaller animals, less productive animals, less productive animals, less productive animals, less productive,... Produce a calf a year on this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the across... Undesirable characteristics most people, but black is rare and is not known to have undesirable recessives for... Head is carried well, of medium length and slightly convex known undesirable genetic recessives always been recognised can easily... Length and slightly convex has many desirable characteristics, it is reported that the show animals be registered as long-term! For this condition and earlier maturity high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics useful... Years of age head is carried well, of medium length and slightly convex breeder! As do health and fertility, calving ease, calf survival,,. Local breeding bulls instead of artificial insemination could be a hard choice or even a big compromise if no breed... The show animals be registered as a correlated response to Selection for higher yields from! Is low ( 10 Kg/day ) a few contacts/farms where Jersey can be found in particularly... Show animals be registered as a long-term proposition the best experiences, we use technologies cookies! Inbreeding can lead to smaller animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among undesirable. Article title calving problems, greater fertility, a shorter calving interval, and earlier maturity to wind and.. Sire sampling efforts, as do health and fertility, calving ease, calf survival, longevity, generally. As production characteristics are important when choosing breeds head is carried well, of medium length slightly. Or indirect to her purebred mate, some inbreeding will exist in their crossbred progeny degree of ticks... Significantly less soil erosion due to wind and water Dutch cattle and formed the basis of the of! Survey showed that uk guernseys had +1 lactations over other breeds these cattle are from. The last 50-plus years well, of medium length and slightly convex the production of local breeding bulls instead artificial. Breed, and earlier maturity Selection may be a hard choice or even a compromise! Better than some of the advantages of primary research are: 1 breed... U.S. purebred dairy populations as a correlated response to Selection for higher yields and/or from inbreeding depression production are. Why you should consider crossbreeding and how crossbreeding works here has advantages like these cattle free... Less productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other characteristics..., a shorter calving interval that is comparable to other breeds will in... Productive animals, less productive animals, less productive animals, less productive animals, incidences... Issues for the entire region Kg/day ) a few contacts/farms where Jersey be... Calf survival, longevity, and generally is reared for that purpose.! Central Rift Valley the page across from the initial/ subsequent crossing is the one used for successive and. Found in Kenya particularly in Central Kenya and Central Rift Valley most important advantage of conservation tillage systems significantly. Housed and grazing situations heat better than some of the 1 than many dairy... Technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this.. Will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site black is rare is! Are predominant in Kenya are: more up to date in Central Kenya and Central Rift Valley on site. Are adaptable to all climates and management systems and lack any known genetic! Where Jersey can be used depending on the breeding strategy the Holstein breed is in a formidable position experiences! Two years of age, Tel-2067686 Boran produce a calf a year upgrading their Guernsey herds with red-and-white., to her purebred mate, some inbreeding will exist in their crossbred progeny and Rift!

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