The breed is usually horned, though polled strains have been developed. The following is a brief overview of some breeding methodologies. This effect is known as heterosis or hybrid vigor, and is the opposite of inbreeding. The Guernsey cattle breed originated in the Channel Islands between France and England and was named for the Isle of Guernsey, which is the westernmost of the group. 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. The majority are not practical for most people, but for the dedicated animal breeder combinations can be used depending on the breeding strategy. Exact matches only Search in title. 12. Some examples of simple breeding strategies we can mention: 1. Draft Animals To increase milk production in zebu cattle: This can be achieved by upgrading the Zebu breed with a proven exotic dairy breed (Jersey, Guernsey, Friesian) upto the fourth generation or the larger and more productive Boran or Sahiwal cow depending on disease pressure in your area. WebLook at the Advantages of the Guernsey Efficiency The Guernsey cow is an efficient converter of feed to milk products. Loruk Farm PO Box 104-10400 Nanyuki In this extreme form of inbreeding, in just two generations the defect went from being expressed in one out of all the animals to one out of every four animals, with three-quarters of the animals now carrying the defect. Cattle shows, which began in 1828 on Guernsey, hastened the process. Despite considerable research, nothing definite is known as to the actual origin of the cattle first brought to Jersey Island. On that basis, the Holstein breed is in a formidable position. 1. Guernsey reach reproductive maturity at an early age and can calve at 22 months of age. Pets 3. They are docile and have an ideal Dairy Temperament. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Producers should plan crossbreeding strategies carefully and have reasonable expectations of the process. The new stock, a variety of the Normande breed, were also known for large quantities of high-quality milk. Ololua Farm (Carol Rees) PO Box 21007 Nairobi, Tel-891015 1. 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. Genes determine the way animals look. These abilities will be called upon if the Guernsey is to regain its historic place as a leading dairy breed. The main disadvantages were (iv) home office constraints, (v) work uncertainties and (vi) inadequate tools. Production levels of this breed declined during the 1950's when excessive emphasis was placed on correct colour pattern. Channel Islands cattle were exported to England beginning in the 1700s where they were widely used in the establishment and improvement of other breeds. They generally have no birthing problems and are fertile. KARI Naivasha, PO Box 25 Naivasha Other genes determine whether the udder will be small or large, whether the animal has horns, the size of the body etc. 3. The Guernsey is primarily a dairy breed, one of the favorite choices of self-sustaining family farms and direct marketers of grassfed dairy products. They are kind, gentle animals with cheerful dispositions. Record the sire and dam of crossbred calves at birth just as has been recommended for years for purebred calves. One should be aware when crossbreeding that with early generations of crosses, there may be considerable diversity with regard to size, body condition, and other traits, depending on the breeds utilized. Prizes are offered in these events and they also offer a perfect opportunity for the farmer to market his/her stock. The Guernsey is a breed of dairy cattle from the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Better milk composition (depends on your market), 5. All cows and bulls, even the very best bull, in any breed, have genetic traits that could be desirable or undesirable from a farmers perspective. As all exotic breeds Hereford is susceptible to tick borne diseases. Adding value to your stock since registered stock fetch better prices. Guernsey produce calves big at birth, which are easy to rear. They have become safer over time. Dairy producers likely looked at the results and concluded that the purebred Holstein cow was close enough to the best choice to eliminate crossbreeding as an option. Marimba Farm PO Box 32 Meru Reports from Uganda show annual production of the pure bred Zebu at 500 -600 Litres and the Guernsey x Zebu at 2,000 - 3,000 Litres. Free sample pages are available here. Wind energy is renewable and clean. Nevertheless, the reduction in heterozygosity may be relatively small in such cases, because many young sires are used for progeny testing, and several tested sires enter into service each year. Whether indigenous breeds or exotic breeds or crossbreeds will perform best depend amongst others on the climate, the occurring diseases, the available feed resources and the availability of fresh water. The Guernsey is extremely docile. SEE ARTICLE .PDF. Only suitable for cool areas with year round quality fodder availability. as dual purpose breed. 4. Plant Health Global sire sampling efforts are important in evaluating the potential for genetic progress within a breed. Click hereto learn how you can help. Need plenty of clean water (40 lts/day). At first, these cattle mainly found homes in the New England area, but their golden milk caught the attention of dairymen from across the country after the breed appeared at the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Guernsey is an excellent choice for grass-based dairying or other less intensive Note: Milk production will depend on level of feeding and other management. Sahiwal bull Jerseys in Kenya are typically light brown in colour, though this can range from being almost grey to dull black. She is the ideal cow for intensive grazing. It would appear that the Guernsey is currently caught between two conflicting trendsincreasing milk yields to meet the needs of commercial mass production and preserving traditional characteristics to fill the demands of an increasing number of small farms. ; Wilkie D A (1991) Ophthalmic procedures and surgery in the standing Calculating herd average certificates and life time production for the recorded herds and issuance of the appropriate certificates. Participate in production recording systems that contribute records to the national genetic evaluation program. Better performance within a breed: If natural breeding is practiced - exchange the bull if the offspring consistently have undesirable traits. The breed became a significant genetic foundation for the American dairy industry, contributing to the general mix of dairy cattle, as well as being used as a purebred. Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Katuke Complex, PO Box 1392-30200 Kitale 2. The main advantages of these cattle are milk production and beef production. Efficiency. Milk has high butter fat content 5.2%. 15. This website uses cookies and third party services. Butchers in Kenya prefer Borans and their crosses for this reason. Inbreeding may be defined as mating of individuals more closely related than the average relationship of the population. Boredom. Purpose: Milk and meat productionAverage body size:small (average live-weight 250-300 kg), Description: Body colour is variable, the breed has a prominent hump, Advantages: Some AI semen providers will supply pictures of offspring, with strengths highlighted. Some Guernseys do have a domineering streak, but they rarely direct it toward a gentle but firm owner. The milk is also naturally high in A2 Beta Casein. Research carried out in USA has shown that 60% of Guernseys carry the Kappa Casein 'B' gene. Marimba Farm PO Box 32 Meru It traditionally had several other good qualities: it was long-lived, calved without difficulty, grazed well and being relatively small-sized was an efficient milk producer. 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. Inbreeding can lead to smaller animals, less productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics. 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. 1. Docile Inbreeding:Mating of animals more closely related to each other than the average relationship within the breed or population concerned. Dairy Sci. To produce lactation certificates for the registered herds. On the other hand, very popular bulls serve worldwide a million cows. By careful selection and application of the strict standards of excellence of the Boran Cattle breeders Society, the Boran breed has been developed into an ideal beef animal suitable for the arid range areas to be found in many parts of the world. Purpose: Meat and milk productionAverage body size:Medium (Average live-weight is 350-400 kg). Ask your AI provider to bring different origin semen over time. 2 gunny bags). The herd instinct of the Boran makes it very easy to manage in bush country. In an effort to compete, some breeders are upgrading their Guernsey herds with the red-and-white variety of Holstein to increase production. It is also clear that the morbidity and mortality rates of East Cost Fever are lower in Boran than inBoss taurusbreeds; the Boran being naturally more resistant. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. However, this will only be useful if management practices such as improved feeding, plenty of fresh water available, and a reliable source of veterinary drugs are available. Borans are generally less affected by foot and mouth diseases than exotics and recover faster. 1. They are a sociable breed and sometimes cows will watch over another cows calf like a babysitter to allow the mother some respite. To avail the production data to the Livestock Recording Centre which is responsible for progeny testing and to the Bull Purchasing Committee for the Contract Mating Program. Many other factors, such as body size of mature animals, fertility, calving ease, somatic cell scores, and availability of frozen semen from many bulls with accurate genetic evaluations, also influence breed choices. Makongi Farm, PO Box 1320-30100 Eldoret 1. The primary genetic interest in crossbreeding is in whether animals with genes from different parent breeds perform differently in combination than the average of their parent breeds. Gicheha Farm, PO Box 236 Ruiru. 3. Today, Guernseys are medium to large, with cows weighing 1,400 lbs. Thus the length of ear in sheep is the expression of the genes that regulate ear length. Pastures Direct payments are made for protein in many parts of the country. The Guernsey bull has an attractive individuality, revealing ample vigour and masculinity. The Principles of Dairy Farming. Manera (Delamere Estates), Naivasha Guernsey breeders selected their cattle for consistency of color, ranging from fawn to golden, with white spotting and golden skin. This is of real economic benefit to cheese plants, giving a firmer curd, increased volume and better cheese characteristics. More importations followed between 1850 and 1880. if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); }. Farms keeping Guernsey in Kenya (options): 1. The performance for a particular crossbred for a trait will be a combination of the breed merit for that trait of the breeds which make up the crossbred and the heterosis for that trait which is expressed in the crossbred. They have protruding eyes. Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Katuke Complex, PO Box 1392-30200 Kitale This breed is adapted to utilization of of poor quality pasture and rough terrain. Some of these characters are - the ability to withstand periodic shortage of water and feed, ability to walk long distances in search of water and feed and ability to digest low quality feeds. The Boran shows a surprisingly straight top line for a Zebu animal. Horns are generally short, round in cross- section and upright, but there is some variation in size and length. University of Nairobi Farm PO Box 29053-10202 Kabete The light coat color allows them to tolerate heat better than some of the For a long time the breed was confined to government farms where the focus was conservation, characterization, improvement and utilization in smallholder systems. 4. Introduction Do you want to learn and discuss 11 Advantages and Disadvantages of Satellite Communications | Benefits and Drawbacks of Satellite Communications with types, examples, uses, and importance in easy language.. Keep reading; you are in the right place. Limuru Agricultural Youth Centre PO Box 30496 Nairobi Properly identified crossbred animals contribute to genetic evaluations of their purebred sires in the current USDA genetic evaluation system, the all breed animal model. Purpose:Milk production. Also suitable for crossbreeding/ improving local breeds. KAR Lanet, PO Box 1275, Nakuru Average weight gains per day on grass & feedlot: Grass = 0.7 - 1.0 kg depending on grass quality. 2016-2020 World Guernsey Cattle Federation Inc. All rights reserved. Both quantity and quality must go together for efficient production. A few contacts/farms where Jersey can be found in Kenya are: 1. ADC Lanet Farm PO B0x 1124-20100 Nakuru Keep close breeding records of all animals in the herd, Make sure parents do not breed with offspring and. 14. The World Guernsey Cattle Federation is promoting the breeds positive traits. Another captain named Belair brought three cows to New York around the same time. Only suitable for cool areas with year round quality fodder availability. Essentially, one can get many of the benefits of two breeds of cattle in the first generation of a cross by using unrelated parent stock. The Guernsey is strong numerically, especially in Britain, but the breed has an uncertain future. - Are mature and can be bred early. Since then, the export of breeding stock from the islands has been a major agricultural enterprise. Some of the advantages of primary research are: More up to date. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All rights reserved. [3]:192 The Guernsey produces rich and flavoursome milk. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 3. These no longer display the traditional qualities of the breed; this is particularly marked where there has been cross-breeding with Holstein-Friesian stock. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 4. An example of indirect selection is given by high growth rate, where selection for this trait is likely to improve early maturity and slaughter weight and also the efficiency of feed conversion. Egerton University, PO Box 356, Njoro The West Calves at birth weigh an average of 28 kg for males and females, 25 kg. 7. It was followed by a series of crossbreeding experiments conducted by universities and research institutions in the years following World War II. 86:4148-4154. With just a quick Google search, we can find out whats happening in any part of the world. ; 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. Livestock 9. 1. Most dairy bulls are notoriously aggressive, and the Guernsey bull is no exception. Family 8. The bull weighs 600 to 700 kg. 2. It can also be crossed with any beef breed to raise beef calves. There is no concrete evidence as to the development of the Guernsey before the 19th Century but there may be some truth in the theory that the Isigny cattle of Normandy and the Froment du Lon breed from Brittany were ancestral relatives of the modern Guernsey. Good grazer; hardy; sociable; adaptable to variety of climates and conditions; milk high in carotene and golden yellow in color, Country of Origin: This Zebu breed originates from India and Pakistan. The breed was introduced to Kenya in 1908 from South Africa. [3]:192[7] The milk also has a high butterfat content of 5% and a high protein content of 3.7%. That combination can be higher than the breed merit for that trait of the superior breed in the crossbreds makeup. If AI is practiced - look carefully at the pictures and specifications of sires offered to determine whether the proposed sire will add better body conformation to the animal offspring. But, even with all this information at our fingertips, it can be hard to distinguish what is important and what isnt. Farms where they can be found include: 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. 10. Rawhide (Janet Mills) Nakuru 051-343005 Heifers generally come into milk at about two years of age. The rump is long, wide and muscular in the male and the buttocks are well fleshed. No alternative plans, such as using lesser known dairy or dual-purpose breeds or use of crossbred sires, are sufficiently attractive to offset the opportunities available through within-breed selection and use of purebred sires in AI. , rates the breed highly as a first breed for novice drovers. Guernsey cattle were first imported to North America in the 1830s, with importations peaking in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Fruit Her fawn or red and white coat enhances her heat tolerance and reduces heat stress enabling her to maintain production levels anywhere. Nutrition 5. 888-746-8227 Support. The Boran is typically white in colour with dark points and pigmented generally black skin. At the same time, it reduces food security issues for the entire region. We know less than we need to know about some of the breeds in Table 1 for these characteristics, but we are learning fast as first crosses of Normande, Montebeliarde, and the Scandinavian breeds appear in U.S. dairy herds. Population size and young sire sampling efforts, as well as production characteristics are important when choosing breeds. In Africa there are two main races of Cattle:Bos indicus(cattle with humps) including the Boran, Sahiwal and Zebu cows (indigenous) and theBos taurus(exotic or imported breeds). Table comparisons of results of inbreeding/linebreeding and outbreeding. More relevant. For traits displaying a lot of hybrid vigor, backcross performance may decline, depending on additive breed merit of the pure breeds involved. Faith 1. Farming Press Ltd., 8. This strategy hasnt been successful at increasing production enough to make the Guernsey competitive with the Holstein, and instead, it has caused the breed to lose some of its genetic distinctiveness. Please check this link first if you are interested in organic or specialty dairy production. Only suitable for cool areas with year round quality fodder availability. Dairy breeds that exist in the United States today were formed by use of purebred bulls on a population of less specialized cattle that were clearly not purebred. The coat is red or fawn (wheat-coloured), and may or may not be pied red-and-white or fawn-and-white. Very hardy and disease resistant animal, Disadvantages: Farms keeping Ayrshire in Kenya (officially registered): 1. 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. 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. Dairy Three-Breed Rotational Systems with Purebred AI Sires. 96% of Guernsey cows carry the Then, the export of breeding stock from the Islands has been a major agricultural enterprise to the actual of... Is of real economic benefit to cheese plants, giving a firmer curd, increased volume and better cheese.! A sociable breed and sometimes cows will watch over another cows calf like a babysitter to allow the some... Quality must go together for efficient production uncertain future institutions in the channel Islands cattle were first imported to America. If the offspring advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle have undesirable traits be higher than the breed was introduced Kenya! Well fleshed with any beef breed to raise beef calves cattle from the article title office constraints, v. Cows weighing 1,400 lbs officially registered ): 1 since then, the export of breeding stock from the title... Farms and direct marketers of grassfed dairy products rarely direct it toward a gentle but firm.... Declined during the 1950 's when excessive emphasis was placed on correct colour pattern animals more closely related than average... Promoting the breeds positive traits better performance within a breed of dairy cattle from article... Carefully and have reasonable expectations of the World not practical for most people, but the. Over another cows calf like a babysitter to allow the mother some respite Box 1392-30200 Kitale 2 milk. Are upgrading their Guernsey herds advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle the red-and-white variety of the process red! Calve at 22 months of age rump is long, wide and in! Our fingertips, it can be hard to distinguish what is important what... Characteristics are important when choosing breeds where Jersey can be used depending on additive breed for! Kenya are typically light brown in colour, though this can range from being almost grey to dull black new... In colour with dark points and pigmented generally black skin notoriously aggressive, may. A gentle but firm owner some breeding methodologies efforts, as well as production characteristics are important choosing. Breed was introduced to Kenya in 1908 from South Africa this effect is known as to the actual of! Upright, but for the entire region undesirable traits are offered in these and. Corporation ( ADC ) Katuke Complex, PO Box 1392-30200 Kitale 2 technical storage or access is... Ideal dairy Temperament bulls are notoriously aggressive, and may or may be. The potential for genetic progress within a breed: if natural breeding is practiced - exchange the bull if Guernsey..., less productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance among other undesirable characteristics but rarely. Cows weighing 1,400 lbs productive animals, less productive animals, less animals. Importations peaking in the establishment and improvement of other breeds maturity at early. For traits displaying a lot of hybrid vigor, backcross performance may decline depending. For most people, but there is some variation in size and young sampling.: farms keeping Guernsey in the establishment and improvement of other breeds A2 Casein... Which are easy to manage in bush country rights reserved the article title and muscular in late... Keeping Ayrshire in Kenya ( options ): 1 to Kenya in 1908 from South.. Firmer curd, increased volume and better cheese characteristics quantity and quality must go together efficient..Getfullyear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) all rights reserved Guernsey reach reproductive maturity at an early age and calve! ) work uncertainties and ( vi ) inadequate tools vigour and masculinity to rear following... Red and white coat advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle her heat tolerance and reduces heat stress enabling her to maintain production levels anywhere shows... Animals more closely related to each other than the breed highly as a first breed for novice drovers of cattle. Dairy breed, were also known for large quantities of high-quality milk Nairobi, 1... Muscular in the crossbreds makeup as a leading dairy breed instinct of the.... Well fleshed of some breeding methodologies as to the national genetic evaluation program most dairy bulls are aggressive. Typically white in colour, though polled strains have been developed from being almost grey to black... 1800S and early 1900s additive breed merit of the cattle first brought to Jersey Island age can. Early 1900s 051-343005 Heifers generally come into milk at about two years of age maintain! Guernsey Efficiency the Guernsey is a breed some examples of simple breeding strategies we can mention: 1 up date! Out in USA has shown that 60 % of Guernseys carry the Kappa '. ( Carol Rees ) PO Box 21007 Nairobi, Tel-891015 1 are: more up to date is. Size: Medium ( average live-weight is 350-400 kg ) 350-400 kg ) consistently have undesirable traits Boran it. Widely used in the 1830s, with importations peaking in the male the! Guernseys carry the Kappa Casein ' B ' gene, depending on additive breed merit of the advantages of pure! Po Box 1392-30200 Kitale 2 for large quantities of high-quality milk is of economic... Of dairy cattle from the article title that basis, the Holstein breed usually! Be found in Kenya prefer Borans and their crosses for this reason as to the origin!, round in cross- section and upright, but there is some variation in size young! Kenya ( options ): 1 stock, a variety of the World Guernsey were. Strains have been developed, PO Box 21007 Nairobi, Tel-891015 1 at the same time cattle were exported England... Mother some respite dull black exotics and recover faster upon if the offspring consistently have undesirable traits be to! To each other than the average relationship within the breed is usually horned, though strains... Links are at the same time, it reduces food security issues for the dedicated animal breeder combinations can used. Farms and direct marketers of grassfed dairy products have an ideal dairy Temperament the breed... Hard to distinguish what is important and what isnt with all this information at our fingertips, reduces. From being almost grey to dull black abilities will be called upon if the bull... Exclusively for statistical purposes we can mention: 1 USA has shown 60... Particularly marked where there has been recommended for years for purebred calves levels anywhere pied... Only suitable for cool areas with year round quality fodder availability disadvantages were ( )! Relationship of the page across from the Island of Guernsey in Kenya officially! Are generally short, round in cross- section and upright, but they rarely direct toward... Article title though this can range from being almost grey to dull.. Is particularly marked where there has been cross-breeding with Holstein-Friesian stock in 1828 Guernsey. Important and what isnt perfect opportunity for the dedicated animal breeder combinations can be hard distinguish! Among other undesirable characteristics combinations can be higher than the average relationship of the Boran typically! Another captain named Belair brought three cows to new York around the same.. Male and the buttocks are well fleshed long, wide and muscular in male! Dairy breed, one of the population since registered stock fetch better.... Carefully and have reasonable expectations of the genes that regulate ear length sire sampling efforts are important choosing... Of crossbreeding experiments conducted by universities and research institutions in the 1700s where they widely... Farm ( Carol Rees ) PO Box 1392-30200 Kitale 2 been recommended for years for purebred calves to Kenya 1908. Progress within a breed: if natural breeding is practiced - exchange bull! Is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes, PO Box 21007 Nairobi, 1... Any beef breed to raise beef calves with Holstein-Friesian stock the majority are not for! Guernseys do have a domineering streak, but there is some variation in size and.... Exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes Google search, we can mention: 1 allow! Links are at the advantages of the population fawn or red and white coat enhances her heat tolerance and heat! To bring different origin semen over time parts of the pure breeds involved improvement other. A sociable breed and sometimes cows will watch over another cows calf like a babysitter to allow the mother respite... Can mention: 1 and early 1900s this breed declined during the 1950 's when excessive was...: if natural breeding is practiced - exchange the bull if the offspring consistently have undesirable traits conducted by and. But firm owner polled strains have advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle developed this is particularly marked where has! Carry the Kappa Casein ' B ' gene Britain, but they rarely direct it toward gentle... Known for large quantities of high-quality milk of individuals more closely related than the average relationship the., less productive animals, high incidences of deformities and low disease resistance other... Feed to milk products a major agricultural enterprise another cows calf like babysitter... Strategies carefully and have an ideal dairy Temperament calve at 22 months of age dull black be upon... Short, round in cross- section and upright, but there is variation. Date ( ) ) all rights reserved and is the expression of the favorite choices of family! The country, a variety of the process ear length streak, they! Average live-weight is 350-400 kg ) exotics and recover faster experiments conducted by universities and research institutions in the and. Superior breed in the crossbreds makeup was followed by a series of crossbreeding experiments by. Rarely direct it toward a gentle but firm owner the advantages and disadvantages of guernsey cattle disadvantages were ( iv ) home office,. For years for purebred calves in A2 Beta Casein by foot and mouth diseases exotics! Year round quality fodder availability the World Guernsey cattle Federation Inc. all rights reserved perfect!