ayrshire cow origin

In Agriculture, Ancient and Modern, published in 1866, Samual Copland describes the native cattle of the region as "diminutive in size, ill-fed, and bad milkers." Project initiated April, 1994 - Initial web site opened February 22, 1995. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. In 1929, two Ayrshire cows named Tomboy and Alice, were literally walked from the association headquarters at Brandon, Vermont, to the National Dairy Show at St. Louis, Missouri. About 600 miles north of where Jersey cattle originated is the County of Ayr, Scotland, United Kingdom, the location where the Ayrshire dairy breed was started. The county is named for Ayr, its historic county town (seat). To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Cattle are white with dark red or reddish brown spots and speckles. These animals were then exported around the world to many different locations around the globe. Please mail your original copies with our email form During the early part of the Twentieth Century, Ayrshires were noted for their extremely good type. It also emphasized the unique composition of Ayrshire milk and made it more healthful, especially for children and babies. Highland Cattle. The largest numbers of Ayrshires are registered each year in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Vermont. The body colour varies from almost pure white to nearly all cherry red or brown with Highland cattle are suitable for rough terrain and harsh climates and are primarily a … The Ayrshire is a breed of cattle that were purposely bred in the Country Ayr region of southwestern Scotland. Few other breeds can match the ability of the Ayrshire to rustle and forage for themselves under adverse feeding or climatic conditions. The red may range from a very dark, almost black mahogany to a very light brownish-red. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. The actual average of all Ayrshires on Official DHIR test is over 12,000 pounds of milk with a 3.9% test. 3. Unfortunately, the horns were not very practical, and today almost all Ayrshires are dehorned as calves. The Brown Swiss Cattle breed originated in the mountain tops of northeast Switzerland before historic records began, around 4000 B.C., according to some historians. Melissa Elischer, Michigan State University Extension - History of dairy cow breeds: Milking Shorthorn, History of dairy cow breeds: Red and White. These cattle generally have red and white markings (the red can range from a shade of orange to a dark brown). The Ayrshire breed originated in the County of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800. The Ayrshire Breeders’ Association has adopted the Uniform Type Traits Appraisal of Ayrshire cattle. The Ayrshire is the native dairy cow of Scotland and the successful survivor of several types that were still present in the early nineteenth century in the Scottish Lowlands. While the Ayrshires Cattle Services are the leading organisation for the supply of Ayrshire semen. This contest is for the Quebec clubs, whichwill […] Read More… Milk marketing, like herd management, has changed and the Approved Ayrshire Milk program is no longer in operation. Actually, the red color is a reddish-brown mahogany that varies in shade from very light to very dark. There is to the present day-much dispute with regard to the origin of the Ayrshire cow. These traits make Ayrshires outstanding commercial dairy cattle. I propose here to deal with the origin and development of the breed, and how the Ayrshire cow has been improved to its present high state of efficency as a. The spots are generally small and jagged at the edges, scattered over the entire body of the cow. She was an efficient grazer; noted for her vigor and efficiency of milk production. They are strong, rugged cattle that adapt to all management systems including group handling on dairy farms with free stalls and milking parlors. This is a dairy cattle of Scottish origin, having a high milk yield. The Ayrshire breed is the native dairy cow of Scotland and the successful survivor of several types that were still present in the early nineteenth century in the Scottish Lowlands. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. PO Box 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership, Master of International Agriculture Degree Program. Appearance 1. The composition of her milk made it ideally suited for the production of butter and cheese by the early Scottish dairymen. They were purposefully developed as a standardized breed in … Some of these farms bottled and distributed their own milk. She was well suited for the land and climate in Ayr. Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science. This series from Michigan State University Extension will explore the history of the seven major breeds of dairy cattle in the United States. Ayrshires are a unique breed of dairy cow that originated in Ayr in Scotland and were imported to South Africa by ship, by the early breeders. Brindle and roan color patterns were once more common in Ayrshires, but these patterns are rare today. The Ayrshire Breeders' Association does not officially recognize records in excess of 305 days, but one Ayrshire has produced over 41,000 pounds of milk and 1800 pounds of butterfat in 365 days. The Ayrshire breed originated in the County of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800 and was regarded as an established breed by 1812. The precise cattle breeds used to generate Ayrshires is not known, but it is hypothesized that strains of other European or Channel Islands breeds were mated with cattle native to this geographic region to create Ayrshire dairy cattle. Region:… Both cows not only survived the trip, but calved normally and went on to produce outstanding milk records of the time. Prior to 1800 many of the cattle of Ayrshire were black, although by 1775 browns and mottled colors started to appear. Ayrshires respond to good management and feeding practices and individual Ayrshire herds average as high as 17,000 pounds of milk and 700 pounds of butterfat. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Copyright © 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. All rights reserved. On some bulls, the mahogany color is so dark that it appears almost black in contrast to the white. The development of the Ayrshire breed is a story of dedicated people as much as it is of great dairy cattle. The typical Ayrshire cow is an alert vigorous animal showing strong character and mild temperament. With proper feeding and management, the Ayrshire will produce at a profitable level for her owner. During its development, it was referred to first as the Dunlop, then the Cunningham, and finally, the Ayrshire. Holstein cattle were the first in the series followed by Jersey cattle, and now we turn our attention to Ayrshire cattle. For more information about Ayrshire cattle, check out the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, Ayrshire Breeders’ Association of Canada or Ayrshires International. In the beginning the small rounded horns and the black colour was common. Purebred Ayrshire adults will only produce red and white colored offspring. When allowed to grow, the horns were light colored with dark tips and could be over a foot in length. Usually, the male Ayrshire cows are heavier than the female ones, with the body weight that ranges from 1,400 lbs to 1,984 lbs (635 kg to 900 kg). Information on adding new breeds or updating existing information. The Ayrshire breed originated in the County of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800.During its development, it was referred to first as the Cunningham, then the Dunlop, and finally, the Ayrshire.Its characteristics gradually became well enough established to consider it a distinct breed, and in 1786, the first Ayrshire show was sponsored by the Highland Agricultural Society. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. There is no discrimination or registry restriction on color patterns for Ayrshires. The Ayrshire is a moderate butterfat breed. Modern Breeds of Livestock. The Ayrshire cow of the 18 th Century was black. When properly trained, they gracefully curved out, and then up and slightly back. Animals from the West Highland and improved Shorthorn were to improved the original Ayrshire stock. Received Ayrshire cattle was by crossing the local Scottish cows with the Dutch cattle. They are strong and easy to raise. Located off the coast of France and in the English Channel lie the Channel Islands, home to the Isle of Jersey, where this breed of dairy cattle originated. This Scottish breed debuted in the U.S. in 1822 when they were imported to Connecticut. It is believed that some strains of cattle from Europe and the Channel Islands were crossed with the native cattle in the early days of the developmen… Learn more about Ayrshire dairy cattle and other major dairy cattle breeds in the United States. The promotional literature recommended that mothers give their children Ayrshire milk to be sure they grew up to be strong and healthy. To demonstrate their hardiness, the Ayrshire Breeders' Association staged one of the most spectacular promotional events ever conducted by a dairy breed registry association. The first importations of Ayrshires to the United States was believed to have been made by Henry W. Hills, of Windsor, Connecticut, around 1822. The current world record for Ayrshire is held by Lette Farms Betty's Ida. It is to the credit of the Scottish farmers that they used any available improved stock that they felt would improve their cattle for practical use in their area. Other characteristics 1. Ayrshires are medium-sized cattle and should weigh over 1200 pounds at maturity. Early Ayrshires flourished in the Scottish landscape because they were very efficient grazers, were well-adapted to the climate and terrain because of the cross with native cattle species, and were known for the quality of their udder. Cigarette cards. When polished for the show ring, the Ayrshire horns were a spectacular sight. Hence, in fact, the name of the breed. Ayrshires are red and white, and purebred Ayrshires only produce red and white offspring. Ayrshire, historic county, southwestern Scotland. Collection. Join experts to discuss the latest in animal welfare issues that face the beef cattle industry. Drawing of an Ayrshire cow from the first part of the 19 th Century. Ayrshire Breeders' Association, 1224 Alton Darby Creek Rd., Suite B Columbus, OH 43228, The Livestock Conservancy PO Box 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Brown Swiss is recognized are one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world. They are brown and white and well known for their hardiness, good udders and feet and legs. Ayrshire cattle are noted for their red and white color pattern. Presently, the largest numbers of registered Ayrshire cattle are still found in many New England states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, but they have spread throughout the entire country and also have strong numbers in many Midwest states including Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, and Illinois. The result was an efficient dairy animal ideally suited to the harsh climate and poor- quality forage found on the exposed moors … Most modern Ayrshire cattle are dehorned as calves for animal and human safety. The color markings vary from nearly all red to nearly all white. Horns:Over a foot in length at maturity. The spots are usually very jagged at the edges and often small and scattered over the entire body of the cow. The following description from a report to the Ayrshire Agricultural Association gives the points which indicate superior quality in the Ayrshire dairy cows:— Other traits that make Ayrshires attractive to the commercial dairyman include the vigor of Ayrshire calves. The principal blood used in improvement was that of the Teeswater stock, which later was largely used in the formation of the Shorthorn breed in England. … To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. By using the modern breed improvement tools of DHI or DHIR testing, type traits appraisal, and artificial insemination, an Ayrshire breeder can be sure of breeding better Ayrshires to meet the demands of the modern dairy industry. There, she had a chance encounter with the children she helped bring into the world, now known as the Avengers Quicksilver an… 2. Ayrshire, an extensive county on the western coast of Scotland, is bounded on the north by Renfrewshire, on the east by the counties of Lanark and Dumfries, on the south by the stewartry of Kirkcudbright and the county of Wigton, and on the west by the Firth of Clyde and the Irish Channel. To qualify, a herd had to be comprised entirely of Ayrshires, and the herd owner had to maintain the highest health standards. Eckles, Dairy Cattle and Milk Production, 1923). Farmyards of South Africa. She was especially noted for the superior shape and quality of her udder. Lately Secretary of the Ayrshire Cattle Herd Book Society of Great Britain and Ireland. For many years, the Ayrshire horns were a hallmark of the breed. In the late Thirties, the Ayrshire Breeders' Association established the Approved Ayrshire Milk program. The origin and early historj' of the Ayrshire Breed of Cattle have been dealt with by many writers. Please provide a description of this breed as well Top producing Ayrshires regularly exceed 20,000 pounds of milk in their lactations. Have you ever looked at a dairy cow and wondered about the history of the breed? For the first time such cows began to breed in Eyshir county. Bova was one of the few New Men who stayed behind after her creator left for outer space to continue his research, and she began living in a cottage at the base of her mountain home. These horns often reached a foot or more in length. The county is divided into the three districts of Cunningham, in the more northern part, Kyle, which lies in the center, and Carrick, which forms the southern part of the county. Entries with "ayrshirelehmä" Ayrshire: …Ayrshires) One of a breed of cattle from Ayrshire, Scotland, notable for the quantity and quality of their milk.Translations Ayrshire - cow Finnish:… ayrshirerotu: ayrshirerotu (Finnish) Noun Ayrshire cattle (breed of dairy cattle originating from Ayrshire in south west Scotland) Related words & phrases ayrshirelehmä Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The cattle could be almost a solid red or white with the complimentary color spotted across their hide or they may have more of a broken mix of red and white. The Ayrshire breed originated in the County of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800. There is also considerable evidence that cattle from the Channel Islands were used in the improvement of the cattle of Ayr. The Ayrshire breed originated in the County of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800 and was regarded as an established breed by 1812. Ayrshire definition is - any of a breed of hardy dairy cattle developed in Ayr and usually marked with blotches of red or brown with white. Dates / Origin Place: South Africa Library locations George Arents Collection Shelf locator: Arents Cigarette Cards Shelf locator: Arents Cigarette Cards 826 Topics Farms South Africa Genres Cigarette cards Trade cards Notes Content: United Tobacco Co.(South); no brand given Ayrshire, breed of hardy dairy cattle originating in the county of Ayr, Scotland, in the latter part of the 18th century and considered to be the only special dairy breed to have originated in the British Isles. The American Ayrshire Breeders Association was formed in 1895, and the breed’s numbers grew dramatically after 1900. Size:Medium sized, weighs over 1,200 pounds at maturity. Ayrshires Cattle Society of Great Britain and Ireland is a forward thinking highly motivated breed society. It comprised an area of about 1600 square miles or 1,024,000 acres. The primary objective of this program is to evaluate specific type traits of Ayrshire cattle and to obtain and publish records for the type and conformation of Ayrshire cattle for the improvement of the breed. From the end of the 18 th Century the red colour became more frecuent. It is a medium sized breed, but very good in milk production. Its handsome, lyre‑shaped horns are distinctive. During the Twenties and Thirties, many Ayrshire herds were established near cities. However it is interesting to note that the promotional themes of the Approved Ayrshire Milk program were very similar to those of modern milk marketing campaigns. Probably the improvement of the native stock began around 1750 when it was crossed with other breeds. animal-science-mail-form Ayrshire Cow are average-sized cows and the normal grown-up Ayrshire cow has a maximum body weight, ranging from 990 lbs to 1320 lbs (450 kg to 600 kg). Some Ayrshires exhibit a speckled pattern of red pigmentation on the skin covered by white hair. Ayrshire: Origin: Scotland The Ayrshire breed has the lowest somatic cells count in Canada. Promotional materials from the time stated that Ayrshire milk had a better flavor. In many ways, the environment in New England was very similar to the Ayrshire's native Scotland, and she thrived in her new home. Usually, the spots are distinct, with a break between the red and the white hair. 4. How the different strains of cattle were crossed to form the breed known as Ayrshire is not exactly known. Early Scottish dairymen selected various strains of cattle—including both European and Channel Island breeds—to cross with the small, native cattle, using any available stock they felt would improve their animals’ utility. For their red and the black colour was common cow and wondered about the history of dairy cattle of origin! 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