Ayrshire cattle

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Ayrshire Cow

The Ayrshire cattle is a breed of dairy cattle originated from Ayrshire in Scotland. The average mature Ayrshire cow weighs 1000-1300 pounds. Ayrshires have red markings. The red can be an orange to a dark brown, with or without colored legs. They are known for low somatic cell counts, ability to convert grass into milk efficiently, and hardiness. The breed's strongpoints are the now desired traits of easy calving and longevity. They also have a very "spirited" nature, which may or may not be desirable.

The breed was also known as Dunlop cattle (see Dunlop) or Cunninghame cattle (see Cunninghame). They were exported to all parts of the world and extensive cattle docks used to exist at Cunninghamhead station for loading and export purposes. The Dunlops of that ilk are credited with breeding this line, with animals being brought in from Holland.

[edit] Characteristics

Ayrshires are medium-sized cattle weighing over 1200 pounds at maturity. They are strong, rugged cattle that adapt to all management systems including group handling on dairy farms with free stalls and milking parlors. Ayrshires excel in udder conformation and are not subject to excessive foot and leg problems. These traits make Ayrshires outstanding commercial dairy cattle. Other traits that make Ayrshires attractive to the commercial dairyman include the vigor of Ayrshire calves. They are strong and easy to raise. The Ayrshire is a moderate butterfat breed and relatively high protein breed. The actual average of all Ayrshires on official ABA programs in 2002 is 17,230 pounds of milk with 665 pounds of fat and 542 pounds of protein.

Ayrshires (especially the ones from Finland) are also crossed with Holstein cattle in order to improve the Holstein's hardiness and fertility.