Discovering Dairy Breeds: From Friesian to Kerry Cow
Discovering Dairy Breeds and Desirable Traits
Lesson duration is: 40 minItems in this lesson
Discovering Dairy Breeds and Desirable Traits
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you will
understand different dairy breeds, their milk yield and butterfat content
List desirable traits for dairy farming
complete a genetics cross to add to your project
What do you already know about different dairy cow breeds and their milk production?
Introduction to Dairy Breeds
Explore Friesian, Holstein, Jersey, and Kerry cow breeds.
Each has unique characteristics that affect milk yield and composition.
Friesian Cows
Friesians are known for high milk yield, producing around 6,000-8,000 litres annually, with 3.5% butterfat.
They are also known as a dual purpose breed, as they have more flesh than other breeds of dairy cows, so can be used in beef industry
HIGH YIELD low milk solids
Holstein Cows
Holsteins are the top milk producers, yielding 8,000-10,000 litres annually, with 3.2% butterfat.
HIGHER YIELD low milk solids
Jersey Cows
Jersey cows yield less milk, around 4,500-5,500 litres, but with 4.8% butterfat, ideal for cream and butter.
low yield HIGH MILK SOLIDS
Kerry Cows
Kerry cows produce approximately 3,000-4,000 litres of milk with 4% butterfat. Known for hardy nature.
lower yield HIGH MILK SOLIDS
Desirable Traits in Dairy Herds
Farmers seek
high milk yield,
high butterfat,
good health, fertility, and
adaptability in their herds.
High Milk Yield
High milk yield is crucial for profitability, allowing farmers to produce more milk for sale.
High Butterfat Yield
High butterfat content improves milk quality for products like cheese and butter, adding value.
High milk solids (Butterfat (%) and protein (%)) — milk with higher solids (fat and protein) earns a higher price.
MILK QUALITY
Dairy farmers are also looking to ensure their milk has:
LOW Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacterial count — lower counts mean better hygiene and quality, which can lead to bonuses.
Absence of antibiotics or contaminants — milk must pass strict quality tests before payment
to ensure they make a high profit
Genetic Cross Example
Imagine crossing Holstein (high yield) with Jersey (high butterfat) to balance yield and quality.
Understanding Crossbreeding
Crossbreeding combines desirable traits from different breeds, enhancing overall herd performance.
Interactive: Traits Prioritisation
Rank traits like milk yield, butterfat, and health. Discuss your choices with peers.
Case Study: Successful Dairy Farm
Explore a case study of a farm using a mix of breeds for balanced production and resilience
Review and Discussion
Review key points. How do different breeds and traits shape dairy farming strategies?
Conclusion and Reflection
Reflect on what you've learned about dairy breeds and farming
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
