Holstein takes dairy interbreed title at Devon Show 2012

Holstein cow, Thuborough Modesto Jessabell from W H Ley and Partners, Thuborough Barton, Holsworthy, has taken home the interbreed dairy championship title.

This EX91 classified March-calved cow is giving 60 litres a day and is currently in her fourth lactation. By Sikkema Star W Modesto and out of Thuborough Export Jessebell she gave 14,866kg at 4.4 fat and 3.22 protein in her last lactation.

She was breed champion at the Devon Show in 2010 and will be heading next to the Cornwall Show.

Close behind her “by a hairs breadth” according to judge Leslie Hollow, was Jersey Whitenhill Fusions Windswept from Mr B and Mrs J Ravenhill-White, Great Blakewell Farm, Umberleigh.

She is by Molly Brook Fusion and out of Whitenhill Remarks Windswift and was shown in the ring by Jessica Ravenhill-White. From the family’s herd of 160 pedigree Jerseys, this one is in her third lactation and having calved last month is giving 32 litres a day.

Last season she won best exhibitor bred at the South West Dairy Show where she will head again this September, as well as the Royal Cornwall and maybe the Royal Bath and West.

Commenting on his champions, Mr Hollow said: “The Holstein is a very dairy like cow. The Jersey nearly got it, but the Holstein was placed over her for her good mobility, well shaped udder and fact she was very milky.”