Search begins for 2011’s Long Life Cow

The hunt is now on for the Long Life Cow of 2011.

The competition, by Genus ABS was launched in 2009 has highlighted that high yielding cows can be long life cows.

Beating competition from more than 120 farmers last year was Mr J Burrow and Son with his 13th lactation cow Stardale Royal Stella 3, who was born in October 1994 and had a lifetime yield of over 141,000 litres with 11 tonnes of combined fat and protein.

Her average calving interval was just over 400 days but the average for the first 10 calves was a stunning 365 days. Stella is classified EX96.

Andrew Rutter, Genus breeding programme manager says the quality of entries received last year really highlighted the durability of the Holstein breed and the excellence of UK stockmanship. “It proved high yielding cows can also be long life cows, with short calving intervals, low cell counts, excellent fertility and overall longevity.”

“There are many factors which affect how long a cow will last in a herd. What is the perfect combination of traits that makes the right cow for your system? Your best Long Life Cow may be a cow with an impressive lifetime yield, a cow that breeds back regularly, a cow that has never had mastitis, a cow that has never had her feet trimmed, or a cow that has never seen the vet.” concludes Andrew Rutter.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the Genus ABS website or call customer services on 0870 162 2000 or email: lholt@genusbreeding.co.uk

Closing Date for entries is 23rd July 2011.

Winners will be announced at European Dairy Event at the NEC on Tuesday 6th September 2011.