CROSSBREED ANSWER TO FALLING FERTILITY
CROSSBREED ANSWER TO FALLING FERTILITY
TAKING the mixed breeds approach one step further, Gwyn Jones first Jersey x Holstein Friesians will calve this autumn.
From two years ago, all Mr Joness cows used for breeding replacements have been crossed with Jersey bulls to produce what he believes will be a more suitable animal for his system.
"Fertility is becoming a problem in the Holstein Friesian breed, so we are addressing this now by crossing with another breed. Also, crossbred animals should experience fewer lameness problems as they will have black feet which are harder than white feet."
A lighter crossbred cow will also suit Mr Jones heavy land better and minimise poaching problems, he believes.
"The first crossbred heifers will calve this autumn and I hope to get an extra lactation out of them. I have used the highest yielding Jersey bull I can find, so hopefully their yields wont be far behind pure Holstein Friesians."
But crossbred animals wont be bred back to a Jersey. "I dont think there is much mileage in a third cross. It may be that we only need to cross with the Jersey every second generation." *