Hereford and British Friesians may prove new suckler source
Hereford and British Friesians may prove new suckler source
Cattle farmers who have
remained loyal to two of the
UKs most notable breeds
could soon be meeting the
growing demand for suckler
herd replacements devoid
of Holstein influence.
Jeremy Hunt reports
A BREEDING program combining traditional Hereford and British Friesian blood could herald a new source of replacement beef heifers.
Friesian club chairman Brian Dalby, who runs 80 milkers in his Ringswood herd at Pailton, Rugby, Warks, says he was overwhelmed by the number of inquiries from suckled calf producers visiting the British Friesian Breeders Club stand at last years Royal Show.
"There is a demand for replacement heifers that have no Holstein breeding behind them. There is potential for British Friesian herd owners to capitalise on this market and it seemed logical to embark on a scheme with the Traditional Hereford Breeders Club.
"We are both striving for similar ideals in our cattle – hardiness, longevity and wearability," says Mr Dalby.
After the Royal Show, the BFBC approached the THBC and acquired a supply of semen from Hereford bulls that are free from any Canadian breeding. Five Friesian club members have been supplied with semen. The first calves will be born later this year and the intention is to market both bull and heifers calves through one of the main calf groups. "Whether they are bull calves destined for a traditional-style beef outlet or heifer calves to be used as suckler herd replacements, it is essential that everything is totally traceable. It is going to take some organising and we must encourage members to batch their calves but it is a start," says Mr Dalby.
He believes the British Friesians qualities combined with those of the traditional Hereford can initiate a supply of calves that will get the British suckler cow back on track.
"Interest in the true British Friesian is growing steadily. Its a hard wearing breed with a great constitution and one that is an outstanding performer in producing milk from grass. As beef producers look at ways of reducing costs of production it is these qualities that will contribute to a more profitable and longer lasting suckler cow."