Ayrshire Cattle

Ayrshire are dairy cattle and they come from the county of Ayr in Scotland. They were brought to Australia during the middle of the 19th century. Amongst the earliest of the devotees of the Ayrshire in Victoria was Mr James Wilson of Berwick. His son Mr GL Wilson became one of the well known judges of the breed in Australia. When the herd was originally formed, animals were selected for their strong type. A consistent feature was always in the breeding from cows with "good vessels and teats", - milk was always the first consideration. The bulls from the Wilson Estate consistently won prizes at the Royal Melbourne Show and various other agricultural shows within the state during the late 1890s and early in the 20th century.

Ayrshires are red and white in colouring and have upwardly curving horns. Ayrshires have one of the best protein/fat ratios compared with other breeds of dairy cattle. The average butterfat test is about 4%. Coming from the cold climate of Ayr, the Ayrshire is considered an adaptable cow and can produce a high standard of milk under a wide range of conditions.

 

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References:

• Australian Agriculture 1993 -1994, National Farmers Federation. Morescope Publishing, 1993.
• The Live Stock Annual of Australia

Further Information:

• Australian Ayrshire Breeder's Association Inc., Royal Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria, 3032, Australia.

Last updated 31 December 2001