Believe it or not, your milk could come from a variety of breeds, each with their own “dairy flavour” profile. Who knew!
One such distinctive milking cow is the Guernsey breed which arrived in SA, a century ago in 1923, from the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel, off the coast of France.
As one of the favourite breeds among local farmers from KZN to the Karro, let’s explore some of the breed’s distinct traits:
Liquid gold
The hallmark of Guernsey milk is its radiant golden-yellow hue due to the breed’s elevated levels of beta-carotene. Beyond the visual appearance it adds to milk, this pigment is converted into Vitamin A when ingested, aiding in healthy immune function.
Temperament
Renowned for their placid and gentle disposition, Guernseys are docile in nature and sociable with other members of their herd (and humans!).
Tenacity
The breed generally lacks undesirable genetic recessives, calves without difficultly, and is known to boast a slightly longer lifespan when compared to other breeds.
Efficiency and adaptability
A well sought after trait, Guernsey cows have an excellent ability to convert feed into milk, consuming 20% to 30% less feed per 500g of milk than larger breeds. Their distinctive reddish-brown or fawn coat, adorned with patches of white is not only eye-catching, but is heat tolerant, aiding their ability to adapt to diverse climates.
A global icon
The appeal of Guernsey cattle extends beyond the borders of SA, with their popularity spanning across various countries including New Zealand, Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK.
As we honour the legacy of these magnificent creatures, let’s continue to support the farmers and producers who nurture them, ensuring a thriving future for our local dairy industry.
At Tip-Top Milk, we take pride in facilitating the safe and efficient transportation of raw milk from dairy farms to processing plants across the country. If you’re searching for a reliable source of raw milk, click here to get in touch with one of friendly staff members.