The Ayrshire cow originated in the district of Ayr in the southwest of Scotland, and was regarded as an established breed by 1812.
James Rawbone of Somerset West in the Western Cape imported the first Ayrshires to South Africa in 1890. Since then, the breed has established itself as one of the important dairy breeds in the country.
The Ayrshire cow is known for its excellent feed conversion ratio and its ability to graze. Its ability to function in either warm or cold climates is illustrated by the fact that there are more Ayrshire cows in Russia than in the rest of the world, and in Kenya, with its tropical climate, 67% of the dairy cattle are Ayrshires.
The milk is high in components and gives exceptional cheese yields. Ayrshire milk is referred to as ‘the ideal drinking milk’. An Ayrshire range of products is marketed successfully through Woolworths in South Africa, and also in other parts of the world.
As a result of the successful marketing of the Ayrshire brand in Woolworths, there has been a positive spin-off for many Ayrshire breeders and the Ayrshire Cattle Breeders’ Society, who serve them by registering their animals, keeping pedigree records and generally ensuring the continued growth and viability of the breed.
The main four dairy breeds - Holsteins, Jerseys, Ayrshires and Guernseys, vary in terms of live weight, milk yield and milk composition, but...