The gentle temperament and resilience of Guernsey cattle make them a favorite among beginners in the dairy industry.Some breeds of cattle produce more milk than others.While they are not the most common dairy cow breed, there are benefits to raising them, and you need to learn to identify them.
Step 1: The cattle are colored.
Guernseys are usually brown with white patches.The majority of white markings are found on the shoulder or behind the elbow, up from the flanks and sometimes in front of the hips.Guernseys have white on their belly and legs below their knees.A white diamond or star-shaped patch can be found on the foreheads of many other Guernseys.
Step 2: The body shape is what you should be paying attention to.
In cows only, the large udders of Guernsey cattle are slightly larger than Jersey cattle, because they are a dairy breed.Most other beef bulls have the same shape in the rump.Most cows don't go over 1200 lbs.
Step 3: Make sure to inspect the head.
The unique characteristics of the heads of Guernsey cattle can be compared to other cattle breeds.The cattle are medium in size and have slight heads.When compared to other cattle, the males and females of Guernsey have feminine looking features.Both horned and poled Guernsey cattle are born.
Step 4: Do you know the sex of the animal?
You will need to determine the animal's gender in order to properly identify them.In the event that the bull is not well fed, the differences between the genders may not be obvious.Males have heavier shoulders and thicker necks than females.The hump behind the neck is easily visible from a distance.Both males and females may have horns.
Step 5: Measure the milk output of the cattle.
40 pounds of milk is produced by the cows.Although Holsteins have gained more popularity in the dairy industry due to their lower output, the milk produced by Guernsey cattle is better for you.Compared to traditional Holstein milk, Guernsey milk contains more vitamins and minerals.The average milk contains less calcium than the Guernsey milk does.
Step 6: The cow's temperament is something to note.
The gentle disposition of the Guernsey cattle is thought to be due to their docile breed.Some dairy cattle are more nervous than others.Jersey cattle are known to get nervous at times, but they behave in a similar manner.They are great for beginners because of their disposition.
Step 7: There are cross breed cattle with other breeds.
Farmers often cross breed their cows with other dairy cattle because of the efficient and well-tempered qualities of Guernsey cattle.A cross-bred cow with higher producing dairy cattle can have a higher output but retain more of the same in the milk.Jersey cattle can be cross-bred with Guernsey cattle to create a cow that is hardier than either of them.
Step 8: Understand the aging process of Guernsey cattle.
At a relatively young age, Guernsey cattle are able to reproduce and live long lives.They are hardy and adapt well to most climates, making them one of the most coveted types of cattle for beginning dairy farmers.At two years of age, Guernsey cattle can begin procreating, which is younger than many other breeds of dairy cattle.For twenty to thirty years, Guernsey cattle can live a long life of milk production and calving.