Genetics

The modern Dairy Shorthorn is more dairy like than she used to be as red and white genetics have done their job; but we have retained the wearable qualities, a vital component, that the breed is renowned for. Longevity, ease of calving, fertility and good temperament of the breed means a low replacement rate. Whilst the hardiness of their legs and feet make them excellent grazers for our extended rotational grazing system.

A Brief History

The Rodway herd of Dairy Shorthorns were pure bred until the late 1970′s. Having seen the results of using the Australian Illawarra Shorthorn Meadowhaven Prides Starr the decision was made to try some blended breeding. The first bulls used were available through Dairy Shorthorn Breeders Ltd and initially were Red and White Friesians, MRIs and milking type Simmentals they were all tried. Some Swedish Reds were also tried shortly after this but all brought disappointing results. The real breakthrough came with the purchase of the Red Holstein bull Deehaven Rebel. His daughters gave more milk, had better type and most importantly retained the longevity and ease of management traits that we were used to from the Shorthorn breed.

Blended Bulls

Although we experimented with more Red Holstein and Ayrshire bulls through AI, we even had a few Red Holstein cows the best route that produced the results I was looking for seemed to come from using blended bulls on the herd. Some fresh genetics were brought in from the USA with two pure bulls and two blended bulls being used. Danish Red semen was also used with successful outcomes. The Danish Red Cross cows were pleasing and subsequently we have brought Danish Red cows into the herd that I have purchased when the opportunities arose.

A.I

Most of the cows are inseminated although I run a bull with the heifers for convenience. The bulls that I choose for AI purposes are usually proven and have to have good figures for type and production. Young unproven bulls are often out of proven sires with generations of cows that display lifetime production records and consistently good types. The bulls used on the heifers are frequently homebred and have to conform to the same standards of selection. I place an incredible amount of importance on seeing bull mothers and progeny before deciding which bulls to use.