Characteristics
Ayrshires are medium-sized cattle weighing over 1,200 pounds at maturity. They are strong, rugged cattle that adapt to all management systems including group handling on dairy farms with free stalls and milking parlours. Ayrshires excel in udder conformation and are not subject to excessive foot and leg problems. These traits make Ayrshires outstanding commercial dairy cattle. Other traits that make Ayrshires attractive to the commercial dairyman include the vigour of Ayrshire calves. They are strong and easy to raise. The Ayrshire is a moderate butterfat breed and relatively high protein breed. The actual average of all Ayrshires on official Ayrshire Breeder's Association programs in 2002 is 17,230 pounds of milk with 665 pounds of fat and 542 pounds of protein.
Ayrshires (especially the ones from Finland) are also crossed with Holstein cattle in order to improve the Holstein's hardiness and fertility.
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