Shorthorns?

[BeReyt]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Shorthorns and/or NDS and could tell me about them?
Interested in a good grazing cow with quality milk, and being in Lancashire I thought of these (unless there's another traditional northern dairy breed?)

Thanks, James

 

[TheRanger]

@upnortheast

 

[TheRanger]

I think the NDS has pretty much died out, and was more of a dual purpose/suckler cow type animal.

 

[upnortheast]

James
As you are in Lancs I would suggest you have a ride up the M6 to James Robinson http://strickley.co.uk who will be happy to talk Dairy Shorthorns.
Be aware, as with most breeds there are differing types within the breed. It`s important to select the type of cow to suit your farm / system

 

[Cowmansam]

Ive fancied cross with shorthorn as there supposed to be the highest rated in health traits

 

[BeReyt]

I think the NDS has pretty much died out, and was more of a dual purpose/suckler cow type animal.

Thanks for that, was it caught in the middle between the split of the breed or would it be more true to he original types being a dual purpose?

@upnortheast that's great thanks, I'll get j contact. I've time to look at all options, no mad rush.

Ive fancied cross with shorthorn as there supposed to be the highest rated in health traits

That's what I like to hear.. any problems to be wary of?

 

[Cowmansam]

No idea to be honest I’ve not done the cross it’s just something I’ve fancied doing reason I haven’t old guy worked with them years back said no milk and bad tempered but he says that abiut most things to be fair

 

[Bald n Grumpy]

If you enjoy foot trimming they're not for you, I've never trimmed a foot.
Nds are being used by some as crossing bulls with good results.
I'm heavily biased ( always kept dairy shorthorns) but you won't regret giving them a try. Good healthy long living cows that produce a calf worth rearing

 

[Rossymons]

They have their place sure enough.

Feet are very good and they hold onto condition well. Production might not set the world on fire but neither will the bills to get you there. Solids not as high as other grazing cows - from what i've seen anyway.

 

[johnb5555]

Penrith mart have a sale couple times a year.
Would Dents near Kirkby Stephen still be classed as NDS

 

[upnortheast]

Would Dents near Kirkby Stephen still be classed as NDS

50 years ago yes. Not now

 

[Wee Willy]

What does NDS mean? Over here you have beef shorthorn or dairy shorthorn. Two separate breeds.

 

[johnb5555]

50 years ago yes. Not now

Prob 40 years since i visited with my dad

 

[TheRanger]

What does NDS mean? Over here you have beef shorthorn or dairy shorthorn. Two separate breeds.

Northern Dairy Shorthorn, separate breed from either of the above, dual purpose type cow. almost extinct.

 

[BeReyt]

Would 3500 - 4500 per lactation be achievable, grazed behind electric? Thinking of cheese making, so would the milk be of that quality?

A good strong animal that will look after herself is what I want, accepting that yields will be on the low side.

What temperament do they come with?

Thanks for the replies everyone

 

[johnb5555]

These appear to of had similar idea
Stonebeck Raw Wensleydale Cheese | Nidderdale | Yorkshire (stonebeckcheese.co.uk)

 

[upnortheast]

These folk make cheese from ( I think ) Ayrshire cows milk

The Farm Shop

Shop: You can buy our Organic raw Milk , the unique Birdoswald Cheeses, live ,natural yogurt and Free-Range Organic Eggs, plus most essential grocery provisions, from our small Farm Shop. Also look…

slackhousefarm.co.uk

 

[upnortheast]

Would 3500 - 4500 per lactation be achievable, grazed behind electric? Thinking of cheese making, so would the milk be of that quality?

That should be easy assuming you can grow (& manage ) good quality grass.
Cheese needs decent protein I understand .That is part genetic & part nutrition. So need to do some research on feeding for milk protein production

 

[BeReyt]

These appear to of had similar idea
Stonebeck Raw Wensleydale Cheese | Nidderdale | Yorkshire (stonebeckcheese.co.uk)

Brilliant, thanks for that! Something along those lines, yes.

That should be easy assuming you can grow (& manage ) good quality grass.
Cheese needs decent protein I understand .That is part genetic & part nutrition. So need to do some research on feeding for milk protein production

I'm confident I can manage the grass, growing the grass on a day like today is another matter

I will do some more research, thank you.

Very helpful everyone

 

[LTH]

I have half a dozen bred from a cow I got as a calf from strickley. Nice cows good feet, fert and milk quality. Not much different to Friesian on yield. Arklid bel 50% pure in calf to 100% win hall william.