Ayrshire Cattle, British cows; dairy breed with red brown & white skin, speckled pattern markings. Events and Competitors at the Cheshire Game & Country Fair Show, Knutsford, UK
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Contributor:
MediaWorldImages / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
C4PMN6File size:
23.4 MB (1.3 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3500 x 2334 px | 29.6 x 19.8 cm | 11.7 x 7.8 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
21 June 2011Location:
Knutsford, Cheshire, UKMore information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
Ayrshire cattle (IPA /ˈɛərʃər/) are a breed of dairy cattle from Ayrshire in southwest Scotland. The adult Ayrshire cow weighs from 450 to 600 kilograms (990–1, 320 lb). Ayrshires typically have red and white markings; the red can range from a shade of orange to a dark brown. The Ayrshire is considered to be a medium-sized breed by most conservation organisations and breed associations.[8] The average adult individual "should weigh over 1, 200 lb (540 kg) at maturity."[8] Their milk production can reach 20, 000 lb (9, 100 kg) or greater per annum.[9] Ayrshire cattle are usually red and white in colour. The red colour can vary from very deep to a lighter shade; according to the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders' Association, "[t]here is no discrimination or registry restriction on color patterns for Ayrshires."[8] Calves are normally dehorned to reduce injuries to other cattle and human handlers. If they are not polled, their horns can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) in length. Due to the environment of their native Scottish lowlands, they are typically strong and adaptable to many farming methods. Compared to other dairy breeds, such as the Holstein-Friesian, Ayrshires are usually able to survive despite less feed and less fertile ground. They are known for their hardiness and their ability to convert grass into milk efficiently. The breed's strengths today are traits of easy calving and longevity.