BRITISH FRIESIAN FOCUS
BRITISH FRIESIAN BREEDERS CLUB WHAT ARE WE?
The British Friesian Breeders Club was formed in 1990 to ensure the continuing development of the breed in the face of increasing changes within the Society (then HFS)
A
t the time both Holsteins and Friesians shared the same breed code and were evaluated together, actually distorting figures for both breeds. Subsequently, British Friesians that qualify at 87.5% now take breed code 20 and have separate production and type merit figures on their own base.
This has been an enormous help and Club members have worked closely with the HUK classifiers in the development of important functional type.
Perhaps the younger generation do not realise the British Friesians’ history. Founded on the Dutch Friesian, they formed the basis of the UK herd book more than 100 years ago. They have evolved in response to UK conditions and are highly suited to grass based and high forage systems, as are the valuable male calves. Proof of their hardiness and superior fertility was shown up at the last evaluation base change in August 2014, when, after only four years, the genetic difference between the black and white breeds for lifespan trebled, and the fertility index grew from 9 to a massive 14.6 fertility points in favour of the Friesian. The difference in yield was only 716 kg. The Society’s open herd book policy allows for the crossing of the black and whites, which has gone on over the years to retain pedigree status. We should value this option and the wealth of information the Society provides.
This will be increasingly important for independent bull selection. Knowledge is key, and all is lost when crossing with coloured breeds, as some ‘advisors’ are advocating. Fortunately, many breeders have chosen to stay with black and whites and most Friesian semen is being used on Holsteins, mostly in non-pedigree herds, but also some pedigree herds too. Semen exports to many countries are now firmly established. The Animal Data section of Holstein UK’s website, together with DairyCo Breeding+, provides vast information which is straightforward to use. It can be easily sorted to prioritise traits when you want to emphasise or correct a particular trait. For example, when you use DairyCo’s SCI and sort for fertility, Friesians represent 70% of the top 50 bulls.
The end of quotas and the freeing up of the market has led to an increase of milk all needing a manufacturing market. Whether
OPEN HERD VISITS REMINDER – June 10th & 11th YORKSHIRE
DAY ONE - Leas Farm, Lendales Lane, Pickering, YO18 8EE. Please notify Sam Howarth as soon as possible to let him know if you will be attending the Leasbeck Herd Visit. Tel: 07885487178 or e-mail
holliesfarm1@btconnect.com.
DAY TWO - Genus Bull Stud, Whenby Lodge Farm, Whenby, York, YO60 4QN. If you also intend to attend the Genus visit, please e-mail to Hannah.
Noble@genusplc.com or telephone her on 01270 616631.
through adjustments for seasonality to smooth out production, the need for higher constituent value, or A and B quota, times are a-changing. We need to reduce our cost of production if we are to compete in a world market, let alone turn the tide of imports from Europe. Today’s British Friesian has been developed by farmers, for farmers and through the efforts of the Club, we have now ensured that we have just the cows for the job. Bred to produce off grass and forage, with the cost- saving, outstanding fertility and longevity, and higher constituent value, they also provide a second income with economical grass reared beef.
Over the years, enthusiastic Club members have travelled to Holland, Northern Ireland, Eire and all parts of the UK for herd visits, not only enjoying fabulous hospitality, but learning from others in the process. This summer we are off to Yorkshire to visit newly-elected Chairman, Sam Howarth and the family’s Leasbeck organic herd with its emphasis on milk from grass, a visit that couldn’t be more timely. The visit is open to all those interested in British Friesians, whether pedigree breeders or not.
Club activities cover attendance at shows, a biennial bull progeny competition, annual meetings, herd visits and Club dinner, bull selection and newsletters. While anyone who would like to come to any of our events is sure to receive a warm reception, membership of the Club costs only £20 annually and ensures you are kept abreast of all our news and events.
www.britishfriesian.co.uk can be found at the bottom right hand corner of HUK’s homepage by clicking on the Union Flag.
80 THE JOURNAL JUNE 2015
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