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Apologies
In our last newsletter we stated that the difference in the Fertility Index between the two black and white breeds had widened further to 11 points. Unfortunately, this was not official as the Fertility Index is only adjusted at the 5 yearly base change. Even so, the difference of 9 points (January 2010) had increased further in favour of the British Friesian, and underlines what we always knew and that loss of fertility is a very costly business. We also need to point out the incorrect date (in the last Newsletter) for the first official Society importations, which should have read 1914. 1921was the year importations were made from South Africa, which also followed the Ceres line, and included Terling Marthus.
The history of the early days of the Society and the British Friesian Breed, make fascinating reading. The founding members made trips to the Continent to search for their ideal stock. These they found registered in the FRS herd book, formed to register cattle specific to Friesland. 40 bulls were imported into Tilbury in 1914. By 1918 the Society had been renamed 'The British Friesian Cattle Society'.
Further absorbing information can be obtained through the transcript of Frederick Houghton’s ‘Holstein-Friesian Cattle - A History of the Breed and its’ Development in America’, which was published in 1897. Chapters One and Two are well worth reading as they give an account of the people who occupied the provinces of Friesland and their long association with dairy cattle. Included in these chapters are reports from travellers describing the systems of production and the remarkable care and attention lavished on their cattle, including calving at two years old! For those of you who are interested, it can be found at www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/77956 Dairy Event and Livestock Show
Committee members were in attendance on the HUK stand and were delighted to see the new Powerpoint presentation of British Friesian cows screened to great effect, shortly to be accessed through the BFBC website. Photos of good cows are always welcome, and we can add or change the Powerpoint at any time. Results of the All Breeds Show
British Friesian Championship
Anne Barton Memorial Trophy
B. Lawson and Sons – Lismulligan Priscilla 41st
Reserve
E. S. Burroughs and Son – Oakalby Breadwinner S Ruth 34
Overall Points
Scotsbridge Perpetual Challenge Trophy
B. Lawson and Sons Unfortunately two exhibitors had to withdraw at the last minute, not able to comply with the 6 day standstill, but we do have promises for next year!
Bristol Sales Centre – October 25th
Gwilym Richards and Norton & Brooksbank added a British Friesian section to their October dairy sale, with approx 50 entries, the majority being in-calf or maiden heifers. Just calved to 1250gns, in-calf to 1450gns,
maidens to 870gns.
Autumn Bull Sale, Carlisle
Six pure Friesian bulls averaged 3,650 gns. The champion Winnoch Bullion sold to Fraser Baird for £3,200, and B Lawson and Sons sold both Lismulligan Locket & Rocker for £5,000 each.
Breeding Bulls and Classification
Due to increased demand there is a shortage of breeding bulls. Whilst welcoming the popularity, it is disappointing not to be able to be able to meet this demand. Perhaps this knowledge would act as an encouragement for people developing pedigree herds to consider classification, if not already doing so.
TB Questionnaire
A questionnaire is enclosed and it is to be hoped that you would very kindly fill it in and return as requested.
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