Ayrshires Archive

The turn of the 18th Century saw the first recorded evidence relating to cattle, which were to form the basis of the Ayrshire breed.

Founder Members of the Society

Founder Members of the Society

As early as 1850 there was conflict among breeders. We have reference to the fact that two different types of Ayrshire were being bred, and the battle between the "too light weights" - "well set udder and delicate appearance" and the "larger quantity of milk capacity" animals began.

1877 saw the first public meeting being held to propose the formation of a Herdbrook for Ayrshire cattle was held in the courthouse of the county buildings Ayr on 26th June.

What is believed to be the first Milking Trial ever held took place in connection with Ayr Show on the 19th April 1860 and over the following four days the Duke of Athol, an admirer of the Ayrshire cow provided the prize money of ten Sovereigns.

First Ayrshire Milk Trial

First Ever Milking Trial (click for bigger (5mb) image)

The competition was for the highest yielding cow over the five days. Twelve cows took part, all of them housed in the same byre. The byre was open for feeding between 7am and half past eight, 12pm until 2pm and again at 6pm until 8.30pm. Milking was done by dairy maids at 7am and 7pm, with watchmen in attendance for each 24 hour period. No restriction was placed on the amount of feed per animal.

First prize went to Robert Wallace of Kirkland Holm in Ayr.

Milk yields as an average over 10 milking were as follows:

  • 1st prize - 28lbs 7oz - 12% cream
  • 2nd prize - 26lbs 10oz - 9% cream
  • 3rd prize - 24lbs 13oz - 11% cream

By 31st December 1877 the first Herdbrook closed with 117 bulls and 446 cows registered.

Ayrshires - The Perfect Milking Machine

An opportunity here to praise some of the many top performers, who gave outstanding yield to prove the Ayrshire is a truly competitive dairy animal.

Geordie, early 19th Century Ayrshire bull

Geordie, a typical Ayrshire bull from the first half of the 19th Century

1936 Nether Craig Janet born in December 1929, bred by Alexander Cochrane, Nether Craig. She was the first 3,000 gal. Cow giving 3,091 gal at 3.79% BF. In 351 days.

1954 Knockdon Daybreak gave 114.3lb. Milk at the Glasgow Dairy Show and was Supreme Champion. Owned by J.B. Liddle of Yorkshire, she was bred by Matthew Richmond of Maybole.

1960 Averham Crummie gave 135.10lb. at the London Dairy Show. Owned by Mr Glyn Jones of Leicestershire and bred by Mr Bobbie Walker of Nottinghamshire, this cow was also recorded at 144lb. Two days later and increased her bodyweight by 23lb. During the Show.

1976 The world record 305 day 2X a day milk yield for Ayrshires reached a new peak when Leete Farm Betty's Ida produced 37,170lb milk at 4.3% BF. She is a daughter of Selwood Betty's Commander - the milkiest bull in the world. Her owner is Mr Harry Tenney, Hillside View Farm, New Hampshire, USA.