“We are delighted to bring our National Show to the much respected Dairy Show,” says Breed Administrator Caroline Cox. ”We can hope to see around 100 cattle, with exhibitors coming from across the country to compete for some of the Society’s most prestigious awards.”
Alan Lyons Head of Shows adds: “The Dairy Show is delighted to host The Guernsey Society National Show, and showcase this wonderful dairy breed. The Show very much focuses on being a pure Dairy Show and bringing the industry together and having the National Show and the competitive classes is at the heart of the Show.”
It is thought that the Guernsey breed originated from cows from Normandy that were brought to the small group of islands in the English Channel now known as The Channel Islands, but there is no precise history. During the 20th century some of these cows were brought to the Mainland, the nucleus of the population, then and now, being concentrated in the South West. However there are isolated herds, some large, throughout the UK, and Guernsey cows are also found in most of the Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
There is also a significant population in the USA. The cows are renowned for their even temperament and longevity. Their milk is much prized in production because of its high levels of Butterfat and Protein and its rich, golden colour created by naturally occurring carotene. In recent years it has also been found to contain high levels of A2 Beta Casein, which although not medically proven, is thought to be beneficial to health. Guernsey milk also contains naturally occurring high levels of Omega 3.
