Guernsey

The Guernsey originated on the small Isle of Guernsey, situated in the English Channel just off the coast of France. There is no concrete evidence as to the development of the Guernsey before the 19th Century but there may be some truth in the theory that the Isigny cattle of Normandy and the Froment du Léon breed from Brittany were ancestral relatives of the modern Guernsey. Indeed the Jersey, the Guernsey and the Froment du Léon are the only members of the Channel Island sub type of European Blond cattle.

The Guernsey was first recorded as a separate breed around 1700. In 1789, imports of foreign cattle into Guernsey were forbidden by law to maintain the purity of the breed although some cattle evacuated from Alderney during World War II were merged into the breed (Spahr and Opperman, 1995).

The Guernsey breed built its reputation for the production of quality milk from grass during the 19th and early 20th centuries and then exported cattle to found significant populations in several other countries. From an original mixed foundation, island breeders concentrated on improving the stock by eliminating faults and making their cattle more homogeneous. All this was based mainly on visual appearance supplemented by some milk recording.

Guernsey's renown as an unique producer of rich yellow coloured milk gave her the title "Golden Guernsey".   more...

Upcoming Guernsey Cattle Shows and Events

Royal New Zealand Show 2008
     Location: Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch, New Zealand
     When: Friday 14th November 2008

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Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
     Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
     When: Friday 16th to Sunday 08th February 2009

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The Royal Highland Show
     Location: Royal Highland Show Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB
     When: Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th June 2009

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Latest Guernsey Breed News

Friday, August 03, 2007
Foot and Mouth Disease confirmed in cattle, in Surrey, UK
UK - DEFRA have confirmed that following an investigation of suspected vesicular disease on a holding near Guildford in Surrey,...

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Friday, November 24, 2006
Cheaper milk needs industry cuts
UK - Significant savings need to be made in Guernsey's dairy industry before the price of milk can come down, according to an...

More News...

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