There's something in the water on Anglesey

摘要

One of the hottest topics in the Holstein breed is currently that of longevity - are our cows lasting long enough? Well, the obvious answer to that question is not always, but what about the cows that do last? What is it that makes them special? Whatever it is, there must an abundance of it on Anglesey, where Harri and Margaret Evans' Ceinwen herd at Ty Croes contains two cows that are currently re-writing the record books for longevity. Ceinwen Bonze has just been classified EX for the tenth time, making her the only cow in the breed to have reached that milestone. And not far behind is Ceinwen Lavender 7, who boasts seven EX classifications. Leading the way is Ceinwen Bonze EX95-10E LP100. Born on 1 October 1987, this remarkable cow is currently two months into her thirteenth lactation and breeder Harri Evans is pondering what bull will sire her fourteenth calf, so well does she look. And before you think this old cow will be getting pampered in her old age, I can assure you that nothing is further from the truth. She lives in the cubicles with the rest of the 100-strong Ceinwen herd and looks like a much younger cow, notwithstanding a few grey hairs on one flank. Her locomotion is nigh on perfect, although she moves a little more slowly than in her younger days. "She's always been a boss cow and she's still the first one in the parlour every milking", explains Harri, who regards her as a cow that fully fits his breeding goal."I want trouble-free cows that are able to look after themselves, and I don't think Bonze has ever had to see the vet or have her feet lifted", he continues.