Article by Hans Lombard
T
wo sets of Holstein twins
from Wait and See Holsteins, Mortimer, Eastern
Cape, produced over 100
000 litres of milk each over 31 lactations. As far as can be established, this is a world record. Holstein South Africa and Holstein International have confirmed
that they do not have any similar
data on record.
The first pair to achieve this feat
were Wait and See Precious 123
(110 846 litres) over seven lactations and Wait and See Precious
124 (143 268 litres) over nine lactations. Precious 124 is pregnant to
the high type Taurus bull, Vitality –
bred at Wait and See – and due to
calve in March 2016 for the tenth
time. These twins were sired by the
American bull, Forbidden. Their
grand dam produced 114 114 litres
in nine lactations. She was sired by
the famous Canadian bull, Rudolph.
The second pair were Wait and See
Anna 204 (106 455 litres) in nine
lactations and Wait and See Anna
205 (102 123 litres) in six lactations.
They were sired by the Italian bull,
Mtoto. Amazingly, their dam Wait
and See Anna 53 produced 117 208
litres over nine lactations. She was
sired by the Canadian bull, Aerostar.
Breeder John Sieberhagen says:
“Obviously these cows are well
cared for. The Anna twins are nine
generations “very good” or better.
Precious 123 is a fourth generation
excellent. She is backed by seven
generations 'very good' or better, of
which six are excellent. However,
combining the right genetic lines
with particular emphasis on good
udders, legs, feet and strength is a
major contribution. Good conformation certainly played an important part in the performance of
these cows."
Some 48 Wait and See cows have
produced more than 100 000 litres
of milk to date. Cows are run on
partial mixed ration. They graze
during the day and are fed at night.
They are milked three times a day.
For more information contact John
Sieberhagen 083 280 8369.
Wait and See Anna 53 – Udder
95. F. Class 94.
She clearly projects the width,
strength and udder needed for
high production over long periods, with type having played a
role.