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Normande cows on high forage feeding systems average between 14,000 and 15,000 lbs. of milk per lactation at 3.6% protein and 4.4% fat. Many cows produce more than 22,000 lbs. These results do not reflect the genetic originality of the breed: more than 90% of the individuals carry the B Kappa Caseine gene and 82% of AI Bulls have the BB Genotype. The levels of casein beta and kappa in the milk are known to improve the curdling quality of the milk for cheese manufacturing (speed and firmness of gel). In addition, Normande milk presents favorable calcium/phosphate ratio and casein miscella of small diameter, all of which result in yields of cheese 15 to 20% higher depending on the type of cheese made. As today's dairy industry and market trends strongly favor and focus on cheese manufacturing, one can see the immediate benefit of having Normande milk in the tank. |
NORMANDES ARE PROFITABLE IN US SYSTEMS
I have traveled to France and spent time on dairy farms in Northwestern
France. The
climate is much like western Washington or Oregon. It is a very nice place to be a dairy cow.
climate is much like western Washington or Oregon. It is a very nice place to be a dairy cow.
I would like to point out that
the reason I was there was to learn more about Normande cows.
I have utilized this knowledge and have incorporated Normande genetics in my herd. I would
like US dairy producers to know that Full Blood and Crossbred Normande cows can be a viable
option for all kinds of dairy operations. My Normandes are comingled with a herd of Holsteins in
a freestall barn, fed TMR and milked 3 times a day. At this time the Normandes have their own
Rolling Herd Average of 23,470 milk 4.2 973 butterfat 3.3 770 protein. Our Holsteins average
27,452 milk 3.7 1023 butterfat 3.0 832 protein. I would like breeders to know that farm
conditions contribute greatly to the milk production of any breed and that I find Normandes to
be a profitable breed on our dairy farm.
I have utilized this knowledge and have incorporated Normande genetics in my herd. I would
like US dairy producers to know that Full Blood and Crossbred Normande cows can be a viable
option for all kinds of dairy operations. My Normandes are comingled with a herd of Holsteins in
a freestall barn, fed TMR and milked 3 times a day. At this time the Normandes have their own
Rolling Herd Average of 23,470 milk 4.2 973 butterfat 3.3 770 protein. Our Holsteins average
27,452 milk 3.7 1023 butterfat 3.0 832 protein. I would like breeders to know that farm
conditions contribute greatly to the milk production of any breed and that I find Normandes to
be a profitable breed on our dairy farm.
Barbara Wogsland
New Hope Normandes
Railane Holsteins
Scandinavia, Wisconsin
