Cross breeding programme brings benefits to family dairy farm

A Cumbrian dairy herd which recently won an award for predicted genetic improvement has adopted a three-way cross breeding programme for the past five years. Wendy Short finds out more

clock • 6 min read
L to R: Farmworker Jordan Bland, farm apprentice Flynn Purdham, Edward, Pol and Amanda Donaldson and farmworker Cameron Purdham.
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L to R: Farmworker Jordan Bland, farm apprentice Flynn Purdham, Edward, Pol and Amanda Donaldson and farmworker Cameron Purdham.

While yields have remained static, the Donaldson family is reaping the benefits of enhanced longevity since making changes to their breeding policy. The purebred Holstein herd at Threapthwaite Farm,...

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