Information about Illawarra Cattle

Production and milk quality

Illawarras are producers of large quantities of milk. Many cows produce in excess of 40 litres per day and 300 day lactations over 10,000 litres are not uncommon. Because of its moderate fat, high protein milk yield the breed is in an excellent position to take advantage of the growing world demand for protein.

Adaptability

Australian dairy cows are subjected to a wide range of climatic conditions. Whilst extreme temperatures in dairy farm areas vary from below 0 degrees to over 40 degrees, Illawarra cows thrive on a pasture based feeding system and are not housed at any time of the year. Consequently they have adapted well in countries extending from the tropics to North America.

Calving Ease

One of the most outstanding features of Illawarra cows is their ability to calve unattended with assistance rarely ever needed. Contributing factors to this highly desirable characteristic appear to be their superior pelvic formation and individual determination.

Longevity

An Illawarra cow can be expected to calve at 2 years of age, calve regularly every 12 months increasing her yield each year until a mature cow and keep producing into her early teens. Many have produced lifetime totals in excess of 60,000 litres of milk.

Pigmentation

Illawarras have strong dark hooves and dark pigmentation of the skin, thus avoiding the problems of skin cancer and sunburnt teats. The latter being one of the contributing factors to the reputation of Illawarras having an excellent temperament.

Please contact your nearest Branch Secretary

NSW Illawarra & Southern - John Downes - 02 4236 0159

NSW Mid Rivers - Robert Hammond - 02 6556 3109

NSW North Coast - Carol Hill - 02 6683 2350

VIC - Michael Tuhan - 03 5824 2538

QLD - Betty Ledger - 07 5447 9049 or see web site www.illawarrasqld.com.au

SA - Maree Mueller - 08 8532 2268

WA - Ros Hoskin - 08 9525 2134

TAS - Margaret Austin - 03 6445 1171

Rules and Regulations

Constitution

Members wishing to advertise cattle, feed etc for sale should contact the office please see below for advertisments:

Agistment available for 200-400 cattle in Tintinara, Upper South East South Australia. Minimum preferred lot size around 50 head $6.50/head/week (ono) ex GST for dairy heifers. For more information contact Lila on 08 8756 5075 or lila_marzec@yahoo.com.au.

Also have A1 quality Lucerne hay 8 x 4 3 medium bales $330/t (ono) inc GST ex Farm from Tintinara same contact details as above.

Please refer to the following site for further information on Illawarra Bulls

Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme - www.adhis.com.au