Dairy female shortage met by April

Well-known cattleman and consultant to the dairy industry Gerrie du Preez said the shortage of cows and heifers in the industry is expected to last until April. “The market can’t meet the demand for good-quality animals. animals that are available are of a lesser quality,” he said.
The large number of animals slaughtered late last year and farmers buying up animals have contributed to the current shortage in females, but Du Preez foresees an increase in the supply of heifers between April and August. “Farmers who expanded and increased the efficiency of their dairies in time should have surplus heifers available between and August,” he said. “Prices for quality animals will remain high and I expect pregnant cows and heifers in this category to sell for R9 000 to R12 000. Younger heifers should sell for R400 per month of their age. Price for average cows will be calculated at R400 for every litre of milk produced per day.”
Jerseys seem to be the most readily available despite Holsteins being the largest breed in SA. It’s not a question of farmers getting rid of their Jerseys, Du Preez said. “It has to do with genetics. Holsteins were bred in the 1980s and 1990s to increase milk production and to improve udders, while Jerseys were bred for fertility and longevity, resulting in surpluses.” – Annelie Coleman