A major reduction sale of red and white cows took place this week, with the sale topping out at 4,600gns.

The pedigree Ayrshire and blended red and white dairy herd is run by the Whiteford family of Cumbria, England.

The elite herd is averaging 7,747kg of milk at 4.81% fat and 3.56% protein.

Buyers travelled from near and far to the Borderway Mart in Carlisle for a chance to buy into the classy genetics.

There was plenty of opportunity too, with 98 heifers in milk, 44 second calvers, 26 third calvers, 16 fourth calvers, 149 fresh calvers, and 39 in-calf animals up for sale.

Of the consignment, there were two excellent (EX) classified cows and 54 very good (VG) cows, as well as a selection of good plus cows.

Red and white sale

Middle Rosie KM was the top seller of the day, going under the hammer for 4,600gns.

She was born in August 2022 and was recently classified as VG85. She has 60.93% Ayrshire blood in her.

She was sired by Whiteflat King Marty and comes from Middle Rosie Mrl (GP81).

The third calver is projected to produce 7,965kg of milk this year, and is back in calf to Troutbeck Timeless, with an expected calving date in April.

Middle Dora Yup was the next best seller, making 4,000gns in the ring.

The February-2022 cow is less than two months calved, having already given 1,811kg of milk in just 53 days of her third lactation.

She produced 9,001kg of milk at 4.47% fat and 3.43% protein in her second lactaion last year.

She was sired by Horseclose Yuppie and comes from Middle Dora Tc, a VG88 classified cow who peaked at 13,430kg of milk (3.82% fat and 3.60% protein) in her fourth lactation.

Some other top sellers from the day included;

3,900gns for Middle Jean Mix, a freshly calved February-2021-born cow who produced 9,127kg of milk at 5.57% fat and 3.69% protein in her second lactation;
3,800gns for Middle Mary Mix 2 VG85, a November-2022-born cow who calved down in August. She produced 8,244kg of milk at 5.66% fat and 3.68% protein in her first lactation;
3,800gns for Middle Queenie AR VG87, a June-2022-born cow who calved down in September. She produced 9,189kg of milk at 5.40% fat and 3.80% protein in her second lactation last year.

Overall, cows and heifers averaged £2,738 at the sale, with 94 heifers in milk averaging £2,559/head, and 103 cows in milk averaging £2,871/head.