This week began in the
mid-1950’s with the introduction of Pakistani Sahiwal and Red
Sindhi dairy cattle, which were mated initially to high-producing
Jersey cattle. Later, some infusion of Illawarra, Guernsey and
Holstein-Friesian bloodlines occurred.
Careful interbreeding of the half-bred
progeny, combined with strict selection criteria, have resulted
in the AMZ breed. Selection is for heat tolerance, tick resistance
and milk production alone.
Mature purebred AMZ cows produce an
average of 2,700 liters of milk over a 12 month period, while AMZ
cross Friesian cows average more than this. Quality of milk is very
high and protein level is approximately 3.5 to 4 percent.
The AMZ carries the color markings
and general shape of the Jersey, but also shows the tropical influence
of the Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds through the ability to sweat
and discard ticks from a highly mobile, loose skin.
Reference:
Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian
Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition
Photographs:
Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian
Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition
