The Hope Farm began, in 1910, to develop a breed of dairy
cattle adapted to the climate of the island. The exact breeds used
over the next several years to develop the Jamaica Hope is a complex
mix as over twelve breed were tried.
However, the current breed is approximately
80% Jersey,
15% Zebu (primarily from a single Sahiwal
bull) and 5% Holstein.
The Jamaica Hope comprises approximately 80%
of the cattle on the island. Mature cows average 2500 kg per lactation
and weigh about 500 kg (1100 pounds). Males usually weight between
700 and 800 kg (1500 - 1800 lbs).
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985,
MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
R. E. McDowell, Professor Emeritus of International
Animal Science, Cornell University, and provided by Paul O. Brackelsberg,
Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University
We are currently searching for additional
photographs of this breed. If you have visual material which we
could borrow or if you know of a potential source please contact
us using the comment form below.
