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Breed History: The Isle of Guernsey, a tiny island in
the English Channel off the coast of France, is the birthplace
of the Guernsey cow. About 960 A.D., besieged by buccaneers and
sea rovers, the Island came to the attention of Robert, Duke of
Normandy. He sent a group of militant monks to educate the natives
to cultivate the soil and defend the land. The monks brought with
them the best bloodlines of French cattle - Norman Brindles, also
known as Alderneys, from the province of Isigny, and the famous
Froment du Leon breed from Brittany - and developed the Guernsey.
Genetically, the Guernsey of today is much different than that
of 960 A..D.
Introduction of the Guernsey to America occurred around September
1840, when Captain Belair of the Schooner Pilot brought three
Alderney cows to the port of New York. Later, Captain Prince imported
two heifers and a bull from the Island. These animals were the
original stock of a great majority of the Guernseys that make
up the national Guernsey herd today.
Miscellaneous: The Guernsey cow is known for producing
high protein, high butterfat milk, with a high concentration of
beta-carotene. It has been referred to as "Golden Guernsey
milk" because of these properties.
During the summer and fall of the year, Guernsey enthusiasts
from all over the United States congregate at state fairs and
national shows to have their Guernseys judged. This show season
is referred to as the "Tanbark Trail". Each year, approximately
200 breeders participate in three national shows, which culminate
in one national contest to find the Guernsey that best represents
the ideal conformation of the breed
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