For the Holstein breed, which represents 92% recorded lactations, average fat has now returned to 2001/02 levels of 3.87%. Although accounting only a small percentage of herds, Island Jerseys recorded the highest increase, by 0.08 to 5.14%, followed by 0.03 increases in Jerseys and British Friesians.

Furthermore, overall milk yields have increased, with Jerseys measuring a rise of 1.9% by 100kg to 5481kg. Holstein averages have also risen by 0.7% to 8270kg, with the second highest yielding group being Brown Swiss with an average 7225kg, an increase of 70kg on 2006 data.

A significant overall increase in the number of Jerseys, Brown Swiss, MRI and Montbeliarde, which included crossbreds has also been recorded.

Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive