Cattle : HAYS CONVERTER

Species: Bos taurus - Composite

Country of Origin : Canada

Australian Status: LOST

International status:

Arrived in Australia:

Australian Population: 50

Distribution:

History: Brought to Australia by ET in 2016. Developed in the 1950's in Canada by Harry Hays, recognised as a breed by the Canadian government in 1975 - the first Canadian breed officially recognised.

Harry Hayes started the studbook in 1959. Holstein, Hereford and Brown Swiss had gone into the creation of the breed. Selection is still based on performance. 

Breed traits: Beef. Highly efficient at converting feed to lean muscle - convert feed more efficiently than other breeds. Rapid growth, attaining 500kg in their first year. Fewer emissions due to diverse rumen biome - 25% less methane and 15% less nitrous gases than other cattle thus better for the planet.
Long bodies, strong legs, mostly black in colour, with a white face and some white markings.

Good feet, good in a very cold climate, easy calving, good milk supply.

Organisation: None found in Australia. The stud which has brought them in by embryo is Bromelton House, Beaudesert, Queensland, the Murray family. Most information herein from an ABC article for Queensland Country Hour 19th march 2018.  In Canada - The Canadian Hays Converter Association.

Additional Notes:

Photo : Hays Converter, from Knockabarragh Acres, on Pinterest.

Page by Janet Lane

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