Ayrshire Cattle Registry
By Ayrshire Breeders' Association
Last reviewed: December 2025
The official registry for Ayrshire cattle in North America, promoting this hardy, efficient Scottish breed known for exceptional grazing ability and...
The Ayrshire Breeders' Association (ABA) has served as the breed registry for Ayrshire cattle in the United States since 1875. Named for their county of origin in Scotland, Ayrshires are known for their hardiness, grazing efficiency, and ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Ayrshires produce milk with excellent protein-to-fat ratios ideal for cheese making. Their red and white coloring, strong feet and legs, and adaptability make them favorites for pasture-based and organic operations. The breed excels in harsh climates from New England to the Pacific Northwest.
The Association provides registration services, genetic improvement programs, and marketing support through national and regional shows and sales.
Key Features
- Breed Registration: Official pedigree registration maintaining Ayrshire breed standards and genetic records
- Performance Programs: Production and type data collection for genetic improvement
- National Shows: All-American Ayrshire Show and regional breed exhibitions
- Youth Programs: Junior Ayrshire activities including Distinguished Junior Member program
- Ayrshire Digest: Official breed publication with news, genetics, and member stories
Advanced Features
- Linear Classification: Official type evaluation by trained classifiers
- Genetic Evaluations: Breed-specific genetic evaluations through CDCB
- Genomic Testing: Support for genomic testing and parent verification
- International Pedigree: Recognition of Ayrshire genetics from Scotland and other countries
- Historical Records: Access to archived pedigrees dating to the breed's arrival in America
Ideal For
Farm Types: Pasture-based dairies, Organic operations, Mountain and hill country farms, Heritage breed enthusiasts, Show cattle breeders
Competitive Advantages
What sets Ayrshire Cattle Registry apart from alternatives:
- Exceptional grazing ability and feed efficiency documented through performance records
- Strong feet and legs reduce lameness issues in challenging terrain
- Ideal protein-to-fat ratio for cheese manufacturing
- Hardy constitution adapted to harsh climates and outdoor conditions
- Tight-knit breed community with strong show and sale support
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Ayrshire Cattle Registry:
Annual membership required with per-animal registration fees.
Pricing Model: per-head
Discounts available for bulk registrations.
Pros & Considerations
- Official Ayrshire breed registration
- Pedigree and genealogy services
- Breed improvement programs
- Classification services
- Supports breed community and shows
- Smaller breed population in the US
- Limited compared to major breed associations
- Registration fees required
- Marketing reach is regional
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Ayrshire Cattle Registry on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Registration typically processed within 1-2 weeks
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Ayrshire Cattle Registry:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Ayrshire Cattle Registry:
- Is grazing ability important for your operation?
- Do you operate in challenging terrain or climate?
- Are you interested in organic or pasture-based production?
- Do you value the breed's cheese-making milk qualities?
- Would show and sale participation benefit your marketing?
- Are young people interested in youth breed activities?
- Do you appreciate the heritage and history of the Ayrshire breed?