Guernsey milk for cheese production.......

[Guernsey Goodness]

I am a raw milk dairyman here in western Washington and milk only 100% pure-bred Guernsey cows. I've got a customer who is a cheese maker and says she gets 50% more cheese yield using my milk compared to using Jersey milk and the taste is much better. I am wondering if anyone on this board has similar experiences?

Thanks,
Jim Sinnema
Old Silvana Creamery

oldsilvanacreamery.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Silvana-Creamery-LLC/237438139660443

[linuxboy]

Hi Jim,

As you probably know, casein subtypes are different for guernseys vs jerseys, and the protein ratio is higher. As for yield, that discussion tends to be slightly anecdotal without considering total solids per lactation and the skill of the cheesemaker, as well as milk suitability for the cheese style. In other words, I can use the same milk across 5 cheese families and achieve drastically different yield levels based on what I'm doing.  Taste, same thing, helps to work with the milk and make cheeses suitable for it. I wouldn't use straight Jersey milk for parm, for example. I'm not so sure we can have an informed discussion without considering more specifics.

[Cloversmilker]

In my admittedly quite limited experience (2 Jerseys), there is substantial individual variation among Jerseys in milk composition and subsequent cheese yield.  My first Jersey had typical US production genetics; sired by Sambo and giving on the order of 10 gallons daily at peak.  She had rich milk with cream that separated readily.  The skimmed milk was definitely low fat.  The cream was heavy enough to stand a knife upright.  My second Jersey has an unknown NZ sire.  She is on her first lactation, so early to compare production.  She is definitely a lower producer though.  Her milk is also quite rich, but does not separate easily.  The skimmed milk is still quite rich.  The cream is not as heavy.  Her cheese yields are on the order of 25% higher than those of my first Jersey.  These are all low-tech homestead level comparisons to illustrate within breed variation.