1997 Year of the Ox - New Zealand Cattle

Single 40c 'Holstein-Friesian' gummed stamp.

These cattle were first imported as Dutch Friesian in 1884, and have been infused with American Holstein genes and new bloodlines of Friesian from the United Kingdom and North America. This is the most common breed of dairy cattle in New Zealand, with the highest average milk production of all dairy breeds. The milk generally has a lower fat and protein content. Holstein-Friesians are large cattle that require plenty of feed, and accordingly are suited to flat, quality pasture.

Single 80c 'Jersey' gummed stamp.

This breed was first imported from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, in 1862. The fine-boned looks and small stature of the Jersey belie the huge potential of the breed for converting green grass into high-fat, protein-rich milk. The fawn-coloured animals with dark faces and muzzles possess curved horns and large dark eyes. The jersey is one of the smallest dairy breeds, and is abundant in Taranaki, one of New Zealand's chief dairy districts. Changes to the dairy cow evaluation system in 1996, run by the Dairy Board's Livestock Improvement Corporation, have highlighted the efficiency of the Jersey breed at converting feed into net profit. Whilst the breed has always been noted for its superior milkfat production and lower milk volume, the recognition of the lower maintenance requirements of the smaller cows has led to an increased interest in the breed.

Single $1.00 'Simmental' gummed stamp.

The Simmental is a relatively new arrival on the New Zealand beef scene, in spite of being one of the world's oldest breeds (and numerically the second largest). Originating in the Simmen Valley in Switzerland, the breed was popular all over Europe for its multi talents of producing beef and dairy products, as well as working as a draught animal. The breed is well muscled with excellent growth rates and lean high-yielding carcasses, and has become popular for cross-breeding in many parts of New Zealand.

Single $1.20 'Ayrshire' gummed stamp.

The Ayrshire was the second breed of cattle to arrive in New Zealand, arriving in 1848 from the Scottish district of Ayr. The cattle are of medium stature and have upwardly curving horns, although it is common practice to dehorn animals when calves. The Ayrshire is found mainly in southern parts of New Zealand, as they are ideally suited to the rigorous, rough county, while being high yielding milk producers.

Single $1.50 'Angus' gummed stamp.

The pure black Angus breed, formerly known as Aberdeen Angus, after the Scottish county from which it originated, was first imported into New Zealand in 1863. The Angus is now the most numerous breed in the national beef herd. This breed enjoys a reputation for producing fine-grained beef, even from hilly country with scant pasture. Development of the breed over the last 30 years has seen an increase in the stature and frame of the cattle, improving the meat-to-bone ratio and decreasing fat cover.

Single $1.80 'Hereford' gummed stamp.

One of the first English breeds to be developed, the Hereford was in much demand from the 17th century onwards as a yoke oxen and for its milk and beef production. Arriving from the Herefordshire region in 1868, the distinctively-coloured deep red cattle with white face, brisket, belly and legs, spread quickly throughout New Zealand. The Hereford is a beef producer that can climb and forage over the rough terrain unsuited to the dairy breeds.