These two grand old cows are just shy of their 15th birthdays but they are still as prolific as ever when it comes to producing milk.

In the never-ending quest for production, the Anglesey twins have shown that, with good husbandry, they can keep delivering the goods well into their dotage.

Between them the Holstein-Friesian sisters have yielded more than 220,000kg over their lifetimes – and they are now back in-calf ready for their next lactactions.

Both are part of the 220-cow herd owned by Arthur Davies at Trescowen Home Farm, Capel Coch, Llangefni.

Herd manager David Williams said the outfit has always been run with longevity in mind.

He admitted to having a soft spot for cow 118 who, having yielded a total of 103,466kg, is lagging slightly behind her sister, cow 77, who’s given 116,895kg.

“When 118 was in her third lactation she was very ill and for a while it didn’t look as though she would survive,” he said.

“But she’s a fighter. The vet operated on her and ever since she’s thrived.

“However she did miss much of that lactation and for that reason has always been slightly behind in her lifetime production.

“Despite this, they have always stuck together, that’s the strange thing – they always come into the parlour no more than one row apart.

“Perhaps it’s because they are twins, or just because they were reared together and, like other calf groups, tend to stay together.”

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The pair first calved at two-years-old and were reared on farm-produced milk and Super Calf Rearer.

Although they will turn 15 on November 22, both are still working hard: 77 is due her 11th calving on January 9, while 118 is in line for 12th lactation from December 18.

Both are well ahead of the herd average of 7,200 litres (4.62% butterfat and 3.43% protein). Of this 4,355 litres is from forage – one reason why Trescowen was short-listed in the Forage Manager of the Year in the 2018 ForFarmers Excellence in Farming Awards.

Mr Davies and his herd manager will discover if they have won the national title on November 22.

The twins will turn 15 on November 20 and are due to calve again shortly
The twins will turn 15 on November 20 and are due to calve again shortly

Recognition for the herd is testament to the pair’s welfare-first approach to cow management.

“We are always striving for longevity in our cows,” said David.

“We try to avoid the high turnover of some herds – it’s great to see the cow families going on and on.

“I think this was shown by 118’s treatment when she was ill - perhaps some people wouldn’t have bothered. In the long run she’s paid us back handsomely.”

Their descendants are keeping up the good work too: five daughters in the herd have produced 235,000kg over 26 lactations.

There are another nine descendants, three of whom are milking. Star of the next generation is Line 157, a daughter of 77, who has just completed a fifth lactation of 10,594kg, producing a combined 814kg solids in 305 days.

“It seems to be a family trait!” said David.