Our choice of the Guernsey cow is intentional.
Guernsey’s gentle but highly adaptable nature made them the obvious choice for our semi-arid Karoo climate. It is, however, their milk that truly sets them apart. We believe that our Guernsey’s milk is the key ingredient to the success of Gay’s Dairy and our beloved products. Guernsey’s A2/A2 ‘golden milk’ is unique in its nutritional value and colour. It has a distinct golden hue due to the unusually high content of orange beta-carotene (also known as pro-vitamin A, which strengthens the immune system and is beneficial for eyesight, bones, teeth, skin and growth).
“Guernsey A2/A2 milk also contains 3 times as much omega 3, 12% more protein, 30% more cream, 33% more vitamin D, 25% more Vitamin A and 15% more calcium than White Milk”. It therefore contains more fat and protein than most milks, which also makes it the perfect milk to bring depth of flavour into our cheeses.
What is A2/ A2 milk?
There are two types of proteins found in Milk, whey (20% ) and casein (80%). These days there are one of two types of beta caseins found in cows milk, namely, A2 beta-casein and A1 beta-casein.
Originally cows produced only A2 beta-casein (A2/A2) and this is the protein that is known to be more easily digested by humans. Over time and through genetics and inter-breeding most commercial milks are a mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein (A2/A1), which is less tolerated by humans.
Guernsey cows are one of the last true heritage breeds of dairy cows and have not been modified for mass milk production. They still produce a superior-quality milk that is rich, creamy, full of flavour and nutrient dense. They also importantly, produce A2/A2 milk.
“Various herds tested around the world showed that Guernsey milk had more than 95% A2, compared with 40% A2 in Jersey milk and 15% in ‘ordinary’ white milk.”
Many consumers of our dairy whom previously experienced intolerance to other dairy products have come back to tell us that they can happily enjoy our Guernsey milk and cheese with no side effects. Yet another reason why we love our Guernseys.
Our Guernsey Ethos :
At our dairy we have chosen to keep a small herd of 35 Guernsey Cows, each of which we know by name and monitor closely daily.
We believe that by keeping a select few cows has allowed us to really focus on each individual and assure that we rear happy, healthy, free-ranging cows. Our Guernseys are never given growth hormones or routine antibiotics.
Milk sourced from thriving cows, grazed on our organic lucern has lead to more nutrient dense milk and it is this superior milk quality that leads to superior products.
The Guernsey Cow really is the hero of our story.