Experimentation in breeding dairy cattle for the tropics began in Jamaica at Hope Farm in 1910 with local cattle, temperate dairy breeds and the infusion of the Sahiwal (Zebu) breed.
The research results, which also influenced farmers' operations, indicated the superiority of the grade Jersey for production and fertility, which was considered to be the result of adaptation. Thereafter, breeding inter se, a tropical dairy breed, the Jamaica Hope was established and was declared in 1952. The formation of the Jamaica Hope Cattle Breeders’ Society immediately followed.
The breed has shown a high level of productivity under wide ranging husbandry conditions. The highest yields have been above 8 800 litres of milk in 305 days.
The MOET technique of reproduction will be employed in the expansion of the breed.
