Breeds
Holstein-Frisian/Red and White Holstein
When people think of the stereotypical black and white cow, this is the breed. Holsteins are the most popular breed to milk. Most dairy farms around the world use Holsteins for milk production because they are the leading milk-producers. Their spots are like a person's thumb- print, no two are the same. Some Holsteins have the recessive red gene making them red and instead of black and white. The Red and White Holstein is the newest of the milking breeds. They posses the same characteristics as black and white Holsteins, but show the recessive trait. Holsteins excel in milk production. They are calm and relaxed in nature, which makes them easy to handle. They originated in the Netherlands. Holsteins weigh an average of 1,200 to 1,500 lbs. They produce 22,000 lbs. of milk on a yearly basis. |
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/3/9/91398506/jersey.jpg?1475803950)
Jersey
The breed of Jersey cattle has grown rapidly the past few decades because of
their high content of butterfat and protein in their milk. Because of this high content,
Jersey's milk is great for cheese production. They are known for being efficient in
turning feed into milk. Jersey's are the smallest dairy breed, which requires less energy
to maintain body functions. They use the extra energy for milk production.
Jerseys are brown in color, but can vary from brown to white. The Jersey cow originated
from a small island from the English Chanel, between English and France. They weigh an
average of 1,000 lbs. They produce up to 16,500 lbs. of milk a year.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/3/9/91398506/brown-swiss.jpg?391)
Brown Swiss
Brown Swiss are the largest of the dairy breeds. They are usually
brown to grey in color. Their strong structure makes them prone to
common cattle problems. Brown Swiss also produce milk with high
milk fat content in their milk.
The Brown Swiss originated in the Alps of Switzerland. The harsh climate
in the Alps needs a special type of animal that can handle the harsh
elements. Because of this, Brown Swiss are very tolerant to changing
weather, hot and cold. They are strong, hardy cows. Their strength and
power set them apart from the other dairy breeds. They weigh an average
of 1.500 lbs. They produce 18,500 lbs. of milk yearly.
Brown Swiss are the largest of the dairy breeds. They are usually
brown to grey in color. Their strong structure makes them prone to
common cattle problems. Brown Swiss also produce milk with high
milk fat content in their milk.
The Brown Swiss originated in the Alps of Switzerland. The harsh climate
in the Alps needs a special type of animal that can handle the harsh
elements. Because of this, Brown Swiss are very tolerant to changing
weather, hot and cold. They are strong, hardy cows. Their strength and
power set them apart from the other dairy breeds. They weigh an average
of 1.500 lbs. They produce 18,500 lbs. of milk yearly.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/3/9/91398506/guernsey.jpg?390)
Guernsey
Guernseys have a fawn color with white spots. They originate from
the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel between England and
France. The Isle of Guernsey is close to the Isle of Jersey where the
Jersey breed originated from. The Guernsey breed is a less popular
breed of dairy cattle. Their global population is less than 10,000.
Guernsey cows are known for their golden colored milk. This color
comes from the large amounts of beta-carotene, which is a source
of Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is said to reduce the risk of certain
types of cancer. The Guernsey weights 1,100 lbs. and produces
16,500 lbs. of milk in a year.
Guernseys have a fawn color with white spots. They originate from
the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel between England and
France. The Isle of Guernsey is close to the Isle of Jersey where the
Jersey breed originated from. The Guernsey breed is a less popular
breed of dairy cattle. Their global population is less than 10,000.
Guernsey cows are known for their golden colored milk. This color
comes from the large amounts of beta-carotene, which is a source
of Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is said to reduce the risk of certain
types of cancer. The Guernsey weights 1,100 lbs. and produces
16,500 lbs. of milk in a year.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/3/9/91398506/ayrshire.jpg?391)
Ayrshire
Ayrshire cattle are red and white, but their color varies from orange to
dark brown. They are very similar to Red and White Holsteins, but have
different characteristics. Ayrshire is a durable breed with desirable health
traits. Ayrshire are sometimes called Dunlop cattle, and are known as
Dunlop cattle in New Zealand.
The Ayrshire originated in Scotland where they were specially bred with
animals brought from the Netherlands. They were then exported around
the globe. They weigh around 1,200 lbs and produce an average of 18,000
lbs. of milk a year.
Ayrshire cattle are red and white, but their color varies from orange to
dark brown. They are very similar to Red and White Holsteins, but have
different characteristics. Ayrshire is a durable breed with desirable health
traits. Ayrshire are sometimes called Dunlop cattle, and are known as
Dunlop cattle in New Zealand.
The Ayrshire originated in Scotland where they were specially bred with
animals brought from the Netherlands. They were then exported around
the globe. They weigh around 1,200 lbs and produce an average of 18,000
lbs. of milk a year.
![Picture](/uploads/9/1/3/9/91398506/milking-shorthorn.jpg?383)
Milking Shorthorn
The milking shorthorn originated in Great Britain from the Shorthorn
breed in Northumberland and Yorkshire in England. They are also
known as Dairy Shorthorns in places.
Milking Shorthorns are strong cattle and known for their high levels
of fertility and grazing efficiency. They also possess desirable health
traits that make them versatile for a variety of production environments.
They weigh an average of 1,250 lbs. and produce 17.500 lbs. of milk a
year.
The milking shorthorn originated in Great Britain from the Shorthorn
breed in Northumberland and Yorkshire in England. They are also
known as Dairy Shorthorns in places.
Milking Shorthorns are strong cattle and known for their high levels
of fertility and grazing efficiency. They also possess desirable health
traits that make them versatile for a variety of production environments.
They weigh an average of 1,250 lbs. and produce 17.500 lbs. of milk a
year.