Breeds of Dairy Cattle

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Breeds of Dairy Cattle

• An excellent resource is
• http//www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds
• exhibiting 11 breeds
• (use google, search for breeds of livestock)/

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Descriptions here come from

• http//dairy.purinamills.com/breeds.html2

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Holstein
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Holstein

• This breed originated in the Netherlands
  (province of Friesland) and northern Germany.
  It is the second oldest of the pure dairy breeds.
  The color is black and white with markings
  clearly defined. The ideal cow is rugged with
  feminine qualities in an alert cow possessing
  Holstein size and vigor. The breed is noted for
  body size and high milk production. The
  approximate weight of a mature cow in milk should
  be 1500 lb The Red and White Holstein originated
  in the same area of Europe as the black and white
  breed. They are more prevalent in Europe than the
  U.S. because U.S. breeders tried to eradicate the
  red gene for many years. However, this breed is
  now represented by its own association in the
  U.S. Except for color, breed characteristics are
  identical to black and white Holsteins.

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Ayrshire
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Ayrshire

• The color is light to deep cherry red, mahogany,
  brown, or a combination of any of these colors
  with white, or white alone. Distinctive red and
  white markings are preferred. Black or brindle
  are objectionable. The ideal cow is strong and
  robust, showing constitution and vigor, symmetry,
  style and balance throughout, and is noted for a
  strongly attached, evenly balanced, well-shaped
  udder. The approximate weight of a mature cow in
  milk should be 1200 lb.

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Guernsey
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Guernsey

• The breed originated on the Isle of Guernsey (off
  the coast of the British Isles). The color is a
  shade of fawn with white markings clearly
  defined. Skin should definitely show golden
  yellow pigmentation. A clear muzzle is favored
  over a smoky or black muzzle. The ideal cow
  should show size and strength with quality
  and character desired. The approximate weight of
  a mature cow in milk should be II00 lb.

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Jersey
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Jersey

• The breed originated on the island of Jersey
  (off the coast of the British Isles). The color
  is usually a shade of fawn or cream with black
  muzzles. Jerseys are the smallest in body size of
  all dairy breeds. They mature quickly. The ideal
  cow shows sharpness with strength indicating
  productive efficiency. Jerseys are noted for the
  highest milkfat of all dairy breeds. The
  approximate weight of a mature cow in milk should
  be 1000 lb.

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Brown Swiss
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Brown Swiss

• The Brown Swiss breed is a native to Switzerland
  and is the oldest of the pure dairy breeds. The
  color is solid brown varying with very little
  light to dark. White or off color spots are
  objectionable. Pink noses and light streaks up
  the side of the face are objectionable. The
  nose, tongue, and tail are black. The ideal cow
  is strong and vigorous, but not coarse. Size and
  ruggedness with quality are desired. They are
  noted for strong legs, long life, and milking
  persistency. They also quickly adapt to different
  environments. The approximate weight of a mature
  cow should be 1500 LB.