Dairy Cattle Breeds

HOLSTEIN Origin: Netherlands First imported to U.S. in 1852 Color: black and white; some red and white Distinctive Characteristics: Dominant breed of dairy cattle Lowest % butterfat Largest in size of all dairy breeds Avg. cow mature weight = 1,500 lbs. Generally quiet and docile Greatest milk production of all breeds Avg. milk yield = 23,675 lbs/305 days

Holstein cow

JERSEY Origin: Isle of Jersey First imported to U.S. in 1850s Color: light tan to dark fawn; darker shadings around head and legs Distinctive Characteristics: Smallest of dairy breeds Avg. cow mature weight = 950 lbs. Nervous and sensitive, but generally docile More tolerant to heat stress than larger breeds Highest % butterfat Most feminine of all dairy breeds Avg. milk yield = 16,306 lbs.

Jersey

MILKING SHORTHORN Origin: England First imported to U.S. in 1790s Color: red, red and white, white, or roan Distinctive Characteristics: Larger in frame than the beef type Avg. cow mature weight = 1,400 lbs. More nervous and flighty than the beef type Do not produce as much milk or milk fat Avg. milk yield = 16,098 lbs.

Milking Shorthorn

Milking Shorthorn

GUERNSEY Origin: Isle of Guernsey (France) First imported into U.S. in 1840 Color: fawn with white markings and a white switch Distinctive Characteristics: Intermediate in size Avg. cow mature size = 1,150 lbs. Active, but not nervous “Golden Guernsey” – golden colored milk Avg. milk yield = 14,667 lbs. 2nd highest % butterfat

Guernsey

BROWN SWISS Origin: Switzerland First imported to U.S. in 1869 Color: light brown with gray or silvery tones to very dark brown Distinctive Characteristics: Large breed Avg. cow mature weight = 1,500 lbs. Quiet, docile temperament Very adaptable Good longevity Avg. milk yield = 19,385 lbs.

Brown Swiss

AYRSHIRE Origin: Scotland First imported to U.S. in 1822 Color: medium to dark red with white markings Distinctive Characteristics: Medium-sized Avg. cow mature size = 1,200 lbs. Strong and rugged Excellent grazers Avg. milk yield = 16,942 lbs.