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Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Clemente Ayon AGED 410
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Major Dairy Breeds in U.S.
Holstein Brown Swiss Ayrshires Jerseys Guernsey Milking Shorthorn
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Dairy Cattle Facts -Most were imported from Europe
-Most do better in temperate climates: Milk production goes down in extreme hot weather -Most have horns: Physically removed (de-horned) when calves Few polled (born with no horns) bulls available
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Holstein -Largest of all U.S. Dairy Breeds
-Account for 93% of all dairy breeds in the U.S. -Black and White -Originated in the Netherlands
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Holstein Production Records:
-Highest Production (Total Yield: Milk and Fat) 17,000+ pounds/year -Lowest Fat Content 3.5 %
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Jerseys -Smallest breed -Inquisitive nature
-Fawn-colored coat, large impressive eyes -Mature early -Excellent dairy type -Originated from channel Islands off Great Britain
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Jerseys Production Records: -Highest % Butterfat 5% -Highest % Protein
-Milk Production 10,000 pounds/year
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Guernsey -Fawn and white (“orange”) markings; light pigment around eyes -Origin: Channel Island off Britain -Extremely calm, placid disposition- “Family cow”
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Guernsey Production Records: -Milk Production: 14,500 pounds/year
-Fat Content: 4.5 % -Famous for “Golden Guernsey” milk. Carotene not converted into vitamin A
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Brown Swiss -Originally from Switzerland, imported to US in 1869
-Oldest breed -Coloring similar to Jersey but larger framed -Extremely popular export to foreign countries (semen and cows) “The Gentle Giant”
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Brown Swiss Production Records: -Milk Production: 13,000 pounds/year
-Fat Content: 4 %
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Ayrshires -Intermediate size
-Red and white coat, not to be confused with red/white Holstein -Excellent grazers, Hardy -Known for attractive udders and fancy appearance -Most temperamental of dairy breeds -Originated from Scotland (County Of Ayr)
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Ayrshires Production Records: -Milk Production: 12,000 pounds/year
-Fat Content: 3.9 %
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Milking Shorthorn -Originated in England
-Colors can be red, roan or white -Good mothers -Used to shorten the Longhorns
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Milking Shorthorn Production Records:
-Milk Production: 15,000 pounds/year -Dual purpose breed Milk and Meat -Fat Content: 3.7 %
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Bye! See you at the milking parlor!
THE END Bye! See you at the milking parlor!
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