1. Dairy Cattle Breeds

2. 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

3. Holstein cow

4. 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.

5. Jersey

6. 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.

7. Milking Shorthorn

8. Milking Shorthorn

9. 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

10. Guernsey

11. 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.

12. Brown Swiss

13. 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.