Breeds of Dairy Cattle

An excellent resource is

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds

exhibiting 11 breeds(use google, search for: breeds of livestock)/

Descriptions here come from:

• http://dairy.purinamills.com/breeds.html#2

Holstein

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.

Ayrshire

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.

Guernsey

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.

Jersey

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.

Brown Swiss

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.