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Breeds of Dairy Cattle

In the United States, dairy cattle are divided into seven major breeds: Holstein-Friesian, Red and White Holstein, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Jersey and Milking Shorthorns.
 

Holstein-Friesian cattle

Holstein-Friesian cattle, breed of dairy cattle originated in N Holland and Friesland. Commonly called Holsteins in the United States, these large cattle with sharply defined black and white spotted markings are believed to have been bred for their dairy qualities for 2,000 years. The region from which they come was famous even in Caesar's time for its cattle. In milk production the cows average a higher yield than that of any other breed, although the milk has a relatively low butterfat content.

Red and White Holstein

The Red and White Holstein is a relative of the Holstein-Friesian but defined as its own breed through its destinctive color. They can go head-to-head with their black and white counterparts in milk production.

Brown Swiss

Switzerland, The Native Home of the Brown Swiss breed of cattle, is a very rough and mountainous country and has been noted as a cheese producing country for many years. In the summer many of the dairy herds are taken into the mountainous regions and are grazed on the abundant pastures and meadows that result from the heavy rainfall. The Brown Swiss produces the second largest quantity of milk per annum. The milk contains on average 4% butterfat and 3.5% protein, making their milk excellent for production of cheese.


Guernsey

The Isle of Guernsey, a tiny island in the English Channel off the coast of France, is the birthplace of the Guernsey cow. About 960 A.D., besieged by buccaneers and sea rovers, the Island came to the attention of Robert Duke of Normandy. He sent a group of militant monks to educate the natives to cultivate the soil and defend the land. The monks brought with them the best bloodlines of French cattle - Norman Brindles, also known as Alderneys, from the province of Isigny and the famous Froment du Leon breed from Brittany - and developed the Guernsey.

Ayrshire

Originating in South-west Scotland, the Ayrshire Breed was first recorded on an official basis in the 1870`s. This hardy cow now represents 10% of the English herd. Excellent milk exceeded in richness only by Jerseys and Guernseys.



Jersey

The Jersey breed originated on the Island of Jersey, a small British island in the English Channel off the coast of France. The Jersey is one of the oldest dairy breeds, having been reported by authorities as being purebred for nearly six centuries. The breed was known in England as early as 1771 and was regarded very favorably because of its milk and butterfat production.

Milking Shorthorns

One of the oldest recognized breeds in the world, Shorthorn cattle originated in Northeastern England in the Valley of the Tees River. Much of the early improvement work took place in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and York. The first importation of Shorthorns to the United States was in 1783, when 'Milk Breed' Shorthorns came to Virginia. These early importations, often referred to as 'Durhams', became favorites of the pioneer, furnishing meat, milk and power.
 

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