Common Breeds of Cattle – Dairy –

1. Common Breeds of Cattle– Dairy –

2. Dairy Breeds- Holstein-

3. Dairy Breeds Holstein Holstein cattle originated in the two northernmost provinces of the Netherlands, West Friesland and North Holland. The Holstein was imported to the United States in 1852. Holstein cattle have color patterns of black and white and some red and white; no solid colored animals are accepted for registry. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

4. Dairy Breeds Holstein The Holstein is the largest of the dairy breeds; the average weight for a cow is 1,500 pounds.

5. Holstein Black and White in color Native to the Netherlands 90% of the diary cattle in the US Leading producer of milk Produce about 18,000 lbs. of milk per year. Dairy Breeds

6. Dairy Breeds- Jersey-

7. Dairy Breeds Jerseys vary in color from light tan to dark fawn, with darker shadings around the head and legs. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

8. Dairy Breeds The Jersey is the smallest of the dairy breeds; the mature weight of cows average 950 pounds. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

9. Jersey Cream to light fawn to almost black in color Native to the Isle of Jersey in Britian Number one in milk fat Small framed Dairy Breeds

10. Dairy Breeds- Ayrshire-

11. Dairy Breeds Ayrshire The Ayrshire breed was developed in Scotland and the first cattle were imported to the United States in 1822. In color, Ayrshires may be red with white markings and the red (or reddish-brown/mahogany) may vary in shade from very light to almost black. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

12. Dairy Breeds Ayrshire cattle are medium-sized; a cow should weigh 1,200 lbs. at maturity. Ayrshires are noted for having excellent shape and attachment of udders and are also known for having good feet and legs.

13. Dairy Breeds Ayrshires are strong and rugged. They are good at adapting to all management systems and have a strong ability to rustle and forage for themselves under adverse feeding or climatic conditions. In fact, few other breeds can match this ability.

14. Dairy Breeds- Brown Swiss-

15. Dairy Breeds Brown Swiss The Brown Swiss breed is one of the oldest and purest dairy breeds and is descended from cattle used on the mountain slopes of Switzerland. They were the first to come to America in 1869 at Belmont, Massachusetts. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

16. Dairy Breeds The color of Brown Swiss cattle varies from a light brown with gray or silvery tones to very dark brown. The muzzle and stripe along the backbone are generally light in color. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

17. Dairy Breeds- Geurnsey-

18. Dairy Breeds Guernsey The Guernsey breed was imported to the United States from the small island of Guernsey, off the coast of France, in 1840. Photo by Bill Tarpenning courtesy of USDA Photography Center.

19. Dairy Breeds The color of Guernsey cattle is fawn, with white markings clearly defined. The muzzle is buff or flesh colored, the switch should be white and the skin pigmentation should be yellow. Photo by man vyi courtesy of Wikipedia.

20. Dairy Breeds This breed is often referred to as the “Golden Guernsey” because of the yellow color of its milk. The milk is high in protein, loaded with beta-carotene, and quite often sells at a premium on the market because of its golden color.