{Dairy Cattle

Breeds

Origin: Scotland (late 1700’s) Imported to the US in the 1800’s

Description of breed: Red and White with the shade of red ranging from brown to

mahogany. Moderate Size and should reach 1,200 lbs at maturity.

Ayrshire

Breed Strengths & Characteristics: Used to be known for their horns (more than a foot long)

now they are dehorned. Forage well. exceptionally sound mammary glands and feet and legs. Moderate butterfat breed

Avg. 3.9% Average Annual Milk Production:

17,000 lbs. per cycle (305 days)

Ayrshire

Origin: Developed in Switzerland Imported to the US in the late 1800’s

Description of breed: Bred as dual-purpose animals – size and strength make them

popular draft animals. Light to dark brown, slow to mature Larger than the Jersey Breed

Brown Swiss

Breed Strengths & Characteristics: Believed to be one of the oldest breeds in dairy cattle. Friendly disposition Long-lived Large milk output (2nd to Holstein)

14,700 lbs. per cycle Moderate Butterfat Breed

Avg 4%

Brown Swiss

Origin: Developed on the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel from foundation stock of French cattle

Imported to the US in the 1830’s

Description of breed: Medium-framed Golden/red and white coat color

Guernsey

Breed Strengths & Characteristics: The Guernsey cow is known for producing

high-butterfat, high-protein milk with a high concentration of beta-carotene.

Produce high quality milk, but consume 20 to 30 percent less feed

Popular to those who make cheese and butter High butterfat breed

Avg. 4.5% Average Annual Milk Production:

14,700 lbs. per cycle

Guernsey

Origin: Developed in the Netherlands imported to US in 1852

Description of breed: Distinctive black and white color pattern

Recessive genes for red color Large breed

Holstein

Breed Strengths & Characteristics:

Most popular dairy breed in the U.S More than 90% of cattle are Holsteins

Can be bred at 15 months of age Ranked number 1 for milk production Lowest butterfat breed

Avg. 2.5-3.6% Average Annual Milk Production:

28,000 lbs. per cycle

Holstein

Origin: Developed on the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel

Imported to the U.S in 1850

Description of breed: Light fawn to black color Dished face and large dark eyes Excellent udder conformation

Jersey

Breed Strengths & Characteristics:

With an average weight of 900 pounds, the Jersey produces more

pounds of milk per pound of body weight than any other breed. Highest Butterfat Breed!

4.9% Average Annual Milk Production:

16,000 lbs. per cycle

Jersey