6 Major Dairy Breeds
Below are the six major dairy breeds that we learn about in the dairy project. There are several other cross-breeds and miniature breeds that we learn about and show as well. Clicking on the Learn More link will take you to their respective cattle associations.
HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW
Holsteins are large, stylish animals with color patterns of black and white or red and white. A healthy Holstein calf weighs 90 pounds or more at birth. A mature Holstein cow weighs about 1,500 pounds and stands 58 inches tall at the shoulder.
learn more
JERSEY DAIRY COW
The Jersey breed was developed so that dairy producers would have “less cow to feed, more cow to milk.” U.S. Jerseys produce, on average, more than 17 times their body weight in milk each lactation.
learn more
MILKING SHORTHORN DAIRY COW
Shorthorns, the most numerous in the British Isles, America and Australia, are either red, red and white, white or roan, the last named color being a very close mixture of red and white, and found in no other breed of cattle. The Milking Shorthorn breed is best known for its versatility.
learn more
BROWN SWISS DAIRY COW
Originating in the Swiss Alps, Brown Swiss adapt well to high altitudes and hot or cold climates, while producing large volumes of milk, ideal for cheese-making. Their unique ability to yield high components with an ideal fat-to-protein ratio sets them apart from other dairy breeds.
learn more
GUERNSEY DAIRY COW
The Guernsey cow is known for producing high-butterfat, high-protein milk with a high concentration of beta carotene. Being of intermediate size, Guernseys produce their high-quality milk while consuming 20-30 percent less feed per pound of milk produced than larger dairy breeds.
learn more
AYRSHIRE DAIRY COW
Ayrshires are medium-sized cattle and should weigh over 1200 pounds at maturity. They are strong, rugged cattle that adapt to all management systems including group handling on dairy farms with free stalls and milking parlors. Ayrshires excel in udder conformation and are not subject to excessive foot and leg problems.
learn more