Dairy Breeds

1. Dairy Breeds Mr. Flowers AGSC 102

2. Objectives • Discuss the major breeds of dairy cattle • Describe the distinguishing characteristics that make up each breed • Given pictures, identify different breeds of dairy cattle • and give one fact about them

3. The Six Breeds… • Ayrshire • Brown Swiss • Guernsey • Holstein • Jersey • Milking Shorthorn

4. Ayrshire • Developed in Scotland • First imported to the United States in 1822 • Red with white markings and the red may vary in shade from very light to very dark (almost black)

5. Ayrshire • Medium Sized – cow weighs ~1,200 pounds at maturity • Excellent shape and attachment of udders • Good feet and legs

6. Brown Swiss • One of the oldest and purest dairy breeds • Originated in Switzerland • First came to America in 1869

7. Brown Swiss • Color varies from light brown with grey/silvery tones to very dark brown • Muzzle and stripe along backbone are usually light in color • Large breed – mature cow weighs ~1,500 pounds

8. Brown Swiss • Good feet and legs which lead to longevity • Very quiet and docile • Adapt to many different climates

9. Guernsey • Originated from the Island of Guernsey • Brought to United States in 1840 • Color is fawn with white markings (clearly defined)

10. Guernsey • Intermediate in size – a mature cow averages 1,150 pounds • Have uneven top lines and smaller udders • Have active, but not nervous, disposition

11. Guernsey • Often referred to as the “Golden Guernsey” because of its yellow milk color • Milk is high in protein

12. Holstein • Originated in the Netherlands • Imported to the United States in 1852 • Color patters are black and white or red and white (no solid colors)

13. Holstein • Largest of the dairy breeds – average weight of cow is 1,500 pounds • Straight top lines and long, level rumps • Cows are very docile, but bulls can be vicious

14. Holstein • Excellent milk producers (produce more each year than any other breed) • Adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions • Lead other breeds in registry numbers (~19 million registered to date)

15. Jersey • Originated from the Island of Jersey • One of the oldest breeds • First imported to the United States in the 1850s

16. Jersey • Vary in color from light tan to dark fawn (darker shading around head and legs) • Smallest of the dairy breeds – mature cows weigh an average of 950 pounds • Straight top lines, level rumps, and excellent udders

17. Jersey • Typically have a “dished” face • Usually nervous and sensitive, yet docile • Bulls have least docile temperament • Have highest percentage of butterfat

18. Milking Shorthorn • Originated in England • Imported to the United States in the 1790s • Not a separate breed, but a segment of the beef breed of Shorthorns

19. Milking Shorthorn • Dual purpose breed • Red, white, red and white, or roan in color • Larger framed breed – mature cows weigh ~1,400 pounds

20. Milking Shorthorn • Show only some evidence of the dairy character • Not high milk producers

21. Summary • Discuss the major breeds of dairy cattle • Describe the distinguishing characteristics that make up each breed • Given pictures, identify different breeds of dairy cattle • and give one fact about them

22. Application • Study your notes for five minutes. • After studying, take out a piece of notebook paper and number it from 1-6. • Without using your notes or a friend’s help, tell which breed the following is and one fact about it.

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