Identifying Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

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IdentifyingMajor Breedsof DairyCattle
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Holstein

• Also known as the Holstein-Friesian, the most
  popular breed of dairy cow in the U.S.
• Originated in the Netherlands.
• Large with distinctive black and white or red and
  white markings.
• Average yearly production per cow at 21,167
  pounds of milk.
• Lower in butterfat and protein than the milk of
  other dairy breeds.

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Jersey

• British breed that originated on the Isle of
  Jersey.
• Color varies from nearly white to mousy gray to a
  dark tan or fawn color. May have a dark tail
  switch.
• Famous for the amount of butterfat and protein in
  the milk.
• Smaller than other breeds of dairy cattle
• Averaged 16,042 pounds of milk per cow in 2002.

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Guernsey

• The Guernsey is a British breed.
• They are of intermediate size and are a fawn
  color with white markings.
• Milk is noted for its golden color, because the
  milk is high in beta-carotene.
• Average milk production in 1998 was 15,887 pounds.

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Ayrshire

• Originated in Scotland. It is a particularly
  hardy breed.
• Moderate-sized animals that are spotted red and
  white in color.
• Milk has a moderate amount of butterfat, but it
  is relatively high in protein.
• Production for 2002 was 17,230 pounds of milk.

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Milking Shorthorn

• Originated in England and is one of the oldest
  breeds in the world.
• Red, red and white, or roan in color.
• Not a distinct breed, but rather a segment of the
  Shorthorn breed.
• Produce 15,030 pounds of milk per year.

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Brown Swiss

• Originated in Switzerland.
• Solid brown in color.
• Adapts well to all types of weather.
• Yearly milk production at 21,127 pounds.

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Thanks to the following for allowing the use of
their photos Eileen DeBruin, Courtesy of
Oklahoma State University Mark Jensen, Courtesy
of the American Jersey Cattle Association American
Guernsey Association Ayrshire Breeders
Association Bruce Kuehl, Courtesy of The American
Milking Shorthorn Society Cybil Fisher, Courtesy
of The Brown Swiss Bulletin Oklahoma Department
of Career and Technology Education
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Identifyingthe Major Breedsof Dairy Cattlethe
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