The Dairy Industry

By Mr. Weaver

Common Breeds in America

Objectives for the day….

1. Identify 6 Breeds of Dairy Cattle.

2. Explain characteristics of each breed of dairy cattle.

3. Develop a poster that represents characteristics of one dairy breed.

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Major Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Holstein• Originated in Europe

• The major historical development of this breed occurred in what is now the Netherlands

• Color: Holsteins are large, stylish animals with color patterns of black and white or red and white

• Large frame

• Known for outstanding milk production

Jersey

• Originated from the Isle of Jersey (small British isle)

• Color: Color varies (light gray to a dark fawn being darker around the head and hips)

• Known for high milk fat.

• Wide-range of body weight; typically smaller-framed

• Produces more pounds of milk per body weight than any other dairy breed.

Aryshire• Originated in Scotland

• Originally known as the Dunlop

• Color: red and white

• Good feet and legs,

• Excels in udder conformation

• Medium-sized frame

• Average milk production

• Purebred Ayrshires only produce red offspring

Milking Shorthorn

• Originated in England

• Color: red, white, red and white, roan

• Most versatile of all breeds: good producers, good temperament, good calves, good frame

• Dual purpose breed

• Split from the American Shorthorn Assoc. in 1949

• Milking Shorthorn

Beef ShorthornBeef Shorthorn

Guernsey• Originated from the Isle of

Guernsey

• Color: Red (Fawn) and White in color

• Known for high quality (high fat and protein content) milk while consuming less feed

• Intermediate frame (Medium sized)

• High milk production to feed intake ratio

• Milk is high in Beta-carotene

Brown Swiss

• Originated in Switzerland

• Color: gray or light brown to dark brown. Light colored band around the muzzle.

• Because of foot and mouth disease, only 3 have been imported since 1906

• Large sized • Good temperament • Strong feet and legs

• One of the oldest Dairy breeds

Dairy Breeds:Milk Production Facts

Breed Percent Butterfat Pounds Butterfat Milk Prod (lbs)

Holstein 3.66 703 19,185

Ayrshire 3.95 569 14,398

Jersey 4.75 618 13,020

Brown Swiss 4.03 606 15,062

Guernsey 4.57 611 13,363