Dairy Cattle Breeds: An Illustrated Guide

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on September 1, 1989
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Ayrshire
Ayrshire
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Brown Swiss
Brown Swiss
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Dexter
Dexter
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Dutch Belted 
Dutch Belted 
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Jersey
Jersey
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Kerry
Kerry
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Guernsey
Guernsey
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Holstein
Holstein
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Milking Devon  
Milking Devon  
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Milking Shorthorn 
Milking Shorthorn 
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Red Poll 
Red Poll 

Ayrshire

Vigorous and hardy, Ayrshires graze in sun, rain and cold when others might seek shelter. Their butterfat-laden milk is ideal for making cheese. Average mature weight: 1,200 pounds (cow) and 2,000 pounds (bull). Average milk per year: 14,000 pounds. Average butterfat content: 3.9%. This breed is productive for many years and has an ideal udder shape. American Minor Breeds Conservancy Status: Watch, which indicates less than 5,000 registrations per year or a declining population.

Brown Swiss

Second to the Holstein in milk production (when well fed), and a fair beef animal too, this is one of the oldest of cattle breeds. Average mature weight: 1,500 pounds (cow) and 2,100 pounds (bull). Average milk per year: 14,400 pounds. Average butterfat content: 4.0%. This breed is calm and heavily muscled, and produces milk that is excellent for cheese. AMBC Status: Numerically strong.

Dexter

The smallest of North American breeds, Dexters are heat- and cold-tolerant, accept poor pasture and produce both milk and tasty beef. Average mature weight: 650 pounds (cow) and 800 pounds (bull). Average milk per year: 7,500 pounds. Average butterfat content: 4.1%. This breed can be outwintered and eats 40% less than larger breeds. AMBC Status: Minor, meaning less than 1,000 registrations per year.

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