Dairy Breeds

There are 6 breeds of dairy cows that dominate milk production in the United States: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, and Milking Shorthorn. Today, 99% of all the dairy cattle in the United States are of the Holstein breed.

Holstein - The Holstein breed of dairy cattle originated in Europe in what is now called the Netherlands. Dairy breeders in America began importing dairy cows from Holland after the New World was settled and there was a market for the milk. The Holstein breed is characterized by large bodies, outstanding milk production, and distinctive black and white markings. A Holstein's spots are like a fingerprint or snowflake. No two cows have exactly the same pattern of spots.

Brown Swiss - The Brown Swiss breed is one of the oldest dairy breeds in the world. In fact, cattle bones found in the ruins of the Swiss Lake Dwellers are very similar to the bones of the present day Brown Swiss cattle. A type of cattle closely related to the Brown Swiss breed of today existed during the Bronze Age in the area now known as Switzerland. The first Brown Swiss recorded in America were 7 females and 1 bull which were imported in 1869 and 1870. All 8 animals came from the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. In the 1880's and 1890's, Brown Swiss cattle moved with settlers and traders across the United States. By 1895, the Brown Swiss breed of dairy cattle had reached the Pacific Ocean shore of the United States. The body size of the Brown Swiss is smaller than that of a Holstein. Brown Swiss colors are shades of brown, with no white.

Ayrshire - Ayrshire dairy cattle originated in Scotland. These medium-sized cattle were first imported into the United States around 1822 for use in the rocky, hilly area of New England. Ayrshire cattle are efficient grazers and have a superior quality udder. In 1929, two Ayrshire cows were walked from Brandon, Vermont to the National Dairy Show at St. Louis, Missouri. Ayrshire cattle are red and white.

Guernsey - The Guernsey breed of dairy cattle was developed by Normandy monks on the Isle of Guernsey, a small island in the English Channel off the coast of France. Guernseys are intermediate in size and produce milk that is high in protein and butterfat. Compared to the larger dairy breeds, Guernseys consume 20 - 30% less feed per pound of milk produced.

Jersey - The Jersey breed of cattle is reported as being purebred for nearly 600 years, making it one of the oldest breeds. The Jersey breed was developed on the Island of Jersey, a small island in the English Channel, off the coast of France. Jerseys were first brought to the United States in the 1850's. Jersey cattle are more tolerant of the heat than some of the larger-bodied breeds. Jersey cows produce more pounds of milk per pound of body weight than any other breed of dairy cattle. Jerseys can have a wide range of colors.

Milking Shorthorn - The Shorthorn breed is one of the oldest recognized cattle breeds in the world. It was reported as early as the mid-1500's in northeastern England. In 1783, Shorthorn cattle were first imported into Virginia in the United States. The Shorthorn breed served a triple-purpose. These cattle provided meat, milk, and labor. The Milking Shorthorn is a segment of the Shorthorn breed rather than a distinct or separate breed of cattle. The Milking Shorthorn Club was organized in 1912 but the Milking Shorthorn was not declared a dairy breed in the United States until 1969. Milking Shorthorns are easy to manage and efficient at producing milk. Milking Shorthorns are red, red and white, white, or roan (a color that is not found in any other breed of cattle).

*For more information on dairy breeds of North America, check out Breeds of Livestock from the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University.