When it comes to dairy farming, not all dairy cows are created equal!
Each breed has unique qualities that set them apart in terms of appearance, origin, milk production, and more.
Let’s explore the seven most prominent dairy cow breeds currently found in the United States: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Red and White Holstein, and Milking Shorthorn. Plus, we’ll throw in some fun facts along the way!
Learn more about each type of dairy cow below.
Holstein
Appearance
- Black and white patches – the iconic dairy cow!
- Large in size, weighing about 1,500 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- The Netherlands, first imported to the United States in the 1850’s.
Milk Production
- Holsteins are the superstars of milk production, known for producing the highest quantity of milk compared to other breeds. A single Holstein averages about 9 gallons of milk per day. This might be why they are by far the most common dairy cow in the U.S. making up over 90% of the dairy population!
Fun Fact
- No two Holsteins have the same spots, they are as unique as fingerprints!
Jersey
Appearance
- Known for brown coloring that can range from light to medium brown and large expressive eyes and long eyelashes.
- Small in size, weighing about 1,000 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- The Island of Jersey, a small British Island in the English Channel.
Milk Production
- Known for their rich, creamy milk that is high in butterfat. This makes it perfect for cheese, butter, and ice cream production!
Fun Fact
- In the 1930’s, the Borden Co. introduced a Jersey, Elsie the Cow, as their cartoon mascot.
Brown Swiss
Appearance
- Gray-brown coloring.
- Large in size, weighing about 1,500 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- Switzerland, many dairy historians consider this breed to be the oldest of all types of milk cows.
Milk Production
- Brown Swiss are known for producing a large quantity of milk, particularly prized for its high protein content, making it ideal for cheese-making.
Fun Fact
- Brown Swiss cows in Switzerland are taken to high mountain meadows during the summer. The cows wear large cow bells so farmers can find them in foggy mountain pastures.
Guernsey
Appearance
- Brown or fawn (light yellowish tan) with white spots of various sizes on the body or face
- Medium in size, weighing about 1,200 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- The Isle of Guernsey, a tiny island in the English Channel.
Milk Production
- Known for producing ‘golden’ milk. Milk that has a rich yellowish hue due to its high levels of beta-carotene. Also has higher amounts of butterfat and protein.
Fun Fact
- Since the 1950’s, Golden Guernsey trademark milk has been sold in the U.S. and Canada as a premium product.
Ayrshire
Appearance
- Reddish-brown mahogany-colored spots on a white body.
- Medium in size, weighting about 1,200 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- The county of Ayrshire in Scotland.
Milk Production
- Hardy cows that can produce high-quality milk with a moderate fat content. Known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of farming conditions.
Fun Fact
- Originally from Scotland, Ayrshire cows are often called the “aristocrats” of dairy cows due to their elegance and their ability to produce high-quality milk on rugged terrain.
Red and White Holstein
Appearance
- Similar to their black-and-white relatives but with red and white patches.
- Large in size, weighing about 1,400 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- The U.S. and Canada when farmers started breeding for the recessive red hair color trait of Holsteins.
Milk Production
- Like the traditional Holstein, the red and white variety is a prolific milk producer. Their milk output rivals the black-and-white Holsteins, but their coloring is rarer.
Fun Fact
- This type of cow is unique as it is the only dairy cow recognized by the Purebred Cattle Association as purebred even though it can have genetics from several other breeds of dairy cows.
Milking Shorthorn
Appearance
- Red, white, or roan (a mix of red and white) in color.
- Medium is size, weighing about 1,100 pounds in maturity.
Origin
- Northeastern England in the valley of the Tees River.
Milk Production
- Milking Shorthorns produce moderate amounts of milk with a balanced fat-to-protein ratio, making their milk versatile for various dairy products.
Fun Fact
- The Milking Shorthorn breed was one of the first to enter the U.S., early in the 1780’s.
Conclusion
These seven dairy cow breeds each bring something unique to the table, from high milk yields to rich, creamy butterfat.
Whether it’s the iconic Holstein, the golden milk of the Guernsey, or the historical Brown Swiss, dairy farmers and consumers alike benefit from the diversity of these remarkable animals.
Next time you pour a glass of milk or spread butter on your toast, you might find yourself appreciating the cows behind the scenes just a little bit more!
