Dairy Cattle Breeds

Average herd performance by breed

Annual registration numbers

Perfect of US dairy cows by breed

Beef & Dairy cow inventory

Change in milk production in the US

Holstein-Friesian

Netherlands, black and white, large framed, dominant breed of dairy cattle in US, highest producing dairy breed, lowest percentage butterfat

Ayrshire

Scotland, red and white, medium sized, do well in pasture conditions

Brown Swiss

Switzerland, brown to gray with light around the muzzle and light dorsal stripe, docile, very large mature size

Guernsey

Isle of guernsey, light red and white spotted, golden colored milk, gentle nature, 2nd in percentage of butterfat

Jersey

Isle of Jersey, tan with dark pigment, highest % butter fat, 2nd most common dairy breed, used in crossbreeding, small refined feminine, heat and humidity tolerant, male calves low value