Dairy cattle (also called dairy cows) are cattle bred with the ability to produce large quantities of milk, from which dairy products are made. Dairy cattle generally are of the species Bos taurus. [1]

Commercial dairy cows are divided into five major breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein–Friesian, and Jersey. There are many minor breeds, among them the Red Dane, the Dutch Belted, and the Devon. There are also dual-purpose breeds used to produce milk and meat, notably the Milking Shorthorn and the Red Polled.

Dairy cattle are those primarily raised for their milk as part of dairy farming. Extremely rare, found in Quebec. Very small in size. Used in domestic farms. One of the Channel Islands cattle. Known for producing the most milk of any cattle. Rare breed and can be dual purpose, meat and milk. Has a very high content of butterfat in the milk.

Let’s explore the seven most prominent American 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! Holsteins are the best known of the types of cows belonging to the dairy breeds, with her black-and-white spotted body. Jerseys are known for their large eyes and brown color. They also give milk that …

Mar 11, 2024 · If you’re looking for just the right dairy cow for your homestead, you’re in luck, cause I’m bringing you 9 of the very best dairy cow breeds in this article.

Jan 4, 2022 · In the United States, there are seven main dairy cattle breeds that make up most of the nation’s nearly 9.4 million-cow national dairy herd. Holstein The Holstein (or Holstein-Friesian) is the most popular dairy breed, comprising around 90 percent of cows on U.S. dairy farms.

Jan 8, 2025 · Dairy cattle, also known as dairy cows or milking cows, are domesticated cattle raised and managed primarily for milk production in dairy farming operations, dairy farms, or milk processing facilities.

Learn more about the different dairy cattle breeds in the United States, including origins, characteristics, and fun facts. Breeds include Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red & White.

2 days ago · Herd of cows eating hay in a dairy farm. STOCK PHOTO/Adobe Stock There has been a total of 957 confirmed cattle infections in 16 states, with 36 new infections in the last 30 days in California ...