SALES OF COW
What We Do
Ayrshire
Origin: This breed was brought to America around 1800 from the county of Ayr in Scotland.
Characteristics: Known as the “aristocrat” of dairy breeds because of their size and vigor. They are rusty-red and white in color and adapt easily to their environment
Fun Fact
Because of their adaptability, Ayrshires are found in most parts of the world, including Southern Africa.
Brown Swiss
Origin: The Netherlands. A Dutch settler brought the first Holstein to America in 1631.
Characteristics: This breed is the most common of the dairy breeds. Holsteins have the black-and-white markings typically associated with dairy cows. Holsteins also have better milk production than other dairy breeds.
Fun Fact
Did you know Holstein cows’ spots are like snowflakes or fingerprints? No two are exactly alike!
Jersey
Origin: The Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.
Characteristics: The Jersey is the smallest of the dairy breeds and her color ranges from light to dark brown. The most heat-tolerant of dairy breeds, she produces milk with a very high butterfat content (perfect for ice cream).
Fun Fact
Borden Dairy introduced the famous Elsie the Cow, a Jersey, in 1936.
Milking Shorthorn
Origin: Northeastern England in the valley of the Tees River, first coming to the U.S. early in the 1780’s.
Characteristics: Milking Shorthorns are considered a dual-purpose breed that can be used for milk or beef production. Large in size, they are often white and roan in color and their milk is known for its high protein-to-fat ratio.
Fun Fact
This breed is part of the foundation for other red types of milk cows. This includes Swedish Red cattle and Illawarra cattle in Australia!
Guernsey
Origin: First raised by monks on the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel.
Characteristics: Guernsey cows can range from fawn to golden in color and often has white legs and white areas on her body.
Fun Fact
Known for their rich, golden color of milk, she was given the title “Golden Guernsey.” Their milk color is due to high levels of beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) in the milk.
Holstein
Origin: The Netherlands.
Characteristics: Knowing that Red and White dairy cattle generally carry strong Holstein genetics, their origin and history are that of their black and white relatives, except their spots are red
Fun Fact
Did you know Holstein cows’ spots are like snowflakes or fingerprints? No two are exactly alike!
Red & White
Origin: The Netherlands.
Characteristics: Knowing that Red and White dairy cattle generally carry strong Holstein genetics, their origin and history are that of their black and white relatives, except their spots are red
Fun Fact
This is the most recent breed of cows to be recognized, coming into the breed family in 1964. Most Red and White cows are Holstein cattle, but they may also have genetics from other cattle that have reddish coats, such as Milking Shorthorns or Ayrshire.