The Difference Between Dairy & Beef Cattle

The United States is home to 11 million cows, which vary by breed, heritage and purpose. Cows provide us not only with milk and beef, but also with the key ingredients for things like butter, ice cream, soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings and chewing gum. The differences between dairy and beef cattle are many, and include breed, appearance, purpose and care.

  1. Beef Cattle Breeds

    • The more marbeling beef has, the more flavorful it is.

      The basic difference between dairy and beef cattle is the fact that they are made up of different breeds. Common beef cattle breeds include Aberdeen-Angus and Galloway, of Scottish heritage, and shorthorn, Hereford and Sussex, which are all English varieties. Angus cattle are known for their black skin and hair and beef which contains a good amount of marbling. The Hereford breed is characterized by it's brownish-red color, while having a white face, chest and underline. The docile breed is known for its longevity and early maturity.

    Dairy Cow Breeds

    • It takes a person one hour to milk six cows by hand.

      Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Holstein-Frisian and brown Swiss are among the most common dairy cow breeds. Originally bred in the British isle of Jersey, these cows are small but produce large quantities of milk (about 1,860 gallons per cycle). Holstein-Frisian cows were developed in northern Germany and the Netherlands and possess the familiar black-and-white coat. They are bred to be able to produce large quantities of milk from feeding only on grass.

    Appearance

    • Even if you don't know their breed, you can distinguish milk and dairy cattle by their appearance. Beef cattle have an overall square shape and are filled out in the back and loins. The legs are full and thick, the neck full and short, their skin soft and pliable. Beef cattle grow to around 1,000 to 1,100 lbs. In contrast, dairy cows appear more wedge-shaped, with prominent hipbones and tail. Unlike on beef cattle, the haunches and legs of dairy cows are not full and fleshy. The udder is the most important aspect of a dairy cow and should be plump and extend forward. Dairy cattle average 1,400 lbs. in weight.

    Purpose

    • Before refrigeration, milk was delivered daily in glass bottles.

      The main use of beef cattle is the muscle, or meat. Beef cattle are slaughtered and used for hamburgers, steaks and ribs. Additionally, the hide is used for making leather; the bones and horns are turned into gelatin; and medicines such as estrogen and insulin are made from the glands. Dairy cows are known for producing milk, which is turned into butter, cream and ice cream. An average cow produces roughly 6 gallons of milk per day.