Facts About Cow Breeds

There are over 900 breeds of cattle worldwide, and the list is ever-growing. As scientists and cattlemen are constantly working to develop the perfect breed of both dairy and beef cattle through crossbreeding, there are new breeds being registered regularly. There are some tried-and-true breeds in both groups that continue to be at the top of the major cattle breed lists.

  1. Major Dairy Breed Facts

    • One of the most recognizable breeds is the black-and-white Holstein-Friesian, first bred in Northern Germany and the North Holland/Friesland regions of the Netherlands. This breed is popular due to its ability to produce large volumes of milk--as much as 3,260 gallons per cycle. The Jersey is a breed that dates back several hundred years and was developed on Britain's Isle of Jersey. This sweet-faced brown cow is a smaller breed, but can produce an average of 1,860 gallons of milk per cycle.

    More Dairy Favorites

    • The Ayrshire originally came from Scotland's County Ayr. It is a hardy breed that can withstand harsh winters and rough terrain. The Ayrshire can produce 2,000 gallons of milk per cycle, on average. The hardy Brown Swiss breed probably originated in the Swiss Alps and is tolerant of harsh climates. This breed has grown steadily in number due to the fact that it can produce an average volume of 2,450 gallons of milk per cycle. For more popular dairy cattle breeds, see raw-milk-facts.com.

    Major Beef Breed Facts

    • The Aberdeen Angus, a British breed, is the dominant breed in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. It can be black or red, with black being the dominant color. Angus meat has natural marbling, which makes it one of the most popular for taste and tenderness. The Hereford breed originated in Herefordshire, England, and is known for its ability to withstand the harshest of climates and terrains. It is a long-lived breed and commands top prices for beef.

    Additional Beef Favorites

    • The Galloway breed originated in the low areas of Scotland. It grazes on weeds and brush and usually eats less hay than other breeds. It will often be found in areas where food resources are limited and where weather changes quickly, due to its adaptability. Its beef is considered tender and flavorful. The Brahman is identified by its distinctive hump, floppy ears and large dewlap. Known to be quite intelligent, it can be docile and friendly. It lives well in hot areas because it can sweat through its smooth coat. It is the sacred cow of India. For more facts on beef cattle, see beefcattlebreeders.com.

    Fun Fact

    • Cattle are in the class known as ruminants, which have hooves with even-numbered toes and four-chambered stomachs. Their stomachs are designed to break down plant matter that is hard to digest. These animals can regurgitate their food (cud) and rechew, or ruminate it. This process is necessary because the animal does not chew the grass properly when it is first eaten.