Selected breeds of dairy cattle

name distribution characteristics comments

Ayrshire originally Scotland, now throughout temperate lands deep, fleshy body; red or brown with white hardy

Brown Swiss originally Switzerland, now North and South America, Europe wedge-shaped body; light to dark brown hardy

Guernsey originally island of Guernsey, now U.K., North America, Australia fawn-coloured, white markings; short horns excellent milk producer

Holstein-Friesian originally Netherlands, now North and South America, Australia, South Africa black and white; horned or hornless large production of milk

Jersey originally island of Jersey, now in every cattle-raising country small, short-horned; vary in colour, often fawn docile, uses feed efficiently

Milking Shorthorn (Shorthorn) originally England, now also U.S., Australia red, red and white, white, or roan highly versatile

Red Poll originally England, now also North America red with some white; hornless dual-purpose breed