Types of Cows: 20 Different Cow Breeds You Should Know - Livestock Gurukul, GOLN

We are going to discuss the Types of Cows today. There are many types and breeds of cows, which are raised for various purposes such as milk production, beef, and even pets.

Types of Cows: 20 Different Cow Breeds You Should Know

Types of Cows

Cattle were originally identified as three separate species: Bos taurus, the European or “taurine” cattle (including similar types from Africa and Asia); Bos indicus, the Indicine or “zebu”; and the extinct Bos primigenius, the aurochs. The aurochs is ancestral to both zebu and taurine cattle. They were later reclassified as one species, Bos taurus, with the aurochs, zebu, and taurine cattle as subspecies. However, this taxonomy is contentious and some sources prefer the separate species classification, such as the American Society of Mammalogists’ Mammal Diversity Database.

Complicating the matter is the ability of cattle to interbreed with other closely related species. Hybrid individuals and even breeds exist, not only between taurine cattle and zebu (such as the sanga cattle, but also between one or both of these and some other members of the genus Bos – yaks, banteng, and gaur.

Hybrids such as the beefalo breed can even occur between taurine cattle and either species of bison, leading some authors to consider them part of the genus Bos, as well. The hybrid origin of some types may not be obvious – for example, genetic testing of the Dwarf Lulu breed, the only taurine-type cattle in Nepal, found them to be a mix of taurine cattle, zebu, and yak. However, cattle cannot be successfully hybridized with more distantly related bovines such as water buffalo or African buffalo.

The aurochs originally ranged throughout Europe, North Africa, and much of Asia. In historical times, its range became restricted to Europe, and the last known individual died in Mazovia, Poland, in about 1627. Breeders have attempted to recreate cattle of similar appearance to aurochs by crossing traditional types of domesticated cattle, creating the Heck cattle breed.

The only pure African taurine breeds (Bos taurus africanus) remaining are the N’Dama, Kuri and some varieties of the West African Shorthorn.

Here are some of the common types and breeds of cows:

Holstein:

Holstein cows are a breed of dairy cows that are known for their high milk production and distinctive black-and-white coat pattern. They are one of the most popular dairy breeds in the world and are widely used in dairy farming and milk production. Here are some details on Holstein breed cows:

The appearance of Holstein:

Holstein cows are large and muscular with a distinctive black and white coat pattern. They are primarily black and white, with black spots on a white background. They have a wedge-shaped body with a broad and deep chest, and a slightly sloping back. They have long and thin legs with black hooves. Holstein cows can weigh between 1,500 to 1,800 pounds and can stand up to 58 inches tall at the shoulder.

Temperament of Holstein:

Holstein cows are generally docile and calm in temperament. They are easy to handle and are used to human interaction. They are social animals and are often kept in groups. They have a good tolerance to heat and cold weather and are adaptable to different climates.

Milk Production of Holstein:

Holstein cows are known for their high milk production and are considered one of the most productive dairy breeds in the world. They can produce up to 22,000 pounds of milk per year, which is about 2,600 gallons. Holstein cows have a high milk-fat content, which makes them ideal for milk production.

Breeding of Holstein:

Holstein cows are bred through artificial insemination to ensure the best genetic traits are passed on to the next generation. Bulls are selected based on their genetic traits, such as milk production, body conformation, and health. Cows are inseminated at a specific time during their estrus cycle to ensure a successful pregnancy.

Feeding of Holstein:

Holstein cows require a balanced diet that is high in protein and energy to maintain their high milk production. They are often fed a mixture of grains, hay, and silage. Dairy farmers also provide supplements such as minerals and vitamins to ensure their cows receive proper nutrition.

Holstein cows are a popular breed of dairy cows known for their high milk production and distinctive black and white coat pattern. They are easy to handle, adaptable to different climates, and require a balanced diet to maintain their productivity. Holstein cows play a significant role in the dairy industry, and their milk is used to make a wide range of dairy products such as cheese, butter, and ice cream.

Jersey:

Jersey breed cows are a popular breed of dairy cows that are known for their small size, gentle temperament, and high milk production. They originated on the island of Jersey, which is located off the coast of France, and were first brought to the United States in the 1850s.

Physical Characteristics:

Jersey cows are typically small to medium-sized, with a height of around 4.5 to 5 feet at the shoulders and a weight of 800-1,200 pounds. They have a distinct light brown coat color that ranges from a pale tan to a darker fawn, with white markings on the face and feet. They are also known for their large, dark eyes, and small, alert ears.

Milk Production:

Jersey cows are known for their high-quality milk production. They are one of the most efficient milk producers, with a milk yield of around 5-6 gallons per day. Their milk is rich in butterfat and protein, making it ideal for making cheese, butter, and other dairy products. In fact, Jersey cows are often preferred by artisan cheesemakers because of the high butterfat content in their milk.

Temperament:

Jersey cows are known for their docile and friendly temperament. They are gentle and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for small dairy farms and homesteads. They are also adaptable to a variety of climates and environments, which makes them a good choice for farmers in different regions.

Breeding and Lifespan:

Jersey cows reach maturity at around 2-3 years of age and have a gestation period of around 280 days. They typically have one calf per year, although some may have twins. Jersey cows have a lifespan of around 10-15 years, although some may live longer with proper care.

Jersey breed cows are a popular choice for dairy farmers and homesteaders because of their small size, gentle temperament, and high milk production. They are adaptable to a variety of climates and environments and are well-suited for small dairy operations. If you’re considering raising dairy cows, the Jersey breed may be a good choice to consider.

Guernsey:

Guernsey cows are a breed of dairy cattle that originated in the Channel Islands, specifically in Guernsey, one of the islands between England and France. These cows are known for their unique golden color, docile temperament, and high-quality milk. Here are some details on Guernsey breed cows:

Appearance:

Guernsey cows are medium-sized with distinctive golden coat. They have a white face with a broad muzzle, and their eyes and ears are usually outlined in black. Their horns are short and curve slightly inward. They have a sturdy and muscular build, with a straight back and deep chest.

Milk Production:

Guernsey cows are known for their high-quality milk, which is rich in butterfat, protein, and beta-carotene. Their milk has a creamy texture and golden-yellow colour due to the presence of beta-carotene. Guernsey cows produce an average of 6,000-7,000 litres of milk per lactation, which is slightly lower than some other breeds. However, their milk is known to have a superior flavour, making it ideal for cheese and butter production.

Temperament:

Guernsey cows are known for their docile and gentle temperament. They are calm and easy to handle, making them popular among farmers and dairy enthusiasts. They are also known for their intelligence and have been observed to have excellent memory and problem-solving skills.

Adaptability:

Guernsey cows are adaptable to different environments and can thrive in various climates. They are hardy and have good resistance to diseases and parasites. However, they are best suited to moderate climates and may struggle in extreme cold or heat.

Uses:

Guernsey cows are primarily used for dairy production, as they are known for their high-quality milk. They are also used for breeding and show purposes, as their distinctive golden colour and gentle temperament make them popular among farmers and enthusiasts.

Guernsey cows are a unique and valuable breed of dairy cattle, known for their distinctive golden coat, high-quality milk, and gentle temperament. They are adaptable, hardy, and versatile, making them ideal for dairy production and other purposes.

Brown Swiss:

The Brown Swiss or American Brown Swiss is an American breed of dairy cattle. It derives from the traditional triple-purpose Braunvieh (“Swiss Brown”) of the Alpine region of Europe but has diverged substantially from it. It was selectively bred for dairy qualities only, and its draft and beef capabilities were lost. Milk yield was measured in 2013 at 10231 kg (22600 lb) per year; the milk has about 4% butterfat and 3.5% protein and is suitable for making cheese.

In the twentieth century, the Brown Swiss became a world breed, with a global population estimated in 1990 at seven million head. It has been much used for cross-breeding and has influenced a number of modern breeds.

In English “Swiss Brown” refers to the original Braunvieh breed, as opposed to “Brown Swiss” for the American breed.

History:

The Braunvieh is a traditional breed of triple-purpose cattle from the Alpine region, particularly Switzerland; it was reared as a draft beast, for its milk and for its meat. The Braunvieh was first imported to the United States in 1869, when seven cows and a bull were shipped to one Henry M. Clark in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Between then and 1906, when cattle imports to the United States were banned because of fear of disease, many more were imported, sometimes by immigrants arriving from Europe. The American Brown Swiss descends from a total of 167 imported parent animals.

142 A breed society, the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association, was formed in 1880; the first herd-book dates from 1889. By the end of the century, breeding was directed towards dairy qualities; a production register for cows was opened in 1911. From about 1940 the breed became more diffused across the United States.

In the mid-twentieth century, intensive selective breeding for dairy characteristics and excessive inbreeding led to a loss of genetic diversity, and also to an increase in transmissible genetic defects such as the recessive factors for bovine progressive degenerative myeloencephalopathy (“weaver disease”) and spinal muscular atrophy, both of which have a high percentage of carriers in the Brown Swiss (2.6% and 9.2% respectively).

The Brown Swiss was exported – either on the hoof or in the form of embryos or semen – to many countries of the world. It has been much used for cross-breeding, notably with many of the original Alpine breeds of brown cattle in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In 1990 the global population was estimated to be approximately seven million head.

Characteristics:

The American Brown Swiss is of medium size. The coat is usually a light grayish brown, but varies from almost white to gray or dark brown. There may be some shading in the coat, with the forequarters often darker than the legs and hind parts. The muzzle is black, ringed with creamy white.

Use:

The milk of the Brown Swiss is unique, having longer-chain fatty acids than other popular dairy breeds and smaller fat globules in the cream; this difference means that cream rises much more slowly in milk from Brown Swiss cows. This difference, and the ratio of protein to fat in the milk, is ideal for cheesemaking.

Angus:

The Aberdeen Angus, sometimes simply Angus, is a Scottish breed of small beef cattle. It derives from cattle native to the counties of Aberdeen, Banff, Kincardine and Angus in north-eastern Scotland. In 2018 the breed accounted for over 17% of the UK beef industry.

The Angus is naturally polled and solid black or red, although the udder may be white. The cattle have been exported to many countries of the world; there are large populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South America and the United States, where it has developed into two separate and distinct breeds, the American Angus and Red Angus. In some countries, it has been bred to be taller than the native Scottish stock.

Its conservation status worldwide is “not at risk”; in the United Kingdom the original Native Aberdeen Angus – cattle not influenced by cross-breeding with imported stock – is listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as “at risk”.

History:

Aberdeen Angus cattle have been recorded in northeastern Scotland since at least the sixteenth century. For some time before the 1800s, the hornless cattle in Angus were called “Angus Doddies”, while those in the historic province of Buchan (later part of Aberdeenshire) were known as “Buchan Humlies”, both “doddie” and “humlie” meaning polled.

In 1824, William McCombie of Tillyfour, later the Member of Parliament for West Aberdeenshire, began to improve the stock and is regarded today as the father of the breed.

The breed was officially recognised in 1835, and was initially registered together with the Galloway in the Polled Herd Book. A society was formed in 1879. The cattle became commonplace throughout the British Isles in the middle of the twentieth century.

Characteristics:

Because of their native environment, the cattle are very hardy and can survive the Scottish winters, which are typically harsh, with snowfall and storms. Cows typically weigh 550 kilograms and bulls weigh 850 kilograms. Calves are usually born smaller than is acceptable for the market, so crossbreeding with dairy cattle is needed for veal production.The cattle are naturally polled and black in colour. They typically mature earlier than other native British breeds such as the Hereford or North Devon. However, in the middle of the 20th century a new strain of cattle called the Red Angus emerged.

The United States does not accept Red Angus cattle into herd books, while the UK and Canada do. Except for their colour genes, there is no genetic difference between black and red Angus, but they are regarded as different breeds in the US. However, there have been claims that black angus are more sustainable to cold weather, though unconfirmed.

The cattle have a large muscle content and are regarded as medium-sized. The meat is very popular in Japan for its marbling qualities.

Uses:

The main use of Angus cattle is for beef production and consumption. The beef can be marketed as superior due to its marbled appearance. This has led to many markets, including Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom to adopt it into the mainstream. Angus cattle can also be used in crossbreeding to reduce the likelihood of dystocia (difficult calving), and because of their dominant polled gene, they can be used to crossbreed to create polled calves.