Cattle breeds have been improved over the decades to obtain a higher milk production.

Cattle animals specialized in dairy farming

Dairy cow’s milk is one of the most widely consumed foods on the planet today. Productive systems have been adapted to meet the high demand of milk and dairy products. For years, genetic selection focused on improving the production of dairy cows have been applied. Today, many breeds can be milk producers, dual-purpose, or meat production.

Dairy cows produce large volumes of milk, while dual-purpose cows have a good capacity to produce meat and milk.

It should be noted that milk production is linked to the environment where the cows stay. Some of the most important variables are temperature, soil type, forage of the region, soil inclination, rainfall, and luminosity, among others.

The four main dairy-producing cattle breeds in the world, of the species Bos taurus, will be reviewed below.

Holstein

Origin: The Holstein breed is originated in Holland (Netherlands). It comes from the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. These two Dutch regions are characterized by humid and abundant vegetation. In European countries, there is a lineage called Frisian and in America the Holstein Friesian.

Exterior: Holstein cows have two main types of fur, which are characterized by being a mixture of white and black spots (genetic dominance). The other fur, less common, consists of white and red spots.

Phenotype

• Weigh: For Holstein Friesian, adult bulls have an average weight of 1050 Kg, and adult cows weigh is 680 Kg.
• Height: Regarding the heigh, the adult bulls have an elevation of 1.52m and the females of 1.45m.
• Characteristics: Holstein cows are characterized by being the heaviest breed of dairy cows. They have a large udder according to their large production. Holstein’s body is wide at the back, angled, and low musculature, due to their dairy approach.

Production capacity

The Holstein breed is the best in the world in milk production. For decades a high-quality genetic selection has been made to obtain specimens with high milk yields. It is best adapted to cold or temperate climates, while in warm regions it is significantly affected.

The amount of milk produced depends on multiple factors such as the environment and nutrition. Therefore, in systems with concentrated diets, an average of 10,000-12,000 liters of milk per lactation (305 days) has been reported. On the other hand, in forage-based diets, the production can be between 4000-5000 Liters of milk per lactation. For tropical countries as well as in Latin America, this may also vary. However, it is the preferred breed of dairy-producing cattle due to high production.

One of the production records in the world was the Holstein cow named Arlinda Ellen. This cow produced 87 liters in just one day, in 1975.

Jersey

Origin: The Jersey cows originated in an island with the same name, located in the English Channel between England and France. Their large productive capacity allowed them to adapt well in the most productive countries such as the US, Canada, or New Zealand.

Exterior: Jersey cows are small compared to other dairy cow breeds. Jersey has a small head with large eyes, a front slit, and a dark snout. Regarding its conformation, it is mentioned that it has refined angles and that give it excellent proportions.

Phenotype

• Weigh: Jersey cows weigh on average 300-400Kg in their adulthood; bulls weigh between 400-500Kg.
• Height: The height of the withers of Jersey is 1.25 meters.
• Characteristics: Like the Holstein, Jersey has a good conformation to support the udders. Its limbs are thin according to its lightweight. It has short hair. Jersey is quite docile to handling and adapts well to areas inclined thanks to its long legs and lightweight.

Production capacity

Jersey cow is known for producing milk with high fat, protein, and total solids. These benefits translate into better quality milk and a better selling price. These productive advantages are better valued because of their excellent conversion with a diet based on fodder or pasture. Besides, the Jersey cow adapts very well to various types of soil or climate, being very resistant to moderate heat.

Jersey cow can reach a production of up to 10.000 liters per lactation. In tropical and extensive system conditions, it ranges from 5000 to 6000 liters.

Jersey’s milk is rich in fat, especially in fatty blood cells which makes it an excellent source for dairy products such as cheeses. This advantage in some countries is translated a higher selling price.

Normande

Origin: The Normande breed takes its name from the region called Normandy, in France. The breed was obtained in the 19th century after the crossing of several breeds already disappeared. It has adapted well to the tropical countries of America. Normande is a dual-purpose breed with a focus on milk production.

Exterior: Its fur is white with colored dots ranging from dark brown, to reddish or yellowish. It has spots around the eyes that give it the appearance of glasses and a dark snout. Its head is large.

Phenotype

• Weigh: Females are large, can weigh between 700-800Kg. Males can weigh between 900 and 1100Kg. The weight is because of their dual-purpose status.
• Height: Normande cows can measure up to 140cm. Bulls can have a height up to 155cm.
• Characteristics: the Normande breed is characterized by its wide chest and abdomen, giving it a rectangular and solid appearance. It has proper leg conformation and an important musculature, ideal for meat production. Its back is wide and solid, providing good adaptation to the production of milk in large quantities. It has an admirable rusticity and docile behavior.

Production capacity

Normande cows can produce between 6000-7000 liters of milk per lactation. Considering their dual-purpose phenotype, that means they are good milk producers. On the other hand, their milk is rich in components such as fat and protein. These offer the advantage of butter and cheese production, being the preferred breed for these foods.

Brown Swiss

Origin: Brown Swiss breed was originated in 2000 years B.C. where is now Switzerland, in its central region. It is considered the oldest dairy breed in the world. Besides, it is the second-largest lactation producing breed behind the Holstein breed. The breed was improved at the beginning of the 20th century in the United States towards the highest milk production.

Exterior: Brown Swiss cows are characterized, as their name suggests, by having a dark brown color fur. Its hair is short and thin. It has excellent leg conformation thanks to its adaptability to the Swiss Alps, making it rustic on steep terrain.

Phenotype

• Weigh: Brown Swiss cows weigh between 600-700Kg, being considered medium. Males can weigh between 900 and 1000kg.
• Characteristics: It has excellent adaptability to the environment, standing between 0 and 3600 meters above sea level. Its physical conformation gives it good strength and support according to its high production.

Productive capacity

Brown Swiss cows are close to the production of the Holstein breed, they are the second-largest milk-producing breed in the world. Brown Swiss cows can produce between 10,000 and 12,000 liters of milk per lactation. Also, they are the cattle breed that produces milk with the highest number of proteins and total solids. It has an excellent food conversion even when their diet is based on fodder.

Conclusions

Some cattle breeds have specialized in milk production efficiently. Cattle breeds of European origin have spread across the continents thanks to their multiple characteristics and benefits. Depending on the type of environment and production system used in the farm, a specific dairy cattle would be selected.

References:

InformaciĂłn obtenida de diversas fuentes, principalmente de las asociaciones productoras de cada raza de Colombia:

• https://www.asopardocolombia.co/
• http://www.asojersey.com/
• https://www.holstein.com.co/
• https://www.asonormando.com/

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