These are stocky, low set cattle with bulls weighing 2,000 pounds and cows weighing 1,200 pounds. Their milk is the Goldilocks of rightness; not too rich and not too light. Lets get to it! If you are used to keeping smaller stock, like sheep, cattle will need more substantial gates and pens to keep them secure. Itll ruin you for store milk, seriously. In fact, if it doesn't have the correct markingsa white belt around the middle and distinct black eye patches on a white faceit doesn't count as a panda cow. You provide the land, water and shelter (which can be minimal) and the cattle work (graze and grow) on their own. We're here to help it grow. However, I do have my reasons. Daily Care Of Your Family Cow will go over the steps you need to take to keep your cow happy and productive. Having land in pasture is great for the soil life, builds organic matter and eliminates erosion (all great stuff!) When shes ready, shell get up. Dairy cattle are kept on farms all over the world because of the cows ability to convert renewable and regenerative feed sources like grasses into milk. So, it's recommended to purchase from reputable breeders. But, since "it depends" is not a helpful answer in the slightest, let's dig into the things that 6 Reasons Why People (Just Like You!) They are a medium to large size cattle breed with above average muscling typically with reddish gold or black coloring. The . They are a great dairy cattle breed for varied climates and conditions and make for and outstanding commercial dairy cattle. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Any Normande here is from an imported embryo or is bred up in an upgrading plan by using Normande semen on a dairy cow and keep using Normande each generation until nearly 100% Normande is reached. Very high. As with all animals from harsher climates the Ayrshire is bred to handle less abundant forages. Our current family cow, Aleene (pictured at the top), is a 14 year old Jersey that milks 2-3 gallons per day on grass (and in the winter hay or haylage) alone, no grain. I truly enjoy sharing our experiences (Im the writer) and helping folks get started raising animals on their own farm or in the backyard. Their milk is among the highest in . She was also A2A2, as are most Guernseys. Do Cows Have Best Friends? - Organic Valley 1. The Red and White Holstein is one of the newest breeds, being recognized in the U.S. in 1964. Cattle are wonderful animals to be around but not a wise choice as a first animal project for a total beginner. Great for us, as dairy farmers, probably too much of a producer for a family cow. Raise Sheep, The Livestock Conservancy-Milking Devon Cattle, Why Do You Cull Sheep? British Blonde. Guernseys came to the U.S. in 1831 and were the most popular dairy breed by far for decades. The Guernsey cow is originally from the Channel Islands, specifically the Isle of Guernsey, that are off the coast of France. Jersey The Jersey is the smallest major dairy cattle breed, weighing in at between 800 to 1,200 pounds when mature. Loads of nutrient dense milk, making your own cheeses, butter and yogurt-thats an exciting prospect to any potential family cow buyer! Normandes are an attractive package-calving ease, good grazers, high fertility, and good feed conversion. They are an affordable cow that you might easily find stock for in your area. I do have to admit a Jersey can be a bit of a twerpy little cow. Dexter cows raised for dairy provide one to two gallons of milk per day (as opposed to eight to 10 gallons from a typical Holstein dairy cow). The Gelbviehis from Bavaria, Germany and is also called the German Yellow. Calm cattle are going to grow better and stay healthier since stress negatively affects animals, just like stress negatively affects the health of people. Butter made from Guernsey milk will naturally be yellow. Do Cows Play? Are They Friendly? Do Cows Have Best Friends? If you are not planning on dehorning your cattle, you need to be aware of the larger size horns your cattle will be growing. Some of the most beautifully marked cows I have ever seen were dark roan Milking Shorthorns. Their partial dairy heritage makes them better milkers so the calves will be able to grow faster. Are you raising cattle for beef or dairy? Jersey cows are popular because of their high butterfat milk. Its quite possible a dairy breed you were looking into did not make my top five list. A miniature cattle breed stands at 48 inches or less at 3 years of age. Homestead potential? What are the friendliest breeds of cattle? - BackYardHerds This is a very popular breed that can be found nearly anywhere farmers are raising cattle. But some breeds are friendlier than others, making them perfect for first-time owners or families with children. Cows can certainly have best friends, and there is substantial documentation that proves that cows tend to favor socializing with certain individuals in a herd. Angus are among the top beef cow breeds, this breed was once thought to be a freak without horns (poll breed) but are now very popular breed. Her name was Breyer (and I still miss her). Maybe. Understanding the many different types of creatures is key to protecting biodiversity. These cows stand a mere three to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder. They are known for their beef. So true! This way instead of us gathering 120 plus pounds of grass per day (that we couldnt eat anyway) we take care of one cow she eats the forage and we gather the milk. Check out their website and click around to see what they believe in and what they have to offer. These gals are very gentle and mild cattle. There are many more dairy breeds worldwide that I did not put on this list. Should You Raise Cattle? 30 Best Cow Breeds for Meat and Milk You'll Want to Know About What do you want them for? A bigger bodied cow will take more feed to maintain than a smaller bodied cow. Sensitive and one of . The basics: Mature bulls weigh about 1,800 lbs and a cow weighs about 1,200 lbs. Brown Swiss come in a solid color ranging anywhere from grey to brown body color with black nose, tongue, hooves and tail hair. What are the friendliest breeds of cattle? - BackYardHerds Most cattle can be like this a little, Swiss just seem to be really good at it. Thinking of getting your own cow? These cattle started off as part of the Shorthhorn breed but were separated off into their own breed in 1894. Advertisement. Do Cows Make Good Pets? (3 Best Breeds) | Informed Farmers Florida Cracker Cattle and 2. This is the main breed we milked and the breed of our current family cow. When were Herefords brought to America? link to Is Raising Sheep Worth It? There are only a handful of these cute cows in the world: in 2013, one breeder estimated there were only 30 to 40. Breed is only part of that criteria, the individual cow matters more than her breed. "Ankole-Watusi Cattle." We (my husband and I) have hands on experience with the majority of the breeds on the list. Lincoln Red is the largest British beef breed with bulls weighing 2,000 pounds and cows averaging 1,500 pounds. . But, when it comes down to it, they're all pretty darn amazing and friendly companions. Seven additional dairy breeds that are available in the U.S. are in this article (but not listed here) with my opinion regarding their suitability as a family milk cow. They do not like heat and will need some shade) but they have longevity, are adaptable, fertile, are readily available and often get a high value at the sale barn. Highland Coos are one of the friendliest cattle breeds, they're hardly ever mooooo-dy. What is the friendliest breed of cow? Raise Sheep. labrador retriever. The Blonde dAquitaine was imported to the U.S. in 1972. We love having cattle around our farm and nothing does a better job of turning your grass and other forages into meat than a bovine. Ayrshire calves are strong and easy to raise. We were concerned she might be pushy with the much smaller Jersey cows. Brown Swiss are sought after by milk producers for their high quality milk with high protein and butter fat. Their milk is prized by cheese makers because of their volume of milk and protein. These cows have a bit of a roman nose and have a very strong, muscular conformation. This cross combines insect and heat resistance with good meat quality. Since raising your own Hey there, Im Kathy! As you can see there are many things to take into consideration before purchasing your herd. Cons: They can have strong personalities and produce a moderate butterfat in their milk. The Canadian Dexter Cattle Association says the breed is "known for its hardiness, docility, thriftiness and calving ease.". The Chillingham is unique within our list because it is the only breed that is entirely wild. What is a white face cow? The BlondedAquitaineis a cattle breed from the Garrone River region of France and is a combination of three lines of cattle all native to the area. The Chillingham cattle live in an isolated, protected herd in England. Homestead potential? 12 dairy cattle breeds in the United States are: Holstein, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, Dutch Belted, Milking Devon, Normande, American Lineback and Dexter. It's not uncommon to see a Belgian blue bull that weighs over 2,800 pounds (1300 kg). Their ability to produce top quality meat without the need for extra inputs and feed makes them a great breed choice for those looking to produce high quality beef with only natural inputs. In the days before Holsteins were popular, Golden Guernsey cow was the thing to have for this very reason. No credit card needed. If you are looking for another perspective on dairy breeds, consider reading the Farm and Dairy article How To Identify Common Breeds Of Dairy Cattle. The more docile beef breeds are Blonde dAquitaine, Beefmaster, British White, Devon, Galloway, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Lincoln Red, Maine Anjou, Murray Grey, Pinzgauer, Red Poll, Simmental, and South Devon. Since your biggest expense with raising cattle is feed, why not start out with cattle that grow more for the feed you provide? Since we are keeping her as a family cow, what would be an almost embarrassingly low amount of milk for a commercial dairy is great for us. The basics: Besides being adorable, Highland cattle can be used for milk on a small scale, they produce about 2 gallons per day per cow. Interestingly, Scottish breeders do not refer to a group of their cows as a herd, but rather a "fold." The classic Jersey look is a fawn brown body with darker coloring of the head, legs and tail. From the ever-popular golden retriever to the lesser-known Australian cattle dog, these breeds are known for their good temperament and loving nature. What Is A2 Milk? [adinserter block="8] Dexter Cows How Many Herefords Are In The US? - FAQS Clear There are a lot of well meaning people out there who get a cow (or worse yet a heifer) then have problems and are willing to sell cheap. All breeds have advantages and disadvantages. It's believed they originated "over 2,000 years ago from a combination of the Egyptian Longhorn cattle and the Zebu Longhorns originally from India.". Some have more dairy character (thinner build) than others but usually milking shorthorns are a sturdier cow that will have nice sized calves that would do great fed out as a steer. A recent study has shown that cows can recognize other individuals, particularly those of their own breed. Our first Milking Shorthorn was from a highly productive dairy line and she was a milking machine! Zebu I wouldn't milk. Resist the temptation. But, since "it depends" is not a helpful answer in the slightest, let's dig into the things that 6 Reasons Why People (Just Like You!) Is Raising Sheep Worth It? Makes a big difference.. What is the purpose of a cow for a pet? If you've got the space for it. Will your flock make money? They are heavy, well-muscled animals and produce a solid red meat with a minimum of waste fat. The more you do your homework and research, check out breed association sites, talk to neighbors about the breeds of cattle they raise, the better informed you'll be and by taking the extra steps to gather all the information you can, the better, more informed decision you'll make. They are typically quick to mature and an efficient feedlot breed with a high feed conversion rate. Very high. They were some of the first cattle brought to North America by Europeans. Selecting the right breed of cattle is critical to your operation. Since we dont need more milk and the hay and haylage look like they are giving her the nutrition she needs, she doesnt get any grain. 01 of 10 Border Collie R A Kearton / Getty Images The border collie is often considered the smartest of all dogs and the overachiever of the canine world. (artificial insemination). The Dexteris the smallest dairy breed weighing in at 700 pounds and standing about 40 inches tall. The Murray Grey started as an attractive cross of Angus and Shorthorn first selected for in 1905 with the breed society forming in 1963. What we're going to cover here is mostly about breed information, but here are some of the other key factors to know (and research) when choosing between cattle breeds. The Holsteinis the most popular commercial dairy cow in the U.S. As far as milk production goes she is untouchable. This breed is the current record holder for milk production. They make excellent butter, are very hardy and docile. These small cows produce 8,000 pounds of milk per year with 4-5% fat and 3.5% protein. Guernsey Cows. This is a win-win situation, folks. This breed has similar characteristics to its black-and-white cousins, with the added bonus of increased heat tolerance. 11881200. Holsteins are also the most popular breed of dairy cattle in the U.S. Is Raising Sheep Worth It? While there is not one perfect breed, there is a close to perfect breed for you. Well worth it -these are great cows! I like a bit of a beefier cow, especially for a small farm or homesteading situation. Are Family Cows Affordable? Galloway cattle started as a dual purpose breed (cattle kept for both meat and milk production). Milking Devons weigh 1100 pounds and produce rich milk with no grain. Milking Shorthorns are hardy, reliable cows. 20 Most Friendly Dog Breeds in the World - Top Dog Tips Words: Nadene Hall Milk from a house cow, goats or sheep gives you a valuable resource you can use to drink, for cheese, and to make soap. Milking Shorthorn and the Shorthorn (a beef breed) started off as the same breed. The top family milk cow breeds for the U.S. are Jersey, Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorn, Ayrshire and Guernsey. ", 9 Bunny Breeds That Are Too Cute for Words, 20 Animals With Completely Ridiculous Names, Are Grizzly Bears Endangered? Wow, they are lovely cows! That is not a good choice of a trait to focus on when other factors are much more important to the health of the animal and the health of the breed. They both give excellent information on they body type of cattle you should be selecting with plenty of pictures showing small framed, great looking cattle that are making their owners money on grass. Mature bulls weigh 2,000-2,500 lbs and a mature cow weighs 1,250-1,600 lbs. Dexters also produce delicious beef with high marbling and tender meat. You can have a versatile farm dog when bringing home a Rat Terrier mixed breed. The Milking Shorthorn is a good grazer, fertile, and hardy. JavaScript is disabled. If you have zero or very little livestock experience please start with smaller animals and work up to cattle. This compact and athletic dog is driven to work. James O. Sanders, "History and Development of Zebu Cattle in the United States." Fresh milk from your own cow is wonderful! We had a Swiss named Twinkie in with our Jerseys. Holstein Friesian or just Friesian are a type of cow originally bred in Europe and is a very popular breed for dairies. Normande cows weigh 1300 pounds and produce 14,000 pound of 4.4% fat and 3.65 protein milk per year. Especially a family with small children. If youve heard that some people can digest goats milk but not cows milk, what this really means is they can digest A2A2 milk, but not A1 milk (produced by the majority of Holsteins and less frequently in other dairy breeds). She may be a looker, but that's definitely too feisty for me! Before you buy, ask if the breeder has been using anything other than 100% Milking Shorthorn genetics. Now, lets talk breeds. french bulldog. I just sold ALL of my cows to pay twice as much for more later just to get more gentle cows. These horns can grow as much as seven feet from tip to tip. What are the friendliest breeds of cattle? | Page 2 | BackYardHerds To be clear, we have never had a mini Jersey. Cons: They can be aggressive or unpredictable so seek a reputable breeder. Some of the cows can have more of a beef structure and we did have a few with just the opposite build, very lanky and hard to keep weight on. The Devon is also relatively difficult to find because it is a rare breed. Cons: They have varied temperaments. "About Mini Belties," Killure Mini Belted Stud. Cattle are big compared to people, even the small breeds handily outweigh you. 15 Friendliest Dog Breeds That Love People. Although friendly, they still have massive horns on their heads, so even if you really want a coo-ddle, we wouldn't recommend it. Consider looking into Pharo Cattle Company genetics. 50, no. What is a female cow called that has calved? Simmentals can come in any color there is no color specification at all. These tiny cows stand only about three to four feet tall at the shoulder, making them great for small farms in all climates. The study was done by pairing up cows for 30 minute intervals. Dreamtime Disinvestment How Many Herefords Are In The US? Fluid milk production is measured in pounds with eight pounds to the gallon. Collie is a broad term used for quite a few deviations in the breed. These are all times when disposition of the cattle matters. We, as eaters with a simple stomach, need some help here because our digestive system cannot use the tough plant fibers in grasses and hay. will give you a list of 7 things you should have figured out before you decide to get cattle for your farm. You cannot bring a Chillingham to your homestead. Whatarethemostcommonbeefcattlebreeds? Their coat is also quite thick, which is a result of where the breed was developed: the highlands of Scotland. Appropriately named, the longhorn is known for its sizable headwear. In this post we'll help take some of the guess-work out of choosing the right cattle breed for your operation. Pros: Charolais are good milkers. Bulls weigh 2,500 pounds and cows weigh 1,600 pounds. This is one of the larger breeds of cow. And as always, Happy Farming! range. No personal experience with Milking Devon, however, (going off of the information I have been able to find) I would be happy to have one as a family cow. This is plenty of milk for us. Pineywoods Cattle Listed as Critical on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's Conservation Priority List If you live in a climate where most cattle breeds wilt in summer's heat and humidity, turn to the Florida Cracker and Pineywoods cattle breeds. Actually, it was the other way around! Thanks for stopping by! Most Jerseys will be at 1000 pounds or less of body weight making them the smallest of the recognized (major) dairy breeds. Mature cows of the Dexter breed tend to have very motherly instincts, so they tend to milk well. They are the weed eaters, have an easy time calving, can calve until age 15 or 20, produce lean/low fat meat and have rich butter. Small, hairy and horned. Gelbvieh is known for fast growth, feeding efficiency and having an even temperament. The basics: They are typically white with a pink muzzle. Can beef cows be black and white? - TimesMojo Herefords came to the U.S. in 1847. We have come across multiple well meaning beginners who have chosen a breed of cow that was not very beginner friendly. Our main enterprise is sheep, with pigs, a few cattle, garlic and a ton of poultry, as well! Getting Your Family Cow Bred Back goes over when and how to get your cow rebred so shell keep on a good production cycle and youll keep getting milk! They're primarily raised for their delicious marbled meat, though many farmers appreciate their unusual appearance in the pasture, earning them the nickname of "Oreo cows. The mini belted Galloway is not nearly as shaggy as the highland cow, but because they naturally don't have horns, they look all the more cuddly. beagle. Journal of Animal Science, vol. Despite their slower maturation, they have a reproductive period that's twice as long as other breeds. (Will your flock make money? Cows were first domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago. Imagine walking into a field of these beasts! Do you have alot of land that needs to be grazed? Finally a calmer cow is safer for you to be around. Maine Anjou bulls weigh 2,500 pounds and cows weigh 1,700 pounds. British White have an all white body with black points (like a Siamese cat) meaning the eyes, ears, nose, hooves and hair on the end of the tail are all black. Herefords are red cattle with a white face, underside and tail switch (the switch is the long hair at the end of the tail). This breed has been raised in North America mostly for novelty although it has a lot to offer. 16 Red Dog Breeds That Turn Heads. link to Is Raising Sheep Worth It? Since raising your own Hey there, Im Kathy! If you are a total beginner, no-choose a calmer breed for your first family cow. The reason Im giving you these two sites to start your search with is that most of the information youll find on raising cattle focuses on bigger cattle, bigger cattle. These animals can grow to be enormous. Heres an example: at our state fair dairy show it is not unheard of to see some of the cattle in the Swiss show (not the other breeds, mind you) lay down in the show ring and just refuse to move! Ayrshire. "About the Breed," Canadian Dexter Cattle Association. To get the cow that suits you and your family the best, you need to be focusing your attention on easy care, economical cattle that you are likely to be able to find in your area. Another adorable and unusual cattle breed is the mini belted Galloway, or mini beltie. 10 of the Smartest Dog Breeds - The Spruce Pets Cons: Gelbvieh take a bit longer to mature. Crossbred cattle will not be registered breeding stock, if that is a concern of yours, but are likely to be a bit more beginner friendly, as in bounce back from your mistakes, than a purebred individual. Herefords are so popular because they are fast growers, docile, and produce good quality beef. If you're looking to get a cow just for the purpose of a pet, maybe get a bird. I call it tanking it over (tank, as in military type tank). The BritishWhitecattle are originally from East Anglia, England. The six founding traits of the Beefmaster are 1. disposition, 2. fertility, 3. weight, 4. conformation, 5. hardiness, and 6. milk production (to ensure fast growing calves). Also Read: Top Miniature Cattle for Hobby Farmers 1. 10 Best Dog Breeds for Farms. Is Hereford a bull or a cow? The Highland Coo: 14 Facts Beyond the Horns - Visit Inverness Loch Ness Since raising your own Hey there, Im Kathy! The underside is also white. Mature Highland bulls can weigh around 1,800 lbs and cows about 1,100 lbs. Daily Care For Your Family Cow goes over the few things your cow needs to be happy and productive. Raise Sheep, Why Do You Cull Sheep? Feb 19, 2021 #2 F farmerjan Herd Master Joined Aug 16, 2016 Messages 8,808 Reaction score 32,227 Pros: They are a versatile breed and have a calm disposition. Dexters are originally from Ireland. A mature bull can weigh about 1,800 lbs and a mature cow weights about 1,200 lbs.