Top Cow Breeds in North America

By: Mary Ann Porsuelo
Submitted: 2008-09-29 23:46:54
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We have our preferences, especially when it comes to raising cows and cattle and making it big in the market. It would depend on the country and its market to choose which cow breeds to favor above the others. Here are the top cow breeds in North America today:

Ayshires: This breed is generally red and white in color, with the red color varying from very light to very dark shades. There are cows and bulls that may be nearly covered all in red or nearly all in white. Brindle and roan colors are rare in Ayshires today, although it was once common.

The Ayshires possess great ability to rustle and forage for themselves when under adverse conditions. They can adapt to rugged terrains and harsh conditions better than most cow breeds, and this makes them an outstanding commercial cow breed. They are strong and easy to raise.

Brown Swiss: Also called Braunvieh, this cow breed is brown in color, with a creamy white muzzle and dark nose. This is another strong breed, well-balanced, with a good physique, and can also adapt to harsh conditions.

The Brown Swiss are used both for dairy and beef purposes, as they provide good milk and meat output. The Brown Swiss are also known among milk producers for their good milk, protein, and butterfat production. Their milk also makes great cheese because of their very favorable fat-to-protein ratio.

Guernsey: The Guernsey can vary from yellow to red or brown, with white patches. This is one calm breed, neither irritable nor nervous. Their appearance is that of an animal born with great physical form.

It is the Guernsey's behavior and individuality that attracts many breeders and producers towards it. Dairy and meat production is no problem with their well-balanced body. Their calm attitude and fine temperament makes them great for utility.

Holstein: The Holsteins are the most recognizable cow breed, with the trademark color of black and white. There are also Holsteins that are red and white. The Holstein is a desirable cow breed for producers, as the breed produces both milk and meat. Their milk production rate is observed to be constantly improving, too.

Jersey: The Jersey's color is light brown, though there are those with colors that range from grey to a dull black. White patches are also present, with some Jerseys almost covered by them. Perhaps the main distinctive feature of the Jersey is its black nose border by an almost white muzzle. Another defining trait is its hard black feet, which contributes to strong legs that makes the breed a sturdy and strong one.

Dairy Shorthorn: The Dairy Shorthorns can be red, red and white, white, or roan. The roan-colored Shorthorn has a specific shade of roan that cannot be seen in the other cow breeds. Despite their name, the Dairy Shorthorn can be horned or polled. The Shorthorns' milk is best for making cheese because of its most favorable fat-to-protein ratio.

The Dairy Shorthorns are gentle and quiet in nature, and they can fit well with the other breeds. The Shorthorns also have the ability to recover quickly and have few physical problems. They especially have strong feet and legs. The female Shorthorns make excellent mothers, and have been used as “foundation” females in the introduction of European breeds to Australia.

It is debatable which cow breed is the best. Perhaps, it will never be known which is the best among them because of each has individuality and benefits for the producer and consumer markets. Nevertheless, these remain to be the top cow breeds in North America.

Article source: Expert Articles