unique characteristics of exotic dairy breeds
- Holstein Friesian:
- Origin: Netherlands (specifically Northern Holland and Friesland).
- Physical Characteristics:
- Distinct black and white coat.
- Mature weight: 908-1100 kg for bulls, 600-700 kg for cows.
- Milk Performance:
- Highest milk-performing cattle.
- Yields approximately 8000 liters per lactation with a butterfat content of 4.0% and protein content of 3.3%.
- Well-adapted to various production systems and climates.
- Produces vigorous calves with rapid growth.
- Suitable for cross-breeding with beef cattle for quality veal.
- Guernsey:
- Developed on the channel island of Guernsey in Britain.
- Characteristics:
- Distinctive reddish-brown and white coat.
- Medium-sized breed.
- Milk Performance:
- Known for producing high-quality milk.
- Milk has a balanced protein-to-fat ratio.
- Used in cheese production.
- Ayrshire:
- Origin: Scotland.
- Characteristics:
- Red and white coat.
- Medium-sized breed.
- Milk Performance:
- Good milk yield.
- Adaptable to varying climates.
- Jersey:
- Origin: Isle of Jersey.
- Characteristics:
- Light brown coat with a white face.
- Smallest of the dairy breeds.
- Milk Performance:
- Rich, creamy milk with high butterfat content.
- Well-suited for small-scale farming.
- Brown Swiss:
- Origin: Swiss Alps.
- Characteristics:
- Large, sturdy build.
- Brown coat.
- Milk Performance:
- High-quality milk with the highest protein-to-fat ratio.
- Used in cheese production.