Recently I was asked if there’s a difference between cows raised for dairy and cows raised for beef. The answer is yes. Over the years, through breeding programs, dairy cows were selected for milk production while beef cows were selected for efficiently turning feed into meat.
With June being dairy month, here is some information on dairy cows.
As with every mammal, cows do not give milk until after they have given birth. With artificial insemination, farmers can analyze the characteristics of the animals they currently have and select the semen from a bull that will enhance the milk production from that cow. Some of the factors considered are the amount of milk produced and the butterfat content. Many times the physical attributes are heavily considered because you want an animal that has strong legs and longevity.
Dairy farmers are paid for their milk based on two factors: number of pounds of milk and the percentage of butterfat. The higher the butterfat, the higher the payment.
How much milk does a cow give each day? About 7 gallons. Most cows are milked three times a day, so a little over 2 gallons at each milking.
So what are the differences between the breeds?
Often, when you think about dairy cows, you think about the black and white Holstein. Originally from the Netherlands, these cows are known for producing the most milk. Currently, they are the most prevalent breed.
Jersey cows are often a light brown color and come from the Isle of Jersey. Their milk is known for being high in butterfat. Their milk is perfect for ice cream. Jerseys tend to be a smaller cow than Holsteins. If you remember Elsie the Cow from the Borden company ads, you’ll recognize her as a Jersey.
Guernseys are from the Isle of Guernsey, also in the British Isles. They are also a brown color, but stand a bit taller than the Jerseys.
The Scottish Isle of Ayr gave us Ayrshires. These cows are generally red and white and are found throughout the world. They are one of the more adaptable cows and can thrive almost anywhere.
Brown Swiss cows came from (drum roll, please) Switzerland. Their milk is known for being high in protein. That makes it excellent for making cheese. Like Jerseys, they are a sold brown color, however the hue ranges from very light to dark chocolate.
As you are out and about this summer, you may see some cows grazing in a field. If they are dairy cows, identify the breed. And, as you enjoy a refreshing glass of cold milk, New York state cheese or ice cream, remember that it is the local farmers who work to get that to you.