Best Dairy Cattle Breeds For High Milk Production Per Head

Traditionally, there was very little distinction between dairy cattle and beef cattle. Same stocks of each type were often used for both milk and meat production. Dairy cattle, also known as dairy cows, are cattle cows bred to produce large amounts of milk. In other words, dairy cattle, also known as cows, are bovines bred to make large quantities of milk, used to make dairy products.

Milk production in dairy cows generally peaks at 40 to 60 days after calving. Milk production decreases steadily thereafter until calving ceases. The milking is discontinued after about 10 months. The cow is dried off for about sixty days before calving again. In a 12 to 14-month inter-calving cycle, the milking period lasts on average approximately 305 days or10 months. Among many variables, certain breeds produce more milk than others within the range of 6,800 to 17,000 kg of milk annually.

There is more than 10000 milk production per year for the Holstein Friesian cattle in Australia, which is the world’s top dairy breed. According to the Philippine press in 2009, the average milk consumption for a single cow at that time was 12,240 kg, and that figure for an individual dairy cow in Israel was reported to be 9,164 kg. Many farms consider 24 or even 36-month cycles more appropriate for high production cows than two-year intervals.

Holstein Friesian Milking Performance Statement and Report

The Holstein breed originated in Europe. The main historical development of the breed took place in what is now called the Netherlands, but specifically in the two northern provinces of North Holland and Friesland situated on either side of the Zuider Zee. Originally, the stock consisted of black animals and white animals of the Batavians and Friesians, migrant Europeans who settled in the Rhine Delta over two thousand years ago.

Holsteins have, for many years, been bred and strictly culled to produce animals that would utilize grass more efficiently, the area’s most abundant resource. The intermingling between these animals produced a high-producing animal. The most distinctive characteristics of Holstein cattle include their distinct color markings and outstanding milk production. Holstein cattle weigh between 90 pounds and more at birth. Holstein cows weigh about 1500 pounds and stand about 58 inches tall at the shoulder.

When Holstein heifers reach 15 months of age, they weigh approximately 800 pounds. It is recommended Holstein females calve for the first time between 24 and 27 months of age. Generally speaking, the Holstein cow’s gestation period is about nine months. While some cows may live considerably longer, the normal productive life of a Holstein cow is six years.

All Holstein cows enrolled in official U.S. production testing programs in 1987 averaged 17,408 pounds of milk, 632 pounds of butterfat, and 550 pounds of protein per year. The polled factor is gaining attention. Some polled cattle exist in virtually every breed. Several Red and White breeders have shown a particular interest in developing polled cattle. A great many polled sires of both red and red factor background are currently being tested. Holstein cows typically have distinct white and black markings or distinctive black and white markings. Holstein cows are typically the fattest of all breeds and are large at the shoulder at 147 centimeters (58 in).

On occasion, some have black and red coloring with white. This unique coloration is caused by a red factor. Blue is an almost common coloration. This particular coat color is produced by white hair combined with black hairs, giving the cow a blueish hue. Their high milk production of approximately 22,530 pounds (10,220 kg) each year, of which 858 pounds (3.7%) are butterfat and 719 pounds (3.1% of protein) are protein. Simply put, Holsteins are known for their consistently high milk production. An average Holstein cow produces approximately 10,000 kilograms (23,000 pounds) of milk per lactation. Out of the 9 million cows in the U.S., 90% are of Holstein descent.

Holsteins produce the highest milk production in the world. Their genetically anchored achievement capacity is unmatched. An annual genetic improvement rate of 1 to 2 percent is totally realistic. The cows are equally suited for grazing and can be kept on grassland and for mixed farming systems with bi-annual grazing or stabled throughout the year. It does not matter whether the cows are kept in high-lying or low-lying areas. Not only are Holsteins adapted for low-cost farming systems, but they are also most suitable for intensive farming, which necessitates the stabling of cows. They produce vigorous calves that are fast-growing, mature, and easy to care for. As long as they are managed properly, they may not exhibit fertility problems. They are usually bright and are easy to handle. They perform well in stable environments and withstand a lot of stress. They are also herd-oriented animals.

It is important to note that the Holstein breed is more than just a dairy breed. It is an incredibly valuable animal that contributes to the meat supply worldwide, has a high growth rate in the fattening sector, and produces meat with fine fibre. Crossbred with beef breeds to produce high-quality veal, they are usually grown to weigh or weigh earlier than normal at birth. A healthy calf weighs greater than 40kg (8lbs) and stands 145cm (58in) tall at the shoulder. Generally, Holstein heifers should be bred between 11 and 14 months of age when they weigh 317–340 kg (700–750 lbs) or 55% of adult weight, or at times at total body weight of 80%. There is usually a nine-and-a-half-month gestation period.

In Canada, Holstein cows are the top breed within the national herd category, accounting for 93% of dairy cow population. Holstein cows produce the highest quantity of milk containing over 3,9% butterfat and 3.2% protein. In one year, top producing Holstein cows milking twice a day have been known to produce up to 67,914 pounds of milk. This compelling evidence of genetic superiority has led to the development of a strong export market for Holstein genetics due to their extraordinary production and increased income over feed costs as well as their remarkable adaptability to a wide spectrum of environmental conditions.

The current market for live Holstein females, males, frozen embryos and semen is more than 50 countries and is used widely for improving foreign food supplies and dairy producer incomes. Milk production for these animals is high with a butterfat content of about 3.2%. Milk production will depend on the amount of feeding and other management. Heifers normally go into milk at about two years of age.

Overall, the high milk production of the Holstein Friesian cattle breed distinguishes it from other breeds. The information below will suffice to prove this fact.

Holstein Friesian Cattle Breed Milking Facts

Holstein Friesian cow is mated at 15-21 months of age. Artificial insemination is commonly used, although natural service can also be used. As long as 9 months pass before the heifer gives birth, she will begin producing milk. She will be called a heifer up until her second calf is born when she will be called a cow. Milk is removed from the cow using an electricity-powered milking machine which mimics the natural feeding behavior of the calves. The milking machine has a cluster of four rubber cups attached to the heifer’s four teats. Gently suctioning the teats warms and pumps the milk into a refrigerator storage tank which is then filled with fresh milk and brought to the shop for collection. This process is usually performed once a day. In some farms, milking is done twice a day, some even three times a day.

Aside from the Holstein, the British Friesian has developed in a different way and has remained a dual-purpose animal with the potential to produce sufficient volumes of milk and male calves that can be fattened up to produce quality beef. British Friesian cattle are generally smaller than Holstein cattle and carry with more meat. The average milk production for pedigree British Friesians currently stands at 6020 litres a year compared to 6620 litres a lactation. 

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