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EXOTIC BREEDS OF CATTLE

Exotic dairy breeds of cattle  

Jersey

  • It is developed in the Jersey Island, U.K.
  • It is the smallest of the dairy types of cattle.
  • In India this breed has acclimatized well and is widely used in cross breeding with indigenous cows.
  • The typical colour of Jersey cattle is reddish fawn.
  • Dished fore head and compact and angular body.
  • These are economical producers of milk with 4.5% fat.
  • Average milk yield is 4500 kg per lactation.
  • Age at first calving is 25 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

 

jersey

Holstein Friesian

  • This breed was developed in the northern parts of Netherlands, especially in the province of Friesland.
  • They are ruggedly built and they possess large udder.
  • They are the largest dairy breed and mature cows weigh as much as 700kg.
  • They have typical marking of black and white that make them easily distinguishable.
  • The average production of cow is 6000 to 7000 kg per lactation. However, the fat content in their milk is rather low (3.45 per cent).
  • Age at first calving is 29 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

 

holstein friensian

Brown Swiss

  • The mountainous region of Switzerland is the place of origin of Brown Swiss breed.
  • It is famous in its home tract for its rugged nature and good milk production.
  • Average milk yield is 5000 kg per lactation with 4% fat.
  • The Karan Swiss is the excellent crossbred cattle obtained by crossing this breed with Sahiwal cattle at NDRI, Karnal.
  • Age at first calving is 28 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.
brown swiss

Red Dane

  • Developed in Denmark.
  • The typical body colour of this Danish breed is red, reddish brown or even dark brown.
  • It is also a heavy breed; mature males weighing up to 950 kg and mature female weigh 600 kg.
  • The lactation yield of Red Dane cattle varies from 3000 to 4000 kg with a fat content of 4 per cent and above.
  • Age at first calving is 28 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.
reddane

Ayrshire

  • Origin Ayrshire in Scotland is considered as most beautiful dairy breed. These are very active animals but hard to manage.
  • They do not produce as much milk or butter fat (only 4%) as some of the other dairy breeds. 
  • The breed was also known as Dunlop cattle or Cunningham cattle.
ayshire

Guernsey

  • Originated from Small island of Guernsey in France.
  • Cherry red to brown in colour. Mahagony and white is a variation in colour.
  • The milk has a golden colour due to an exceptionally high content of beta carotene which may help to reduce the risks of certain cancers.
  • The milk also has a high butterfat content of 5% and a high protein content of 3.7%.
  • Guernsey cows produce around 6000 kg per lactation.
  • The Guernsey cow has many notable advantages for the dairy farmer over other breeds includes high efficiency of milk production, low incidence of calving difficulty and longevity.
guernsey

Source : Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University, Chennai

Updated on March 2015

 

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