| We have our preferences, especially when it comes | | | | temperament makes them great for utility. |
| to raising cows and cattle and making it big in the | | | | Holstein: The Holsteins are the most recognizable cow |
| market. It would depend on the country and its | | | | breed, with the trademark color of black and white. |
| market to choose which cow breeds to favor above | | | | There are also Holsteins that are red and white. The |
| the others. Here are the top cow breeds in North | | | | Holstein is a desirable cow breed for producers, as |
| America today: | | | | the breed produces both milk and meat. Their milk |
| Ayshires: This breed is generally red and white in | | | | production rate is observed to be constantly |
| color, with the red color varying from very light to | | | | improving, too. |
| very dark shades. There are cows and bulls that may | | | | Jersey: The Jersey's color is light brown, though |
| be nearly covered all in red or nearly all in white. | | | | there are those with colors that range from grey to |
| Brindle and roan colors are rare in Ayshires today, | | | | a dull black. White patches are also present, with |
| although it was once common. | | | | some Jerseys almost covered by them. Perhaps the |
| The Ayshires possess great ability to rustle and | | | | main distinctive feature of the Jersey is its black |
| forage for themselves when under adverse | | | | nose border by an almost white muzzle. Another |
| conditions. They can adapt to rugged terrains and | | | | defining trait is its hard black feet, which contributes |
| harsh conditions better than most cow breeds, and | | | | to strong legs that makes the breed a sturdy and |
| this makes them an outstanding commercial cow | | | | strong one. |
| breed. They are strong and easy to raise. | | | | Dairy Shorthorn: The Dairy Shorthorns can be red, |
| | | | red and white, white, or roan. The roan-colored |
| Brown Swiss: Also called Braunvieh, this cow breed is | | | | Shorthorn has a specific shade of roan that cannot |
| brown in color, with a creamy white muzzle and dark | | | | be seen in the other cow breeds. Despite their name, |
| nose. This is another strong breed, well-balanced, with | | | | the Dairy Shorthorn can be horned or polled. The |
| a good physique, and can also adapt to harsh | | | | Shorthorns' milk is best for making cheese because |
| conditions. | | | | of its most favorable fat-to-protein ratio. |
| The Brown Swiss are used both for dairy and beef | | | | The Dairy Shorthorns are gentle and quiet in nature, |
| purposes, as they provide good milk and meat | | | | and they can fit well with the other breeds. The |
| output. The Brown Swiss are also known among milk | | | | Shorthorns also have the ability to recover quickly |
| producers for their good milk, protein, and butterfat | | | | and have few physical problems. They especially |
| production. Their milk also makes great cheese | | | | have strong feet and legs. The female Shorthorns |
| because of their very favorable fat-to-protein ratio. | | | | make excellent mothers, and have been used as |
| Guernsey: The Guernsey can vary from yellow to | | | | “foundation” females in the introduction of |
| red or brown, with white patches. This is one calm | | | | European breeds to Australia. |
| breed, neither irritable nor nervous. Their appearance | | | | It is debatable which cow breed is the best. Perhaps, |
| is that of an animal born with great physical form. | | | | it will never be known which is the best among them |
| It is the Guernsey's behavior and individuality that | | | | because of each has individuality and benefits for the |
| attracts many breeders and producers towards it. | | | | producer and consumer markets. Nevertheless, these |
| Dairy and meat production is no problem with their | | | | remain to be the top cow breeds in North America. |
| well-balanced body. Their calm attitude and fine | | | | |