Breeds of Cows in Vermont

Holstein

Holstein (Holstein-Freisian) cows are the black and white cows most frequently seen in Vermont. Originating in the Netherlands and northern Germany, breeders began to import Holsteins to the United States in the 1850's. Holsteins are the largest dairy cows in size, weighing about 1500 pounds. They give an average of 6.4 gallons or 55 pounds of milk per day. Occasionally, Holsteins are red and white, and these are known as Red and White Holsteins.

Jersey

Jersey cows are the second most popular breed in the state. They weigh about 900 pounds and give about 4.5 gallons or 39 pounds of milk per day, the largest ratio of pounds of milk per pounds of body weight of any cattle breed. They mature earlier than other breeds and are brown in color, ranging from light to dark, occasionally having white spots. Their milk is rich and creamy. Jerseys came to Vermont in the 1850's from the British island of Jersey.

Brown Swiss

Brown Swiss vary in color from silver to dark brown. They are known for their strength and ruggedness and weigh about 1300 pounds. They give about 5.3 gallons or 46 pounds of milk per day. Brown Swiss, one of the oldest dairy breeds, come from the Alps of Switzerland from where they were first exported to the United States in 1869 and 1870.

Guernsey

Guernsey cows are an orange-red breed often having white legs and white areas on the body. They weigh about 1100 pounds. Guernseys give about 4.6 gallons or 39 pounds of milk per day. They are noted for their rich golden milk due to a high betacarotene, Vitamin A, content. This breed is from the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel. Guernseys were brought to the United States in the 1840's.

Ayrshire

Ayrshire cows are a rusty-red and white. They weigh about 1200 pounds and give about 5 gallons or 43 pounds of milk per day. They originated in Scotland and were known as the "aristocrat of dairy breeds" due mainly to their large size. Ayrshires were first imported to New England in the 1820's as a breed that could withstand both the rocky terrain and the cold winters.

Many farmers keep one breed of cows and have them registered with the breed’s association. Others maintain grade or commercial herds with unregistered animals.