Types of Cows: 20 Different Cow Breeds You Should Know

Summary

This video explores 20 essential cow breeds for farmers and livestock enthusiasts, highlighting their unique traits, origins, and uses. From the massive Aish Share and hardy Brahman to the iconic Black Angus and visually striking Ankole Watusi, each breed is examined for its milk and meat production, temperament, size, and suitability for different climates and farm setups. Whether you're managing a small dairy farm or a large-scale operation, the guide provides practical insights to help you choose the right cattle. With detailed descriptions, the video emphasizes both profitability and care requirements, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in raising cattle successfully.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cattle farming is a longstanding and important industry that plays a significant role in many cultures globally.
• 😀 There are over 70 different breeds of cattle, making it essential to choose the right one for your farm depending on needs and preferences.
• 😀 Larger breeds like the Aish share both high milk production and meat quality but come with high food costs due to their size.
• 😀 Angus cattle, both Black and Red, are widely known for their large weight and high milk production, though they are sensitive to heat and can be temperamental.
• 😀 Brahman cattle, originating from India, are incredibly hardy and can survive with minimal food and resist pests, diseases, and extreme weather.
• 😀 Jersey cows are a great option for smaller farms and are popular for their high-fat milk content, making them ideal for dairy production.
• 😀 Holstein Friesian cows are one of the most popular dairy breeds worldwide, known for producing large quantities of milk but require high maintenance.
• 😀 The Highland cow is recognizable by its long hair and impressive horns, and it thrives in colder climates, making it a suitable choice for harsh winters.
• 😀 Limousin cattle, originating from France, are known for producing high-quality meat and are also versatile in terms of their overall performance.
• 😀 The Dexter breed is small and hardy, making it ideal for smaller farms, and it has a high fertility rate, ensuring good breeding success.
• 😀 The Belted Galloway, with its unique white belt on a black coat, is not only visually striking but also known for excellent marbled meat and milk production.

Q & A

What makes the Aish share breed unique among cattle?

The Aish share is one of the largest cattle breeds, known for its impressive milk production and delicious meat. It can grow as large as 900 to 1,300 pounds, though the larger size requires significant food costs to maintain.

Why is the Angus breed so popular?

The Angus breed is popular due to its large size and high milk production. The breed's bulls can weigh up to 1,800 pounds, while cows can weigh around 1,200 pounds. However, Angus cattle are sensitive to heat and can be temperamental.

What is a key characteristic of Brahman cattle?

Brahman cattle are highly resistant to pests, parasites, and diseases, which makes them a hardy choice for farming. They are also capable of surviving with limited food resources, and they are easily identified by the large hump over their shoulders and neck.

Why are Jersey cows ideal for smaller farms?

Jersey cows are relatively small, weighing around 880 pounds but can reach 1,700 pounds if fed well. Their milk is highly valued for its rich fat content, making them a great choice for dairy production on smaller farms.

What makes Holstein Friesian cows stand out in dairy production?

Holstein Friesians are known for being top dairy producers. They can yield about 17,000 pounds of milk annually and produce significant amounts of butterfat and protein. However, they require a high level of care and maintenance.

Why are Highland cows better suited for colder climates?

Highland cows are known for their unique double coat, which allows them to thrive in cold environments. Their fur helps them withstand extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for places like Alaska and Scandinavian countries.

What is the main benefit of the Limousin breed?

The Limousin breed is known for its excellent beef and milk production. It has a balanced profile, excelling in multiple areas without having extreme strengths or weaknesses, making it a reliable choice for farmers.

What makes the Charolais breed different from others?

Charolais cattle are known for their large size, making them excellent draft animals for pulling wagons. They also have good grazing abilities, though they are more vulnerable to heat compared to other breeds.

What are the advantages of raising Malvi cattle?

Malvi cattle are prized for their drought resistance, making them ideal for areas with water scarcity. While they don’t produce much milk, their majestic appearance, marked by their distinctive upward-pointing horns, makes them a unique choice.

How does the Brown Swiss breed compare to others in terms of temperament?

Brown Swiss cattle are known for their docile and friendly temperament. Despite being fairly large, they are rarely aggressive, making them easy to handle. Their milk is also highly sought after for its quality and taste.

What are the key features of the Dexter breed?

The Dexter breed is small in size, typically weighing around 1,000 pounds. This makes them perfect for smaller farms. They are hardy, tolerate both warm and cold climates, and have high fertility rates, making them a good investment for small-scale farmers.

Why is the Texas Longhorn considered iconic?

The Texas Longhorn is easily recognizable by its long, impressive horns that can extend up to 5 feet. The breed is historic, having been brought to the US by Christopher Columbus, and is still a symbol of rugged American cattle farming.

What makes the Belted Galloway breed unique?

The Belted Galloway is famous for its distinctive white belt running around its midsection. Besides its unique appearance, the breed also produces marbled beef and can be milked, making it a versatile addition to a farm.

Why is the Ankole-Watusi breed considered special?

The Ankole-Watusi breed is renowned for its massive horns, which are its most striking feature. These cows are also prized for their milk and meat production, making them both beautiful and valuable for farmers.