Which cow is best for dairy farming?
There is no one cow breed that is best for dairy farming. The breed of cow chosen by a farmer depends on a number of factors.
Last updated 17/01/2024
Dairy farmers choose the breed of cow most suited to the environment where they live, style of farming and their own preference.
The most popular dairy breed in Australia is the Holstein/Friesian. These black and white cows which originate from the Netherlands via America are known for their high milk production, large size and docile temperament. These are also the most popular breed world-wide, so farmers have the biggest choice of sires (males) for their cows.
The second most popular breed in Australia are Jerseys. Originating from the English Channel Island Jersey, these cows are smaller in stature and caramel-coloured, producing a smaller volume of milk which is rich in butterfat and protein. These cows are popular, especially in grass grazing farms, because of their hardiness, size, fertility and again their high butterfat and protein in their milk.
There are many other dairy breeds available in Australia, such as Australian Reds, Guernsey, Brown Swiss, and many others which all have their own benefits. Many farmers also have cross-bred cows, which may be a mix of two or more breeds. Cross-bred cows are known for their hardiness, heat tolerance, fertility, and generally good production.
To find out more technical information on cow selection for dairy farms see https://datagene.com.au/
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