Dairy Breeds

While the majority of dairy cows in Ireland are purebred "dairy" breeds, beef sires (males) are used on more than half of the cows every year so that the calves they produce will be suitable for the beef market. The cattle breeds were then developed to perform one or more of the above operations.

The British Friesian:

• The British Friesian is a large animal, distinctive black and white coat, and weighing up to 700kg.
• The are characterised by consistent milk yields and high butterfat content.
• The Friesian is a fast growing, beefy animal, well suited to continental beef market.
• Friesians are examples of a dual purpose breed.
• Milk yields of 6600 litres per annum with 4.1% fat and 3.3% protein.
• Most Friesians now contain between 25-75% Holstein genes nows after a successful crossbreeding programme beginning in the 1970's.

The Holstein-Friesian

• The Holstein-Friesian is a hybrid cross between the pure bred Friesen and pure bred Holstein breeds.
• They have a black and white coat, similar to Friesians, but are taller with poorer muscle development.
• These are similar to Jersey cows as they are pure dairy animals, and are not at all suitable to beef production.
• They produce large volumes of relatively low quality milk (8000 litre per annum, 3.9% fat, 3.2% protein).
• The Holstein-Friesen are the most popular breed of dairy animal in Ireland at the moment.

The Jersey

• The Jersey is so called because of where it was originally bred.
• They are small animals and are not dual purpose i.e. they are not suitable for beef production.
• Jersey milk is considered very highly due to its high protein and butterfat content, but generally speaking the Jersey’s yield would be lower than that of the Friesian (5500 litres per annum, 5.4% fat, 3.8% protein)
• The Jersey cow can however frequently calve at just two years and may have up to 10 or 11 lactations.

The Kerry Cow

• It is the oldest cattle breed in Ireland, and indeed one of the oldest in the world, and is now considered a “rare breed”.
• The mature Kerry cow weighs around 450kg and are similar to Aberdeen Angus but are smaller and have horns.
• The Kerry cow has quite a low milking potential, but is very productive in poor, harsh conditions.
• Some farmers are focusing on breeding “rare breeds” to improve biodiversity amongst cattle.

Other Dairy Breeds

• While Holstein-Friesians, Friesians and Jerseys make up the bulk of Irish dairy animals some farmers are introducing other breeds to improve genetic diversity in the national herd.
• Montbèliarde – high yielding French breed with high casein content in their milk (suitable for cheese making) – 8000 litres per annum, 3.9% fat, 3.5% protein.
• Norwegian Red – medium yielding breed but hardy and resistant to disease. 7200 litre per annum, 3.9% fat, 3.4% protein.

Hybrid Dairy Breeds

• The Jersey / Holstein-Friesian cross is becoming increasing popular in Ireland due to high yields and high fat content.
• This hybrid breed out performs the average of both parents.
• Average values: 5500 litres per annum, 4.8% fat, 3.9% protein