Holstein Cattle

Holstein Cattle

Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Genus : Bos
Species : primigenius

Height : 58in (147cm)
Weight : 1500lbs (680kg)

Well, It's Super Bowl Sunday and I'm sure you can figure out which team I'm rooting for. Because hey, Wisconsin is know for its Cheeseheads, so what better animal for today than one of our iconic Dairy Cattle?

Holstein Cattle are an old breed that dates back over 2,000 years to the wandering tribes that eventually settled in the Netherlands. Black Batavian Cattle and white Fresian Cattle were bred and culled to produce animals with a high milk output, and high land use efficiency. The black and white Holstein was born.

But... did you know Holsteins aren't always black and white?  They can be red and white as well!

Red and White Mother and Calf

Holsteins have become such an amazingly popular breed for many reasons. They have an extremely high milk output for one. The average output in 2009 among sampled individuals was 23,151lbs of milk, 842lbs of butterfat and 711lbs  of protein per year, and top produces can make over 70,000lbs per year!

Holsteins are also preferred because they calve easy, can graze in a variety of areas, and they have a very good temperament. Holsteins are so adaptable that embryos and individuals are being sent around the world to increase food production.