
Regardless of the numerous romanticized photographs of black and white cows roaming the countryside, this colour mixture is extraordinarily uncommon in cattle. Probably the most well-known is the Holstein, a dairy cow that may be discovered worldwide, however do you know that there are literally 15 breeds of black and white cattle?
The 15 Most Widespread Black and White Cow Breeds
1. Holstein Friesian Cattle
Holsteins are simple to acknowledge. These dairy cows have black and white recognizing, however they will even have markings of black and pink. This breed has an excellent stage of milk manufacturing, making it probably the most generally used cow on dairy farms.
Holsteins have been initially bred to supply massive quantities of milk on small quantities of feed. The breed’s roots come from breeding black Batavian cattle with white Friesians. The primary Holstein got here to america in 1852 and has remained the number-one dairy cow breed ever since.
The common manufacturing lifespan (the variety of years that they produce milk) of a Holstein is 6 years. They’re milked thrice a day, on common, to supply 72,000 kilos of milk per 12 months.
2. Lakenvelder
Lakenvelder cattle, additionally known as Dutch Belted cattle, are striped cattle named for his or her belted look. This breed is native to Switzerland and Austria however migrated to the Netherlands within the 17th century.
The distinguishing function of Lakenvelder cattle is the white belt round their center. They have been initially raised as dairy cows however are extra productive as beef cattle attributable to their stocky body.
3. Brahman
Brahman cattle are thought-about sacred in India and are recognizable by a big hump on their again. This breed has an excessive tolerance to harsh climate circumstances as a result of they’ve survived for many years with insufficient meals provides.
In North America, Brahman bulls (male cows) are famously raised as rodeo inventory. In Houston, Texas, the American Brahman Breeders Affiliation verifies and tracks bloodlines to make sure that the breed stays pure.
4. Belted Galloway
“Belties” or “Oreo Cattle” have a particular white belt, just like that of the Lakenvelder. This breed is understood for his or her skill to outlive the harshest of winter circumstances, as their hair is double-coated.
The Belted Galloway is a medium-sized, hardy breed that’s bred primarily for beef.
5. Guzerat
The Guzerat is understood by many various names, together with Guzera, Gujera, Gujrati, Gusera, and Guzerath. They’ve distinct black markings on their head and forequarters. These highly effective cattle are used primarily as draft animals. They’ve lengthy horns and an analogous construct to the American Brahman. They’re additionally bred for beef and dairy manufacturing.
Whereas the Guzerat breed at the moment resides in India, they originated in Brazil because of crossing Indian Kankrej cattle with Taurine Crioulo cattle. They have been dubbed the Guzerat, a Portuguese identify, to honor their ancestors.
6. Texas Longhorn
Texas Longhorn cattle are simply acknowledged by their colour patterns and longhorns. These cows have a mild disposition, are very smart, and maintain nice financial potential within the cattle trade.
This breed is available in many various colours, together with white with black markings. Whereas their horns are their most distinguishing function, they’re additionally identified for his or her excessive fertility charges and ease of calving. Texas Longhorns have turn into extra common within the beef trade lately attributable to their high-quality, lean beef.
7. Dhanni
Hailing from the Punjab area of Pakistan, Dhanni cattle have distinct splashing on their stomach and legs, giving them an interesting black and white colour sample.
Dhannis might be dated again to Alexander the Nice, who introduced black cattle with him on his many adventures. After arriving in Pakistan, they bred with native white cows, leading to what’s at the moment the Dhanni.
Pakistani farmers use this breed for dairy, meat, and draft work, and they’re additionally common to be used in steer using and cattle displaying. In additional rural areas, you may nonetheless see these cows hooked as much as plows and getting used for handbook farm labor.
8. German Black Pied
Smaller and extra fertile than the Holstein, the German Black Pied is a three-breed cross. The breed started in 1963, beginning with crossing a Jersey bull with a German Black Pied cow. The descendants of this cross have been then bred to a Holstein to develop the present German Black Pied breed.
Whereas they’ve a robust resemblance to Holstein cattle, the German Black Pied has an extended lifespan. In addition they retain the unimaginable milk manufacturing traits of their ancestors.
9. Blaarkop
The black and white Blaarkop is a Dutch cattle breed. Blaarkop is a Dutch phrase that interprets to “Blister Head.” The identify refers to patches of colour, or blisters, that these cattle get round their eyes and face. These cows are largely black with a white head and stomach, making them simple to identify.
The Blaarkop has an extended historical past, courting way back to the 14th century. The lineage of this breed might be traced again to livestock within the Center Ages, and this breed remains to be bred within the province of Groningen, Netherlands. It’s a dual-purpose breed used for each dairy and meat manufacturing.
10. Girolando
The Brazilian Girolando is an especially adaptable breed of cattle that’s immune to tropical ailments and sizzling climates. As superior foragers, they’re simple to maintain and require no help to search out meals.
The Girolando breed was derived from a Holstein and a Gyr in an effort to extend dairy manufacturing in Brazil. They’re typically confused for Holsteins attributable to their bodily resemblance, however they’re thought-about distinct. Girolando cattle are liable for roughly 80% of the milk manufacturing in Brazil.
11. Cholistani
A Pakistani cattle breed, the Cholistani has a strong white coat with black colour recognizing. These cattle are honored as a decorative breed and may typically be seen with flowers and headwear.
The origins of the Cholistani aren’t clear, however locals consider that the breed hails from the Cholistan desert. They’re used primarily for farm work but additionally present milk and beef.
12. Umblachery
The Umblachery is honored in India for his or her robust construct, work ethic, and distinctive colour patterning. They bear an in depth resemblance to Kangayam cattle, with brief thick horns, a well-developed hump, and powerful legs.
These cattle are primarily bred for agricultural fieldwork, particularly farming rice paddies, however in addition they present a good quantity of milk.
13. Yaroslavl Cattle
Russian Yaroslavl cattle have a white head with black rings round their eyes. They’re dairy cows, counted among the many greatest dairy breeds on the planet. Not a lot is understood in regards to the breed’s origins, however they are often dated again to the 19th century.
14. Lineback
American Lineback cattle have distinctive black and white markings and a mild disposition. The identify comes from the white line that runs down the again of this black cow.
They’re descended from Friesians, Ayrshires, Herefords, Milking Shorthorns, and Longhorns, giving them an attention-grabbing genetic combine. The American Lineback Cattle Affiliation was developed in 1985 to start monitoring the bloodlines of Lineback cattle and continues to take action at the moment.
The Lineback is a dual-purpose breed, assembly the calls for of milk and beef manufacturing.
Associated Learn: 10 Most Well-liked Cattle Breeds within the US (With Photos)
15. Kherigarh
An Indian cattle breed, the Kherigarh has an outsized hump and free pores and skin. They’re additionally a working breed with a robust work ethic. Relying on the area of India that you just’re in, they’re additionally known as Kheri, Chandigarh, and Khari.
They’re used for each draft work and milk manufacturing, being reported to yield roughly 500 kg of milk per 12 months.
Last ideas
Black and white cattle breeds stand out for his or her distinctive markings and colour patterns. There are numerous completely different black and white breeds that fulfill many functions around the globe. Many black and white cattle are bred particularly to keep up their colour patterns attributable to a robust choice for his or her markings over different frequent coat colours.
Featured Picture Credit score: Elsemargriet, Pixabay
