ANIMALS THAT PRODUCE DAIRY FOODS | Major Bos taurus Breeds

Abstract

Dairy cattle form a unique niche among animals used for human purposes. They have been selected out among cattle to perform one very specific purpose, the production of fluid milk. While many dairy cattle also have value as beef or draught animals, there are no other types of livestock that have been selected as systematically, and for as many years, as dairy cattle have been selected to produce milk. In many parts of the world, cattle are raised for dual (meat and milk) or even triple (meat, milk and draught) purposes. Breeds of cattle frequently show the effects of such multiple objectives. The dairy cattle breeds are those that have been specifically improved, especially in Europe and North America, for milk production. This article will cover the concept of the breed and the history and background of several breeds of dairy cattle that are considered the major dairy breeds. It will also include results of experiments designed to evaluate breeds for both dairy production and beef production.