Jersey

• It is developed in the Jersey Island, U.K.
• It is the smallest of the dairy types of cattle.
• In India this breed has acclimatized well and is widely used in cross breeding with indigenous cows.
• The typical colour of Jersey cattle is reddish fawn.
• Dished fore head and compact and angular body.
• These are economical producers of milk with 4.5% fat.
• Average milk yield is 4500 kg per lactation.
• Age at first calving is 25 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

Holstein Friesian

• This breed was developed in the northern parts of Netherlands, especially in the province of Friesland.
• They are ruggedly built and they possess large udder.
• They are the largest dairy breed and mature cows weigh as much as 700kg.
• They have typical marking of black and white that make them easily distinguishable.
• The average production of cow is 6000 to 7000 kg per lactation. However, the fat content in their milk is rather low (3.45 per cent).
• Age at first calving is 29 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

Brown Swiss

• The mountainous region of Switzerland is the place of origin of Brown Swiss breed.
• It is famous in its home tract for its rugged nature and good milk production.
• Average milk yield is 5000 kg per lactation with 4% fat.
• The Karan Swiss is the excellent crossbred cattle obtained by crossing this breed with Sahiwal cattle at NDRI, Karnal.
• Age at first calving is 28 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

Red Dane

• Developed in Denmark.
• The typical body colour of this Danish breed is red, reddish brown or even dark brown.
• It is also a heavy breed; mature males weighing up to 950 kg and mature female weigh 600 kg.
• The lactation yield of Red Dane cattle varies from 3000 to 4000 kg with a fat content of 4 per cent and above.
• Age at first calving is 28 to 30 months and calving interval is 13 to 14 months.

Ayrshire

• Origin Ayrshire in Scotland is considered as most beautiful dairy breed. These are very active animals but hard to manage.
• They do not produce as much milk or butter fat (only 4%) as some of the other dairy breeds. 
• The breed was also known as Dunlop cattle or Cunningham cattle.

Guernsey

• Originated from Small island of Guernsey in France.
• Cherry red to brown in colour. Mahagony and white is a variation in colour.
• The milk has a golden colour due to an exceptionally high content of beta carotene which may help to reduce the risks of certain cancers.
• The milk also has a high butterfat content of 5% and a high protein content of 3.7%.
• Guernsey cows produce around 6000 kg per lactation.
• The Guernsey cow has many notable advantages for the dairy farmer over other breeds includes high efficiency of milk production, low incidence of calving difficulty and longevity.