Can Any Cow Be A Dairy Cow? What About Beef Cattle Breeds?

Yes! You can milk any dairy cow breed. That’s the short answer. The long answer delves into why certain dairy cow breeds like Holsteins and Jerseys are preferred for dairy production over others like Angus or Herefords. While it’s technically possible to milk any cow breed, the efficiency and practicality of doing so varies from breed to breed.

A striking Red Shorthorn calf in a thick grassy pasture.

We should examine this topic in more detail, including the advantages of traditional dairy cow breeds. We’ll also discuss why, in theory, nearly any cow can produce yummy milk.

Sound good?

Let’s continue!

The Superiority Of Dairy Breeds

Black and Red Holstein cows grazing for breakfast on a brisk autumn morning.

You can milk nearly any female cow that has given birth to a calf. But dairy breeds like Holsteins and Jerseys have histories of selective breeding for milk production. Holsteins, renowned for their high milk yield, quickly produce three to six times more milk than non-dairy breeds.

In other words – dairy cow breeds benefit tremendously from genetic optimization for maximum milk production. Their dairy optimization includes traits like larger body size, heftier udders, and a higher metabolic rate, contributing to their ability to produce large milk quantities.

Some dairy cows also have delicious flavored milk that beef breeds can’t compete with. Jerseys are famous for their milk’s high butterfat content, ideal for cheese and butter production. Jersey milk is not just about high butterfat. It also has a higher protein content. The higher protein content makes it valuable for producing yummier cheeses and creamier butter.

Traditional dairy cows have more advantages than high milk quantity and delicious butterfat content. They’re also easier to milk!

Dairy breeds also have udders and teats more conducive to efficient milking, making the process faster, less fussy, and more productive. Their udders are well-developed with a generous size and suitable form, making milking easier for everyone involved.

Beef Breed Vs. Dairy Breed Milk Production

Hereford calf and parents exploring a beautiful sunny pasture.

Beef cows have short, stocky bodies developed for yummy, marbled, and delicious beef. But they produce far less milk than dairy cows. A beef cow might produce one to two gallons of milk daily. But the average dairy cow in the USA produced 1,932 pounds of milk monthly in November 2023! (That’s approximately four to six daily gallons, depending on milk density.)

The Challenges With Non-Dairy Breeds

Non-dairy breeds, while capable of being milked, present several challenges. Their milk yield is significantly lower, often not justifying the cost and effort involved in daily milking. Breeds like Angus, Herefords, and Charolais are famous meat producers, not milk. They may produce just enough milk to feed their young, leaving none to spare.

The milk from these breeds often has different fat and protein levels than dairy breeds. While beef cow milk can still be nutritious, the composition might be better for dairy products like cheese and butter.

Non-dairy breeds may also have more diminutive udders and teats, making the milking process more challenging, especially for mechanical milking systems designed for larger dairy breeds.

Feed, Space, And Temperament

Cute Black Angus cow peeking over the farmyard fence.

Choosing a dairy breed also means considering feed efficiency and space requirements. Dairy cows generally convert feed into milk more efficiently than beef breeds. Non-dairy breeds often have a lower feed-to-milk conversion efficiency. This lower efficiency means they require more feed to produce the same amount of milk as a dairy breed, which is troubling, especially if you’re a new homesteader on a budget.

Dairy breeds often possess a more docile temperament, essential for safe and consistent milking. Breeds like Brahman or Limousin, known for their beef qualities, may not have the calm temperament of dairy breeds. Their potentially fussy disposition makes them more challenging to handle during milking.

The Case For Non-Traditional Milking

It might seem like we’re dairy cow purists. But that isn’t true. We love all cows! And, there’s a growing interest in milking non-traditional breeds, especially in small-scale or self-sufficient farming setups. In particular, dual-purpose breeds like Dexters can be an excellent fit for homesteads and small farms.

We penned a small list of our favorite milking cows not typically associated with ample, delicious milk.

They are as follows.

Dexter Cows

Small Dexter cow herd eating fodder and foraging in the pasture.

Dexters are a prime example of a dual-purpose breed offering milk and meat. They are smaller, making them easier to manage and less demanding regarding space and feed than larger dairy breeds. A Dexter cow can produce about one to two and a half gallons of milk daily, often plenty for a family’s needs.

Dairy Shorthorn

Milking Shorthorns are another dual-purpose breed known for their excellent milk yield and quality meat. They are adaptable, hardy, and calm, making them a good choice for diverse farming conditions. They’re also tremendously productive and can produce up to five gallons of delicious milk daily.

Highland Cattle

Three epic Highland cows on a lovely green pasture.

Highland cattle possess lean and flavorful beef. However, they also produce milk with a high butterfat content, suitable for small-scale dairy products like cheese and butter.

These cattle are particularly valued for their ability to thrive in harsh climates and on rough forage, making them a sustainable choice for challenging environments. Their calm temperament and adaptability make them a good fit for small-scale and sustainable farming practices, offering a unique combination of beef and dairy capabilities. While their milk is yummy, they could be more prolific. They can produce around two gallons daily.

Simmental

Simmental cows are another heavy-hitting and famous beef breed with superb food-to-beef (and milk) conversion. They have excellent musculatures and a surprisingly high milk yield. (Around 20 daily pounds at their peak.) The main downside of Simmental cows is their high price tag. Expect to pay from $3,000 to $5,000.

I Tried Milking A Lowline Cow. Here’s What Happened!

We raise Lowline and Brangus cows for meat. I just recently began milking the girls. I grew concerned about a newborn calf that did not receive enough milk. This concern piqued my interest in trying to milk her despite knowing it would be challenging given her breed’s characteristics.

The process turned out to be much more demanding than I anticipated. The Lowline’s more substantial build, quite different from typical dairy cows, made reaching under her for milking quite a task! Aiming for a modest yield to justify the effort, I initially got about a quart per day.

Our girl has always been quirky, and she didn’t appreciate the experience at all. Her unconventional disposition made the whole process much harder. It would be more successful if you trained the cow from a very young age, which we did not.

The experience was a mix of trial and error, adapting to her unique physique, and learning on the go. It was a practical lesson in milking a non-traditional breed while navigating cow complexities and unexpected aspects.

Conclusion

Choosing a dairy-specific breed over a non-dairy variety for milking boils down to your goals. Dairy breeds are a clear choice if high volume and efficiency are priorities.

However, exploring other dual-purpose breeds might be worthwhile for those seeking versatility and smaller-scale operations. Understanding the nuances of each breed’s capabilities, needs, and characteristics helps homesteaders reach their homesteading objectives!

What about you?

Have you ever tried to milk a non-dairy cow?
Have you ever raised a dual-purpose cow?
How many gallons of weekly or monthly milk do your cows produce?
Do you know of any surprising beef cattle breeds that also produce milk?
Do you ONLY drink the milk? Or use it for cheese, cream, and butter?

We hope to hear about your experience!

We love brainstorming these little-known dairy and beef cattle nuances with fellow homesteaders.

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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Can Any Cow Be A Dairy Cow | References, Guides, And Works Cited

Can Any Cow Be A Dairy Cow? What About Beef Cattle Breeds?

The Superiority Of Dairy Breeds