Introduction:
The Holstein Friesian cattle is a breed of dairy cattle originating from the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Friesland. They are known as the world’s highest-production dairy animals. They are heavy in size with a large feeding capacity and well-developed udder.
Holstein Friesian cattle breed is the most widespread breed in the world. The Holstein Friesian is a dual-purpose breed. It serves both meat and milk production purposes. Usually, Holstein Friesian cows give milk 3 times per day. The Holstein cow gives an average of 25 Liters of milk per day by taking 50 kgs of food each day. This breed is present in more than 150 countries. In Europe, farmers rear the Holstein Friesian breed mainly for meat purposes.
The Holstein Friesian cattle are very beautiful in look. Their head is long, narrow, and straight with slightly rounded withers. They have distinctive markings, usually black and white or red and white patches all over the body.
The Holstein Friesians are medium in size. Typically a mature male weighs between 850 – 1000 kg and a female weighs between 575 – 650 kg. And a healthy calf weighs between 40 to 50 kg. They can adapt themselves to a wide variety of agro-climatic conditions.
The breed is very popular mainly for its high milk production. This breed on average produces 6000 – 7500 liter of milk per lactation period, and the lactation period is of 305 days. Their milk contains 3.4 % of butterfat and about 3% protein. The mean gestation period of this breed is about 279 days.
Characters:
| Name of the breed | Holstein Friesian |
| Origin | Holland and Friesland |
| Purpose | Mainly for milk, but meat as well in some parts |
| Average Male weight | 850 – 1000 kg |
| Average female weight | 575 – 650 kg |
| Coat color | Generally black and white patched, but the red and white combination can also be seen |
| Climate tolerance | Can tolerate all types of climate |
| Mean gestation period | 279 days |
| Average milk production | 6000 – 7500 lit./lactation period |
| Lactation period | 305 days |
| Fat butter content | 3.4% |
| Height | 1.5 – 1.8 m |
| Behavior | Usually, males are vicious and females are docile |