BREEDS OF DAIRY CATTLE 



279 



are the same as the Guernseys, being so regarded by Guern- 

 sey and American breeders. In early days, though not at 

 present, all the cattle from the Channel Islands in England 

 and America were called Alderneys. These cattle were first 

 introduced to America, it is thought, in 1830. 



The characteristics of Guernsey cattle are very compar- 

 able with the Jersey. The two breeds are certainly closely 

 related in their origin. The Guernseys are somewhat larger, 

 than the Jerseys, standard weights being 1,600 pounds for 

 the mature bulls and 1,100 pounds for the cows. The color 



Figure 112. Guernsey bull Langwater Advocate. Photograph from Lang- 

 water Farm, North Easton, Mass. 



is usually yellow or red fawn, although white spots are very 

 common, some of the most noted animals of the breed show- 

 ing considerable white. The face is somewhat straighter 

 than with the Jersey, and a very light creamy or ' 'mealy " 

 ring of hair extends around the muzzle and about the eyes. 

 A flesh-colored muzzle is preferred by breeders, a dark slate 

 color being decidedly unpopular. Guernseys are often plain 

 of head and rough of shoulder, and lack the beautiful front 



