DAIRY CATTLE 



359 



Since ancient times Holland has been noted for its butter, its 

 cheese, and its immense oxen. The average weight of the mature 

 cow is about 1200 pounds, but individual cows often weigh as 

 much as 1400 pounds. The color markings of this breed are 

 black and white. As a rule breeders prefer animals on which 

 the colors are evenly divided. The cows have quiet dispositions. 

 As milk producers the Holstein cows are unexcelled (Fig. 18 1). 

 They produce more milk, and at less cost per pound, than does 



FIG. 182. A typical Brown Swiss cow 



any other breed. The milk is not very rich, however, averaging 

 about 3.5 per cent butter fat. For a dairy breed, these cattle 

 rank high as beef producers. The calves are large at birth, 

 grow rapidly, and make excellent veal. The Holstein is well 

 adapted for supplying milk for cities or factories. 



461. Brown Swiss. The Brown Swiss, as they are known 

 in America, represent one of the leading breeds, which has been 

 developed in Switzerland (Fig. 182). It is probably one of the 

 oldest breeds known. In their native land the Brown Swiss are 

 classed as a dual-purpose breed, and in America were formerly 



