46 PROFITABLE DAIRYING 



THE HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN * 



It is generally conceded that the breed known in 

 America as Holstein-Friesian cattle originated in the 

 country bordering on the North Sea. They have 

 been known by the name of " Holland Cattle/' 

 "North Hollanders," "Dutch," " Dutch-Friesians," 

 " Netherlands," etc. They are strongly marked black 

 and white, and are one of the oldest and most notable 

 of the dairy breeds. For centuries they have been 

 bred and developed for the production of milk and 

 supplying of food in the shape of veal and beef. 

 Histor) shows that they can be traced back for more 

 than two thousand years, continuously occupying the 

 same countries. 



The animals are larger than any other recognized 

 dairy breed, and equal the Shorthorns. The cows 

 weigh from 1,200 to 1,600 pounds, and the bulls from 

 i, 600 to 2,000 pounds, often more. Their frame is 

 symmetrical, large, strong, and bony. When not in milk 

 they take on a liberal amount of flesh. The Holland- 

 ers are very proud and fond of their cattle, and give 

 them every advantage in both breeding and environ- 

 ment. Few importations of this breed into the United 

 States were made prior to 1850. Beginning with 

 1880, they began to be imported in considerable num- 

 bers. Since then they have rapidly increased, and are 

 now to be found in nearly every part of the country. 



A prominent characteristic of this breed is the 

 color, which affords a striking contrast of jet black 

 with pure white. In some animals black predomi- 

 nates ; in others, white. The cattle are rarely, if ever, 

 of solid color. Some have been nearly all white. As 



* Revised by F. L. HOUGHTON, Secretary of the Holstem- 

 Friesian Association. 



