Holstein Friesian Cows

At Agromasters, we understand the importance of high-yield, efficient dairy farming. That’s why we support farmers with state-of-the-art milking parlors and dairy solutions designed to enhance the productivity of Holstein Friesian cattle—the world’s leading dairy breed.

The Most important breed 

If you imagine a classic dairy cow, chances are you’re picturing a Holstein Friesian. With their distinctive black-and-white or red-and-white markings, these cows are the backbone of dairy production worldwide. Known for their exceptional milk output, adaptability, and strong genetics, Holsteins are a top choice for modern dairy farms.

Origins of the Holstein Cow

• Originating from the Netherlands, Holstein Friesians have been selectively bred for over 2,000 years.
• Developed in North Holland and Friesland, they were carefully cultivated for their ability to efficiently convert grass into milk.
• Today, Holsteins are the dominant dairy breed, found in over 150 countries.

Holstein Characteristics

• Large size: Adults can reach 630 kg with a height of 1.47 meters.
• Early maturity: Heifers are ready for breeding by 13 months (weighing 363 kg).
• High fertility: With proper management, Holsteins demonstrate excellent reproduction rates.
• Adaptability: Whether in stabled environments or grazing systems, they thrive in different climates and farming setups.
• Fat: 4,2%
• Protein: 3,2%
• Good temperament: These cows are social, stress-resistant, and perform best in herds.
• Black & white and/ or red & white.

Why Choose Holstein Cows for Your Dairy Farm?

• Unmatched milk production – No breed produces more milk per year.
• Efficient feed conversion – Maximizes milk yield with optimized nutrition.
• Adaptability – Performs well in various farming systems and climates.
• Strong genetics – Decades of breeding advancements ensure superior dairy performance.

Partner with Agromasters for Efficient Dairy Farming

At Agromasters, we don’t just provide advanced milking parlors—we offer complete dairy solutions to help you get the best out of your Holstein herd. When you choose Agromasters, you gain access to our extensive, nation-wide supply network and strong vendor relationships, ensuring a direct ‘farm to export’ model with no middlemen. Our fully integrated livestock export service guarantees efficiency, reliability, and premium-quality livestock delivered straight from farm to market

Danish Red Cattle: A Strong Scandinavian Breed

Danish Red cattle (also known as Red Dane or Rødt Dansk Malkekvæg) is a dual-purpose breed from Denmark, valued for both milk and beef production. Originating from crosses between local Danish cows and Angeln cattle from Germany, this breed belongs to the broader European Red family.

Key Traits

• Color: Deep red

• Weight: Cows 550–800 kg; Bulls ~1000 kg

• Milk yield: ~8,000 kg/year

  • Fat: 4.2%

  • Protein: 3.5%

Advantages

• Adapts well to hot and cold climates

• High fertility and easy calving

• Strong legs, disease resistance, long lifespan

• Low mastitis risk

• Good meat yield (56%) after productive life

Global Reach

Once 61% of Denmark’s dairy herd (1960), purebred Danish Reds now make up around 6.7% (~40,000 cows). Widely used in crossbreeding with Holsteins, Jerseys, and other breeds. Thousands are exported yearly due to their resilience and quality.

Jersey Cattle: A Historic and High-Quality Dairy Breed

Jersey cattle originated around the 1700s on the Island of Jersey, located near the coast of Normandy, France. Known for their purity, the Jersey breed has been carefully protected and regulated by the island’s government for over 200 years.

Historical Highlights

• Pre-1789: Jersey cattle were given as wedding gifts during inter-island marriages with Guernsey.

• 1789: All cattle imports were banned to protect the purity and reputation of the breed after poor-quality French cattle were introduced via Jersey.

• 1860–1910: Jersey cattle became a major export product, especially to the USA, with over 1,000 head shipped annually by 1910.

• 1866: The Jersey Herd Book was established, registering all purebred cattle and maintaining strict breed standards.

• 2008: The import ban was lifted, allowing controlled import of approved semen from other dairy breeds like Holstein-Friesian, Simmental, and European Red.

Global Impact

The USA has played a major role in developing the modern Jersey, focusing on larger body size and higher milk production. The smaller, traditional Island-type is sometimes referred to as the “Miniature Jersey.”

Breed Characteristics

• Weight: Cows weigh 400–500 kg

• Milk yield: Average 5,000 kg/year, top cows can reach 8,500–9,000 kg/year

• Milk quality:

  • Fat: ~5%

  • Protein: ~4%

• Birth weight: Calves ~25 kg

• Fertility: First calving at ~19 months; short calving intervals

• Color: Varies from light fawn to nearly black, with signature long eyelashes

Advantages

• High milk solids (fat & protein)

• Easy calving: ~96–99% unassisted births

• Excellent grazing ability

• Calm and manageable temperament

• Strong legs, low mastitis and hoof issues

• Adapts to extreme climates

• Long productive lifespan

Jerseys are ideal for crossbreeding with Holsteins or beef breeds to improve calving ease and fertility. Their global popularity continues due to their efficiency, adaptability, and milk quality.

Simmental Cattle: A Strong Dual-Purpose Breed

Simmental cattle, originally from the Simme Valley in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, is one of the oldest and most widely distributed dual-purpose breeds, used for both milk and beef production. Its origins trace back to the Middle Ages, as a result of crosses between German and Swiss cattle.

Global Names

• Switzerland: Simmental

• Germany & Austria: Fleckvieh

Historical Highlights

• 1400s: Small numbers exported to Italy

• 1785: Swiss Parliament restricted exports due to local demand

• 1890: Swiss Simmental Cattle Association established

• Late 1800s–Early 1900s: Spread to Eastern Europe, Russia, South Africa, Guatemala (1897), Brazil (1918), Argentina (1922)

• 1967: Reintroduced to the USA via the French bull “Parisien” and semen exports

• 1970s: Spread to Britain, Ireland, Norway, Australia, China, and more

Today, the global Simmental population is estimated at 40–60 million, with more than half in Europe.

Breed Characteristics

• Weight: Cows 700–900 kg; Bulls up to 1,300 kg

• Color: Gold & white or red & white, typically with a white face

• Milk yield: 5,000–8,000 kg/year

  • Fat: 4.2%

  • Protein: 3.7%

Advantages

• Beef yield: ~57.2%, with well-marbled, high-quality meat

• Daily gain: ~1.44 kg/day

• Adaptable to both intensive and extensive farming systems

• High fertility, easy calving, and short calving intervals

• Pigmented eyes protect from sun damage in hot climates

• Known for strong musculature, docile temperament, and longevity

Crossbreeding & Decline in Some Regions

Simmentals are often used for crossbreeding to improve milk solids and beef traits in other herds. In the former Soviet Union, Simmental numbers peaked at 12.5 million in 1990 but declined to under 3 million by 2003 due to economic shifts.

Limousin Cattle: A Powerful and Historic French Breed

Limousin cattle originate from the Limousin and Marche regions of France, with documented history going back to the 17th century, when they were referred to as “La Limousine.” Some believe the breed has even older roots, possibly among the oldest known cattle types in Europe.

Historical Background

• Origin: Around Limoges, France

• Role: Traditionally used for meat, labor, and famine relief

• 19th century: Selective breeding improved size and consistency

• Breed purity was prioritized, despite failed experiments with English Durham cattle

• Bulls were exhibited in Paris and Bordeaux as early as the 1800s

Breed Characteristics

• Color: Solid red, brown, or golden with lighter areas around eyes, nose, anus, and tail tip

• Weight:

  • Cows ~700 kg

  • Bulls ~1,100 kg

• Polled: Traditionally horned, but polled (hornless) varieties now exist

• Hardy: Adaptable to diverse climates, from wet winters to hot summers

• Health: Strong immunity, low disease incidence

Productivity

• Calving: Easy births due to low birth weights

• Fertility: High reproductive performance

• Meat yield: 58–63%, with excellent marbling and tenderness

• Feed conversion: Efficient, though with slower maturation than some breeds

Crossbreeding

Limousin bulls are widely used in crossbreeding programs, particularly with Friesian Holstein cows, to improve calving ease and produce high-value beef calves. These calves are favored in the beef market for their meat quality and manageable size.