There are over 800 cattle breeds recognised worldwide, amongst these breeds are both those of which that have adapted to the local climate and farm management system, and those that have been bred specifically to improve their genetic traits with cattle genetics.
Cattle breeds are typically classified into their production capabilities, beef cattle breeds, dairy breeds and dual purpose breeds, suitable for both beef and dairy.
UK native cattle breeds and breeds of European origin are popular with British cattle breeders. Due to the unpredictable British climate cattle need to be hardy, ease of calving is always a priority. For dairy, obviously milk production, as is fertility for breeding. Other genetic traits often relate to particular farming systems preference
Dairy Breeds
Holstein
Very popular with dairy farmers due to its ability to produce large quantities of good quality milk.
Friesian
Friesian cattle produce large quantities of milk and their male calves can also be fattened to produce good quality beef.
Brown Swiss
Brown Swiss have the second-highest milk yield annually of over 9,000 kg second only to the Holstein Friesian.
Guernsey
The Guernsey is a dairy breed which produces milk with a golden-yellow tinge which is due to the high content of B-carotene a provitamin for vitamin A.
Ayrshire
The Ayrshire is is one of the best foragers, extremely hardy and suitable for adverse climates these traits make them an exceptional commercial dairy breed.
Montbeliarde
The Montbéliarde is renowned for its milk traditionally used to produce Emmental and Gruyère cheese.
Dual Purpose Cattle Breeds
Cattle suitable as both a dairy breed and a beef cattle breed
Dexter
The Dexter is a dual-purpose breed of cattle, both used as a dairy breed and a beef cattle breed. Its a hardy breed with strong maternal qualities and ample milk.
Simmental
The Simmental is a heavy dual-purpose breed suitable both as a beef cattle breed and a dairy breed.
Lincoln Red
The Lincoln Red was initially bred as a dual-purpose breed, Its beefing ability led the breed in that direction.
Beef Cattle Breeds
Aberdeen Angus
An adaptable breed, Aberdeen Angus purebred and crossbred animals are suitable for a range of management systems.
Hereford
They are good foragers with vigour, adaptable, docile, fast growing with high quality beef.
Limousin
They are a hardy outdoor breed of cattle and produce fine-grained beef that is early maturing making a profitable beef enterprise.
Charolais
The Charolais is typically creamy white in colour, Its primary role in UK beef production is as a terminal sire in suckler herds.