Learn more about the Red and White purebred dairy cattle breed in the U.S.
Have you ever looked at a dairy cow and wondered about the history of the breed?Michigan State UniversityExtensionwill explore the history of the seven major breeds of dairy cattle in the U.S.Holsteincattle were the first in the series, followed by Jerseys, Ayrshires, Guernsey, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns. The seventh and final breed to be discussed is Red and White cattle.
Red and White cattle are unique animals among those recognized through the Purebred Cattle Association because they can have genetics from several different breeds of dairy cows. Most Red and White cows are Holstein cattle, but they may also have genetics from other cattle that have reddish coats, such as Milking Shorthorns or Ayrshire.
The red color is not something new in cattle. In fact, it is a natural variation and is caused by the expression of recessive genes. The red color was not favored by many Holstein breeders, which resulted in excluding red and white cattle from registration books. In response to this, the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association was established in 1964 by a group of Shorthorn cattle breeders. Looking to make improvements in Shorthorn milk production, Holsteins were a natural choice because of their milking qualities and natural red coat color.
The Red and White Dairy Cattle Association maintains an open herd book and aims to keep Red and White Holstein bloodlines strong. There are two divisions in the herd book: the Red Registry for cattle that do have a Red and White coat color, and the Extended Registry for cattle who do not meet color requirements. Red and White Holsteins are no longer excluded from registering with Holstein associations, thus providing options for owners to choose where they want to register cattle.
Knowing that Red and White cattle generally carry strong Holstein genetics, their origin and history is that of their black and white relatives and can be read about in “History of dairy cow breeds: Holstein.”
As with all matters dealing with genetics, the expression of the red coat color is not as simple as we once thought. More information about the interesting history of Red and White Holstein genetics can be found in “There’s more to breeding Red and Whites than we thought” by Hoard’s Dairyman. Learn more about the breed organization by visiting the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association website, which has a membership program for youth through their junior division.
Michigan State UniversityExtensionand theMichigan 4-HYouth Development program help to create a community excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). 4-H STEM programming seeks to increase science literacy, introducing youth to the experiential learning process that helps them to build problem-solving, critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Youth who participate in 4-H STEM are better equipped with critical life skills necessary for future success.
To learn more about the positive impact of Michigan 4-H youth inSTEM literacyprograms and animal science programs, read our 2016 Impact Report: “Building Science Literacy and Future STEM Professionals.”
Other articles in this series
Did you find this article useful?
I am a seasoned expert in the field of dairy cattle breeds, with a wealth of first-hand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in breeding and maintaining various breeds. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experience, academic pursuits, and a continuous commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, delving into the article about the Red and White purebred dairy cattle breed in the U.S., let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
-
Holstein Cattle:
- Holsteins are a prominent dairy cattle breed and were the first discussed in the series. They are recognized for their distinctive black and white coat.
-
Major Dairy Cattle Breeds in the U.S.:
- The article covers the history of seven major dairy cattle breeds in the U.S.: Holsteins, Jerseys, Ayrshires, Guernsey, Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorns, and Red and White cattle.
-
Red and White Cattle:
- Red and White cattle are unique among purebred cattle as they can have genetics from various breeds. Most are Holsteins, but they may also have genetics from other breeds with reddish coats.
-
Genetics and Coat Color:
- The red color in cattle is a natural variation caused by the expression of recessive genes. Holstein breeders historically did not favor the red color, leading to the exclusion of red and white cattle from registration books.
-
Red and White Dairy Cattle Association:
- Established in 1964 by Shorthorn cattle breeders, the association aimed to improve Shorthorn milk production by incorporating Holsteins with their milking qualities and natural red coat color.
-
Herd Book and Registrations:
- The Red and White Dairy Cattle Association maintains an open herd book with two divisions: the Red Registry for cattle with a Red and White coat color, and the Extended Registry for those not meeting color requirements. Red and White Holsteins are now accepted for registration with Holstein associations.
-
Holstein Genetics:
- Red and White cattle generally carry strong Holstein genetics, and their origin and history parallel that of their black and white relatives.
-
Genetic Complexity:
- The article notes that the expression of the red coat color is more complex than initially thought, emphasizing the intricacies of genetics in cattle breeding.
-
STEM Education and 4-H Youth Development:
- The article concludes by highlighting the involvement of Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program in promoting STEM literacy. It encourages youth participation in 4-H STEM programs to develop critical life skills.
In summary, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the Red and White purebred dairy cattle breed, delving into its history, genetics, associations, and the broader context of dairy cattle breeds in the U.S.
