Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Why are Holstein cows so popular?
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images
Photograph of a Holstein-Friesian cow
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Photograph of a Holstein-Friesian cow
Holstein-Friesian cow Although the breed carries the genes for a red-and-white coat, the Holstein-Friesian has long been selectively bred for its distinctive coat of black and white.

Why are Holstein cows so popular?

Written by
Urnesha Bhattacherjee
Associate Editor, Britannica India
Urnesha Bhattacherjee
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

The black-and-white cow on the milk carton, the billboard, and the children’s picture books is almost always a Holstein-Friesian, and that is not a quirk of illustration. One of the main reasons why Holstein cows are popular is that they produce more milk than any other dairy breed in the United States dairy industry. Roughly 9 in 10 dairy cows in the United States descend from Holstein stock, and the breed is found in more...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile