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Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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April 13, 1998
KEEP AN EYE PEELED FOR DAIRY COWS OF A DIFFERENT STRIPE
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Black and white dairy cows -- dominated by the Holstein breed -- are as common as red barns in Pennsylvania. These days, sharp-eyed travelers and commuters may be seeing black and white cows of a different stripe along the state's thoroughfares.
Photo courtesy Lancaster Farming.
A few dairy farmers in Pennsylvania are trying out Dutch Belted dairy cows, a breed distinguished in color by a wide swath of white hair encircling the animal's middle in an otherwise black coat. The large belt of white, which inspired the nickname "Oreo-cookie cows," makes this breed instantly recognizable to even the most agriculturally impaired observer.
"It's a unique and very eye-catching breed," says Larry Specht, professor emeritus of dairy science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "There are probably a few hundred Dutch Belted cows in Pennsylvania and about 1,000 in the country."
Specht says the breed was developed from black and white dairy cattle in Holland. Holstein cows, by far the most popular and productive dairy breed, share a common ancestry with Dutch Belted herds. In the 17th century, the nobility of Holland started a breeding program to preserve the striking belted color pattern.
"The nobility didn't really have to worry about milk prices or marketing," Specht explains. "They could afford to breed a cow just to preserve the color pattern. The belted characteristic is in the gene pool for several species, including Hampshire hogs, Belted Galloway beef cattle and Dutch Belted rabbits."
The modern Dutch Belted breed is intriguing to Pennsylvania farmers because some dairy operations are using rotational grazing methods as a way of reducing feed costs, and Dutch Belted cattle reputedly are good grazers. Although many producers have given testimonials to the grazing ability of Dutch Belted cattle, Specht points out that no scientific research has been done on the grazing ability and efficiency of any cattle breed.
"Dutch Belted owners say their cows are most efficient, but the same claim is made by the proponents of Holstein, Jersey and Ayrshire cattle," Specht says. "The grazing question is so caught up in opinion and testimonials that it's hard to sort out what's true and not true."
Specht says Dutch Belted cattle may become more popular in the next few years if the breeding of Dutch Belted bulls to Holsteins and other cows results in superior performance. If not, the breed probably will remain an intriguing "hobby" breed. "The breed appeals to dairymen who like having something different from the guy down the road," he says.
Specht says 92 of every 100 dairy cows in Pennsylvania are Holsteins, mainly because of their superior milk production. Jersey cattle comprise about 5 percent, with Ayrshire, Brown Swiss and Guernsey breeds each representing about 1 percent of the state's dairy cows.
He says another cattle breed with an eye-catching profile is the Lineback. These are Holstein cows bred for solid color on their sides, with a solid white stripe down the back.
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EDITORS: For more information, contact Larry Specht at 814-863-3910.
Contacts:
John Wall
jtw3@psu.edu
814-863-2719
814-865-1068 fax