Exotic breeds

• Major breeds of dairy cattle in the world

  • Holstein-Friesian
  • Ayrshire
  • Brown Swiss
  • Guernsey
  • Jersey
• All of these major dairy breeds are originated in Europe
• They are outstanding milk producers
• Most popular exotic cattle breeds in Ethiopia

  • Holstein
  • Jersey
• Holstein Friesian


  • Well known for their higher milk yield
  • Friesian teat size is often preferred by farmers for both hand and machine milking
• Jersey


  • Most heat-tolerant of the exotic breeds
  • Good pasture animals in harsh environments
• Holstein Friesian (HF)


  • Originated in the Netherlands
  • Have a Black and White or Red and White color pattern
  • Friesians are large, angular animals
  • Require more feed than other dairy breeds
  • Outstanding milk producers
  • Produce more than 6600 litres of milk per lactation
  • Milk is low in terms of butterfat (average 3.6%) and protein (average 3.2%)
• Jersey


  • Originated in the Island of Jersey, in the United Kingdom
  • Small-sized breed, with light gray to a dark fawn coat color
  • Well-shaped udders, stronger udder attachments and ease of calving
  • Milk is the richest when it comes to butterfat (average 5%) and protein (3.8%)
  • They require less feed than HF breed
  • They are good foragers