Characteristics of Holstein-Friesian

The world highest milk  production dairy breed is Holstein -Friesian. They are Often called Friesian in Europe and Holstein in America.
Origin and distribution  : Northern provinces of North  Holland and  Friesland. It is distributed all over the world.
1.Physical characteristics :
• Colour : Typically  white and black or white and red in colour. All four leg and lower part of tail being white
• Size: Large, heavy animal with both dairy  and beef characteristics
• Weight :Male:700 to 900 kg
Female :500 to 700 kg
Calves at birth : 45 to 50 kg
• Height : 58 inches
• Head is long, narrow and straight with slightly rounded wither
• Clean-cut, broad muzzle , open nostril , strong jaw, broad and moderately dished forehead, straight bridge nose.
• Contain  All ideal characteristics of a dairy cow
2. Dairy characteristics
• Average gestation period : 280
• Age of first bred : 15 month
• Age of first calving: 24- 27 month
• Calving interval: 12-13 month
• Milk production : 6000- 7000 L/lactation period
• Lactation period : 305 days
• Buffer fat % : 2.5-4.3%, average :3%