Buyer question
Are Holstein cattle good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Holstein cattle 2 out of 5 for beginners (A lot of cow).
Source: the Holstein cattle page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Holstein cattle in the Animal Library
The detail
Holsteins are the black-and-white dairy cow that produces most US milk, bred in the Netherlands and northern Germany for volume. A family cow will give far more milk than most homes can use, so plan for the surplus.
- Temperament
- Docile cows
- Best fit
- Commercial dairy, steers
- Docility
- 4 out of 5 (Cows calm; bulls not)
- Upkeep
- 5 out of 5 (Milking twice daily)
- Hardiness
- 2 out of 5 (Needs high feed)
What to weigh
Twice-daily milking, high feed needs and metabolic problems like milk fever and ketosis come with the volume. Dairy bulls are among the most dangerous farm animals.