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Milking Shorthorns

Last but not least, the Shorties. Probably have deeper American roots than any of the other dairy breeds. Originally used as oxen as well as the family milker.

I’ve had plenty Milking Shorthorns that are really good cows. Most have excellent feet and legs and milk well. Udders vary widely, some are poorly balanced others are very neat. The Shorthorns lost a lot of consistency when they allowed/promoted impure bulls. Overall they tend to be excellent grazers and pretty hardy. They can have poor fertility and be slow breeders.

Personality is usually strong, not dramatic like a Jersey and usually not dumb like Holstein. Shorties are smart business cows, and they have a memory. If you find a Shorty you like (and there’s a lot of them!) you will probably enjoy her many years. They have the prettiest coat patterns of all breeds and can have the most striking blue or black roan when crossed. They also make good beef animals. Milking Shorthorns are a very practical homestead type cow that are often overlooked, and probably the most genuine dual purpose breed.

In my experience they’re a2/a2 about as often as the Jerseys.


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