6 Different Cow Breeds Grazing in Colorado

Cows, calves and bulls dot the landscape in Colorado. Ranging in colors and markings, most are raised for beef, while others produce milk. The terms may seem confusing, but they’re easy to decipher. Cows refer to female cattle that have produced a calf, which is a young cattle (less than a year old) of either sex. A bull refers to a male cattle that is old enough and ready to breed. All contribute to the state’s strong agriculture economy.

READ MORE: Why Colorado’s Cattle Graze on Forest Floors

Agriculture is the second-largest industry in the state and beef cattle are the top commodity in the ag sector. In 2016, cattle and calves earned $3.1 billion in cash receipts while dairy products and milk brought in $651 million.

Known as Aberdeen Angus around the world, the breed arose in Scotland. Solid black or red, Angus is valued for adaptability, health, and marbled meat.

Hereford

Simmental

From Switzerland, Simmental produce a naturally lean beef. They were one of the first continental breeds introduced in the U.S.

Limousin

Originally from France, the Limousin is a hardy and adaptable animal suited to meat production.

Jersey

From an island in the British Channel, Jerseys are smaller than Holsteins and produce a denser milk that is higher in butterfat.

Holstein

Recognizable by their black and white markings, Holsteins are known as a dairy cow and have the world’s highest milk productions.