Holstein cattle make up what percent of all dairy cattle in the U.S.?

Holstein cattle make up what percent of all dairy cattle in the U.S.?

• A. 80 percent
• B. 85 percent
• C. 90 percent
• D. 95 percent

Answer: (C)

Holstein cattle account for about 90 percent of all dairy cattle in the United States, making them the predominant breed in the dairy industry. This high percentage is largely due to Holsteins' excellent milk production capabilities, which have been optimized through selective breeding over many years. The breed is recognized for its striking black and white coloration and its ability to produce large quantities of milk, often exceeding 22,000 pounds per year for high-producing individuals. This dominance in the dairy industry is contrasted by other breeds like Jersey and Guernsey, which, although they contribute valuable characteristics such as higher butterfat content, do not have the same widespread prevalence. Thus, while many breeds contribute to the diversity of dairy production, Holsteins remain the cornerstone of the U.S. dairy sector.

Holstein cattle account for about 90 percent of all dairy cattle in the United States, making them the predominant breed in the dairy industry. This high percentage is largely due to Holsteins' excellent milk production capabilities, which have been optimized through selective breeding over many years. The breed is recognized for its striking black and white coloration and its ability to produce large quantities of milk, often exceeding 22,000 pounds per year for high-producing individuals.

This dominance in the dairy industry is contrasted by other breeds like Jersey and Guernsey, which, although they contribute valuable characteristics such as higher butterfat content, do not have the same widespread prevalence. Thus, while many breeds contribute to the diversity of dairy production, Holsteins remain the cornerstone of the U.S. dairy sector.