Which of the following lists four dairy cow breeds?

• A. Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Brown Swiss
• B. Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Brahman
• C. Brahman, Braford, Brangus, Beefmaster
• D. Holstein, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn

Answer: (A)

Dairy cattle are chosen for milk production and milk quality, so the best list is the one that includes classic dairy breeds. Holstein cows are the most productive milking breed, usually black and white in color. Jersey cows are smaller but renowned for very high milk fat content. Guernsey cows produce rich milk with good udder conformation, and Brown Swiss cows are large, sturdy cows that give substantial milk as well. The other options are dominated by beef breeds or beef-crosses (such as Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Brahman, Braford, Brangus, Beefmaster), and one of them even mixes a dairy breed with beef breeds, so they don’t represent four dairy breeds. Therefore, Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, and Brown Swiss form the four dairy cow breeds.