Physical Characteristics
Holsteins have distinctive markings and outstanding milk production. They are large, black-and-white marked animals that can be anywhere from mostly black to mostly white, or they can also be red and white.
A healthy calf weighs 40 to 45 kg or more at birth. A mature Holstein cow typically weighs 580 kg, and stands 147 cm (58 inches) tall at the shoulder. Holstein heifers should be bred by 15 months of age, when they weigh over 360 kg. Generally, breeders plan for Holstein heifers to calve for the first time between 23 and 26 months of age. The gestation period is about nine and a half months.
Read more about this topic: Holstein Cattle
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