Guernsey

The Guernsey is a dairy cattle breed from the Isle of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, developed from island cattle influenced by nearby French stock. Guernseys are medium-sized, usually fawn, golden, or reddish with white markings, and their milk is naturally rich in butterfat, protein, and yellow beta-carotene. That golden color made the breed useful for butter and cheese makers, while its moderate frame and generally quiet nature suited smaller dairies and pasture-based farms.

Guernsey herds are managed for milk quality rather than maximum volume. They often do well on grass, but production still depends on adequate feed, clean water, foot care, and comfortable housing in wet or hot weather. Cows are commonly appreciated for calving ease and longevity, though udder attachment, teat placement, mastitis history, and fertility should be checked in breeding animals. Buyers may compare registered lines for milk solids, grazing performance, and traits such as A2 beta-casein if that matters to the farm's market.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Golden, Gray, Light Yellow to Dark Fawn with White Markings, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow