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Dairy vs. Beef Cattle – Do Looks Matter?

How the physical appearance of cattle plays a role.  

Not all cattle breeds are the same. Just like how bodybuilders and marathon runners look very different, dairy and beef cattle have unique physical traits based on what they are bred for. 

For example, think about an Angus beef cow and a Holstein dairy cow. When you put them side by side, their differences are clear because of their special purposes and genetics. 

The Angus beef cow is like a bodybuilder. It’s strong,muscular, and bred for meat production. These cows need big muscles and some body fat to provide high-quality beef. Just like bodybuilders, they have thick, well-developed muscles that give them a strong and sturdy look.

On the other hand, the Holstein dairy cow is more like a marathon runner. It’s lean, slim, and doesn’t carry much extra fat. Dairy cows are bred to make milk, so their energy goes into milk production instead of building muscle. That’s why they look thinner than beef cows, as most of their feed gets turned into milk.

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