About Fresian Red and White Cattle

Photo source: www.redpiedfriesiancattle.com

In the 18th century, herds of small black-and-white cattle were brought into northern Holland and Friesland from northern Jutland. They were brought to replace cattle that had fallen victim to disease and flooding. Those cattle were crossed with Dutch cattle and so were developed Friesian Cattle.

Both black-pied and red-pied Friesian Cattle were maintained separately until the establishment of the Netherlands herdbook in 1873 and the Friesland herdbook in 1879. Black-pied cattle were preferred, especially in the United States, which led to further segregation of red-pied animals. Today only small number of Red Friesian Cattle exists, in the Netherlands.

During the 1970's Holsteins were imported into the Netherlands from the United States and were crossbred with black pied Friesian cattle. The result was larger cattle with better milk production. Today most Friesians are 25% to 75% Holstein.

Even though Friesian Cattle are mainly dairy cattle, surplus males are highly regarded for high-quality lean meat. Beef cross heifers have long been sought after as the ideal suckler dam replacement.

Friesian cattle are generally found in the Netherlands, USA, and the UK, although semen exports are increasingly popular.