Irish Friesian
(local/other name)

(most common name):
• Holstein-Friesian
(transboundary/brand name):
• Holstein (black and white)
(local/other name):
• Friesian

The Irish Friesian initially developed from imported Dutch Friesian cattle. Since the 1980s, the influence of imported Holsteins has changed their genetics and purebred Irish Friesians without Holstein blood have apparently disappeared.

Today, the Irish Friesian population consists mainly of imported Holstein-Friesians from New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-18

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Ireland and read about other Irish cattle breeds.

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