Pure Breeds of Oxen
Guernsey
Guernseys are not often used as draft animals, but their calm easy-going attitude makes them ideal for beginning teamsters, and their good size makes them fine animals for the small farm or homestead. Since the Guernsey is a lean, dairy type animal, choose calves that are as rugged as possible, with strong feet and straight legs.
| color— | brown or fawn with white patches |
| average mature weight— | ox: 1,800# |
| bull: 1,700# | |
| cow: 1,100-1,200# | |
| temperament— | easy going |
| association— | American Guernsey Association |
| web resource— | Oklahoma State University |
| American Livestock Breeds Conservancy | |
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Horned Hereford
The horned Hereford is a favorite among Nova Scotian ox teamsters, who prefer the head yoke over the neck yoke more commonly used in the United States. The Hereford is generally calm and easy going, and tends to carry a little more flesh than dual-purpose or dairy breeds. Like any breed, the earlier these cattle are handled and trained to the yoke, the better.
| color— | dark red with white face |
| average mature weight— | ox: 2,200# |
| bull: 2,200# | |
| cow: 1,540# | |
| temperament— | easy going |
| associations— | American Hereford Association |
| Canadian Hereford Association | |
| web resource— | Oklahoma State University |
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Holstein
The Holstein is the most popular dairy breed in the United States, therefore is easy for a teamster to find in most areas. Holsteins have an agreeable disposition and as oxen they get quite large. The breed comes in many color patterns, most commonly black and white, but sometimes red and white.
| color— | black and white or red and white |
| average mature weight— | ox: 2,500# |
| bull: 2,300# | |
| cow: 1,500# | |
| temperament— | docile |
| associations— | Holstein Association USA |
| Red and White Dairy Cattle Association | |
| web resource— | Oklahoma State University |