Pure Breeds of Oxen
Jersey
The Jersey is a common first team for youngsters, but mature animals are not often seen in the yoke. Jerseys are curious by nature, and are a little more headstrong than some of the other breeds. Although they make fine oxen, their small size and light muscling make them unattractive to the teamster looking for rugged working cattle. Jerseys are easier to match than some other breeds, and in recent years have been inexpensive to obain at many Jersey dairy farms.
| color— | any shade of brown, sometimes marked with black or white |
| average mature weight— | ox: 1,600# |
| bull: 1,500# | |
| cow: 1,000# | |
| temperament— | moderately active and excitable |
| association— | American Jersey Cattle Association |
| web resource— | Oklahoma State University |
|
|
|
Lineback (Gloucester type)
The Lineback is a medium-sized breed that is considered dual-purpose (meat and milk). It is a rare breed of striking color that is desired by teamsters seeking easily matched teammates. The Lineback temperament is not as easy going as that of some breeds, but it is appreciated by teamsters looking for more zip in their animals.
| color— | black with white stripe down back & belly |
| average mature weight— | ox: 2,000# |
| bull: 1,800# | |
| cow: 1,200# | |
| temperament— | moderately active and excitable |
| associations— | American Lineback Dairy Cattle Registry |
| The Randall Cattle Registry Inc. | |
| web resource— | Randall Lineback |
|
|
|
in Kalamazoo, Michigan (photo by Drew Conroy).
Milking Shorthorn
The Milking Shorthorn has been one of the most sought-after breeds for use as oxen in New England during the last century. This medium-size breed is easy to train, especially when raised as calves. Many teamsters believe this breed is hard to beat for good all-around oxen. The modern Milking Shorthorn has been interbred with the Holstein, and may be larger and more angular than animals in the recent past.
| color— | red, red & white, white, or roan |
| average mature weight— | ox: 2,300# |
| bull: 2,100# | |
| cow: 1,400# | |
| temperament— | moderately docile |
| association— | American Milking Shorthorn Society |
| web resource— | Oklahoma State University |
| American Livestock Breeds Conservancy |