holstein

Everyday

1. A breed of large black-and-white dairy cow (also called Holstein-Friesian or Friesian in the UK), famous for giving a lot of milk. tree →
2. (a name) Holstein, a region in northern Germany, part of Schleswig-Holstein. tree →

In the lessons

In farming and science lessons, Holsteins are the most common dairy cows in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand; the classic cartoon cow with black and white patches is a Holstein. Phrases: Holstein cows, Holstein-Friesian.

Examples

• A Holstein cow can give over 30 litres of milk a day. tree →
• The black-and-white cows on the farm are Holsteins. tree →
• In the UK people often call them Friesians. tree →
• The breed came from Holstein in Germany and Friesland in the Netherlands. tree →
• Each Holstein has its own pattern of patches. tree →

Note

Capital H. Pronounced HOHL-styne or HOHL-steen. If one cow gives 30 litres a day, 10 cows give 300 litres: multiply. Not all black-and-white cows are Holsteins.