East Friesian

It developed in the 19th century on the grass-rich coast between northern Germany and the English Channel; it has been a breed in its own right since 1892 and under performance recording since 1926. It prefers good pasture, a humid climate and small-group keeping.

A demanding breed: in Hungary it acclimatises with difficulty because of the dry climate, poor pasture and large-group keeping. It develops fast and can lamb at one year. In Germany, after weaning lambs at 4–8 weeks, it gives 500–700 kg of milk in a 260-day lactation, up to 1,200 kg in better flocks; prolificacy is 2.2–2.5. It is an excellent crossing partner to improve milk yield.

A robust, large, typical dairy breed with a fine head and large, almost translucent ears; both sexes are polled. Wool grows only on the neck and body, and the legs are long and thin. The tail of about 30 cm is covered with short hair, and the udder is well developed and well attached. There are white and brown/black varieties.