Best breeds for particular purposes

Best cows for cream and earning their keep: Jersey

This bovine beauty has long dark lashes, a soot-black nose and butterscotch body, but she's not just a pretty face. Jersey cows' milk contains 25 per cent more butterfat than average milk, resulting in a richer taste. Great served with scones and jam or even stirred into a recipe for fudge. While they do tend to yield less than other breeds, this is more than made up for by their high resistance to disease, and happy-go-lucky nature.

Jerseys have a strong constitution, so you shouldn't have to worry about big vets' bills. Its lifespan is on average 10 per cent longer than those of other dairy breeds, and as it matures earlier and calves regularly and easily, it will line your pockets for longer. They produce less milk than Friesians, but what they do provide is much creamier.