5. Canadienne
This small, adaptable breed makes abundant and good-quality milk without expensive feed or labor-intensive farming. As their name suggests, Canadiennes were bred in Canada from European breeds imported in the 1600s, when farmers in Quebec wanted a cow suited to their climate. The breed has enjoyed something of a revival, with the terms Black Jersey and Black Canadienne used interchangeably. They’re small and hardy with mild temperaments. They can also be good sources of lean meat . . . when the time comes.
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