Illawarra

The Illawarra is an Australian dairy breed that began as the Illawarra Shorthorn in the coastal dairy districts of New South Wales. It was developed from milking Shorthorn cattle and selected locally for pasture dairying, with red dairy influence added in some lines as the breed modernized. Illawarras are usually rich red, roan, or red and white, with medium to large dairy frames, capacious udders, and enough substance to raise useful calves. The breed is valued for milk with solid components, grazing ability, and suitability to warm Australian conditions.

In practice, Illawarras are managed much like other dairy cattle, but they are often chosen by farms wanting red cattle that can work in grass-based or mixed feeding systems. Udder attachment, feet, fertility, cell counts, and temperament are worth examining before selecting replacements because color alone says little about herd usefulness. Shade, water, and fly control matter in hot areas, and heavier bulls need proper yards and experienced handling. Breed societies and herdbooks operate in Australia and other countries, with variation in what outside blood or grading-up is accepted.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow