American Guernsey Breed Registry
By American Guernsey Association
Last reviewed: December 2025
The official breed registry for Guernsey cattle in the United States, promoting the Golden Guernsey breed known for high-component, golden-colored milk.
The American Guernsey Association (AGA) has served the Guernsey breed since 1877, maintaining the American Guernsey Herd Register and promoting these distinctive golden-colored cattle. Originating from the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel, the breed is known for producing rich, golden-hued milk.
Guernseys produce milk naturally high in beta-carotene (giving it a golden color), with excellent butterfat and protein levels. Their moderate size makes them efficient converters of feed to milk, and they're known for easy calving and good fertility.
The Association provides registration services, genetic improvement programs, and marketing support including the trademarked Golden Guernsey brand.
Key Features
- Herd Registration: Official pedigree documentation for Guernsey cattle
- Golden Guernsey Trademark: Marketing support for Golden Guernsey branded products
- Genetic Programs: Type classification and performance testing programs
- National Shows: All-American Guernsey Show and regional breed events
- Guernsey Breeders' Journal: Official breed publication with news and genetics
Advanced Features
- Linear Classification: Official type evaluation by trained classifiers
- Genetic Evaluations: CDCB evaluations for Guernsey breed
- Genomic Testing: Support for genomic testing and parent verification
- Youth Programs: Junior Guernsey activities and scholarships
- Marketing Support: Golden Guernsey licensing and promotional materials
Ideal For
Farm Types: Specialty dairy producers, Grass-based operations, Small to medium family farms, Value-added dairy businesses, Show cattle enthusiasts
Competitive Advantages
What sets Guernsey Breed Registry apart from alternatives:
- Unique golden milk color from high beta-carotene content
- Excellent efficiency - high components per pound of body weight
- Easy calving and good fertility reducing reproductive costs
- Strong grazing ability for pasture-based systems
- Golden Guernsey trademark provides marketing differentiation
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Guernsey Breed Registry:
Annual membership required with per-animal registration fees.
Pricing Model: per-head
Discounts for multiple registrations.
Pros & Considerations
- Official registration for Guernsey cattle
- Pedigree documentation and genealogy
- Breed improvement programs
- Show and classification services
- Supports A2A2 beta-casein marketing
- Smaller breed population limits marketing options
- Registration fees required
- Primarily focused on purebred animals
- Limited services compared to larger associations
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Guernsey Breed Registry on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Registration typically processed within 1-2 weeks
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Guernsey Breed Registry:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Guernsey Breed Registry:
- Are you interested in specialty or value-added dairy products?
- Does the unique golden milk color offer marketing advantages for you?
- Is moderate cow size and efficiency important for your operation?
- Would Golden Guernsey trademark licensing benefit your business?
- Do you operate a grass-based or grazing dairy?
- Are you interested in show cattle or selling breeding stock?
- Do young people want to participate in Junior Guernsey activities?