American Milking Shorthorn Registry
By American Milking Shorthorn Society
Last reviewed: December 2025
The official breed registry for Milking Shorthorn cattle in the United States, promoting this dual-purpose breed valued for both dairy production and beef...
The American Milking Shorthorn Society (AMSS) maintains the herd registry for Milking Shorthorn cattle, a dual-purpose breed that originated in northeastern England. Milking Shorthorns were among the first improved cattle breeds in America, with historical significance in developing American agriculture.
The breed excels in both milk production and beef value, making bull calves and cull cows more valuable than single-purpose dairy breeds. Their moderate size, easy calving, and efficient feed conversion suit pasture-based and low-input systems.
AMSS provides registration services, genetic programs, and promotes the breed through national shows and sales.
Key Features
- Breed Registration: Official pedigree documentation for Milking Shorthorns
- Dual-Purpose Programs: Recognition of both dairy and beef traits in breeding programs
- National Shows: All-American Milking Shorthorn Show and breed events
- Youth Programs: Junior Milking Shorthorn activities and awards
- Shorthorn World Magazine: Shared publication covering Milking Shorthorn news
Advanced Features
- Linear Classification: Type evaluation for breeding decisions
- Genetic Evaluations: CDCB evaluations for dairy traits
- Beef Merit Tracking: Documentation of beef characteristics for dual-purpose selection
- Genomic Testing: Support for genomic parent verification and trait evaluation
- Historical Records: Access to archived pedigrees and breed history
Ideal For
Farm Types: Dual-purpose operations, Grass-based dairies, Small farms, Heritage breed enthusiasts, Direct-market beef producers
Competitive Advantages
What sets Milking Shorthorn Registry apart from alternatives:
- Dual-purpose genetics provide both milk income and beef value
- Bull calves and cull cows worth significantly more than single-purpose dairy breeds
- Excellent feed efficiency on pasture and forage-based diets
- Easy calving reduces labor and veterinary costs
- Rich heritage and historical significance in American agriculture
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Milking Shorthorn Registry:
Annual membership with per-animal registration fees.
Pricing Model: per-head
Volume discounts available.
Pros & Considerations
- Official Milking Shorthorn registration
- Preserves dual-purpose breed heritage
- Breed improvement programs
- Classification and genetic services
- Strong breed community
- Smaller breed with limited market reach
- Registration fees required
- Fewer animals limits genetic selection
- Regional service availability varies
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Milking Shorthorn Registry on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Registration typically processed within 2 weeks
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Milking Shorthorn Registry:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Milking Shorthorn Registry:
- Do you value cattle that produce quality milk AND have beef value?
- Is capturing value from bull calves important to your operation?
- Do you operate a pasture-based or low-input system?
- Are you interested in heritage breeds and agricultural history?
- Would dual-purpose marketing benefit your farm income?
- Do you direct-market beef to consumers?
- Are young people interested in showing Milking Shorthorns?