Polled Holsteins
Polled Holsteins are cattle born without horns but only occur in a small portion of Holstein cattle. The Holstein breed can go through selective breeding to produce polled calves. Polled is a natural trait for Holsteins but have not been bred for specifically. That is why a very small percentage of Holsteins are naturally polled. Bulls and cows can both carry the polled trait and pass it on to the progeny. Previous testing for polledness were not completely accurate because it was not looking for the gene directly until later discovered. Polled, also known as 'hornless' can result in the growth of scurs which are small loose horn growths that do not develop.
| Life Span | 18-22 years |
| Weight | 450-900 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Polled Holsteins
Finding a responsible Polled Holsteins breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells cattles commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Polled Holsteins. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Polled Holsteinss appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Polled Holsteins breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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