Dairy cows are bred for their ability to produce milk from which dairy foods are made. In the U.S., there are seven different dairy cow breeds: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn and Red and White Holstein.

The beef industry includes breeding, feeding, and marketing cattle with the eventual processing and merchandising of retail products to consumers. The process involves many people and utilizes numerous biological and economic resources.

Dual purpose breeds are considered acceptable for both milk and beef, but are less productive and efficient at both. Many heritage breeds fall into this category.

In the past, most farmers didn't specialize in meat or dairy. Livestock that served both purposes were vital.

The VDHMA considers "Draft Breed" as breeds conventionally considered to be animals that have traditionally been bred over the centuries to pull a load.

Therefore, "draft" animals are not necessarily two-ton behemoths, but are also smaller breeds such as Fell Ponies and Gypsy Horses.