How to Care for a Jersey Cow

Jersey cows are popular for their high-quality milk and butterfat products. These cows can easily be adapted to many different environments including Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Canada and South America. Jerseys also produce the most milk per pound in relation to body weight as compared to any other breed. If you are getting a Jersey cow, then it is important that you provide it with the right habitat and diet so it can thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Fenced pasture
  • Water trough
  • Food trough
  • Hay Grain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your field for the Jersey cow. Edge the pasture with woven or barbed wire fencing which is at least 48 inches tall to prevent the cow from escaping. Allow two acres of space per pair of cows. Make sure there is enough grass for them to graze. If the grass is shorter, allow one cow per acre.

    • 2

      Position a water trough in a convenient location in the pasture such as against the wall of a shed or underneath a tree. Ensure the trough is within reaching distance of a hosepipe. Fill the trough with clean water and make sure it remains full to keep the cow hydrated. Change the water daily, or if it becomes brown or full of debris.

    • 3

      Place the feeding trough close to the water trough. The cow feeds on hay and grain. Allow between 11 to 15 lb. of grain per daily feeding of each cow. Monitor if this is too much or too little by noting how much and how often the cow eats. Decrease or increase the amount of feed accordingly.

    • 4

      Put two bales of hay in the center of the pasture. Allow the cow to graze as necessary and ensure there is an ample amount of available hay.

    • 5

      Pay regular attention to your Jersey cow so it becomes used to being handled.

    • 6

      Monitor the health and well-being of the Jersey cow. Seek help from a veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior or physical appearance. Run your hand along her back and ribcage to check that the cow is not too thin or overweight. For example, if the cow becomes reclusive and stops eating, this could indicate a stomach problem.