Different Colors of Jersey Cows

Jersey cattle, are an old breed of cattle dating back more than six centuries. These cattle were originally known as Alderney cattle, coming from the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. These cattle are great milk producers and come in a variety of colors.

  1. Coat Colors

    • Jersey cattle may come in a variety of colors, but the prominent color is a fawn or light brown. Jersey cattle may be anything from mouse color (a very light gray) to a dark fawn (almost black) color. Medium brown, brownish red and reddish black are very common in Jersey cattle as well as other cattle such as the Brown Swiss and Brahman.

    Patterns

    • Most Jersey cattle are solid in color, but may be brindle and brown splashed with white. Breeders prefer solid colors over so-called "broken" patterns slightly more, but there is no difference as to the quality of the animal nor the production of its milk. Brindle Jersey cattle have a striped pattern that is more pronounced than a flecked pattern, called a "roan." They often have a main lighter color with a darker striping pattern.

    Markings

    • Jersey cattle are often more darkly colored on the shoulders and hips. They may have light colored hair on the noses. They are typically lighter along the belly and underside of the legs. Many breeders prefer them to have a dark tail, called a switch, and dark tongues, but this is a matter of preference. The skin of Jersey cattle is black, and thus the skin of their noses is black.

    Identification

    • The color of the Jersey cattle can be used to identify them. Brindling is only found in the Jersey cattle, Brown Swiss, Brahman, Braunvieh and Chianina breeds. Jersey cattle have black skin and lighter coats, dark noses, and lighter frames than other cattle. They are mostly used in milk production.