Information About Jersey Cows

The Jersey cow is a well-known breed of dairy cow that originated on the island of Jersey around the year 1700. The Jersey cow is an important asset of the dairy industry in the United States. Its ability to live in a variety of regions coupled with the length of time they can give milk makes the Jersey cow a valuable breed.

  1. Origin

    • Jersey cattle are native to the island of Jersey located in the English Channel between France and England. Due to their hardy nature, Jersey cattle can adapt to a variety of environments and can be found all over the world. Jersey cattle were brought to the United States around 1850 where they soon became a popular breed of dairy cow.

    Biology

    • A mature female Jersey cow weighs about 950 lb., while males weigh around 1,500 lb. Calves will weigh about 55 lb. at birth and will reach maturity faster than other breeds. Jerseys remain productive of milk longer than other breeds of dairy cows, and their tolerance of heat and weather allow them to give milk in a wide range of geographic regions and conditions.

    Dairy Industry

    • Jersey cows produce the highest quality of milk for human consumption. These cattle yield 20 to 25 percent more cheese, over 30 percent more butter, and 10 percent more nonfat dry milk on average than milk produced by other breeds, making Jersey cattle a typically profitable product and a quality provider of nutritious dairy.

    Size

    • Jersey cows are significantly smaller than their Holstein counterparts. Holsteins weigh anywhere from 1,300 to 1,500 lb., while Jerseys weigh from 950 to 1,100 lb. Their smaller size means a lower cost of maintenance to feed and an increase in stocking rate for farmers. A dairy farmer can stock greater numbers of producing Jersey cows than larger Holstein cows without increasing investment in facilities and land.

    Reproductive Rate

    • Jersey heifers can produce enough offspring to increase heard sizes by 13 percent a year. That means that a Jersey herd will double its size in six years or less. This growth rate takes into account the percentage of deaths in the herd per year. In comparison, Holstein cows see only about 5 percent growth per year. It takes 14 years for a Holstein herd to double its size.