Jersey

Despite important research, the actual origin of the cattle first brought to Jersey Island is unknown. Most research recognizes that Jersey's homeland is the French Riviera where the cattle of Normandy and Brittany that resemble Jersey exist.

It is known that the Jerseys are available on the mainland of England since 1741, probably earlier than that too. Then, they were known as Alderneys.

Today, the Jersey breed is the second most common dairy cattle breed in the world. In Jersey itself, there are a total of fewer than 6000 Jerseys around 4000 of which are adult milch cows. The purity of the breed on the island is maintained with a strict ban imposed on imports. This import ban is in force for nearly 150 years. There are no other cattle breeds on the island.

Jerseys are famous for their high-quality milk which is especially rich in protein, minerals, and elements. It is also rich as to color provided naturally out of carotene which is an extract derived from grasses. Jerseys have the quality to accommodate several types of climate, environment and management applications.

Features

It is usually light brown in color; however, this can range from almost gray to dull black, which is known as Mulberry. They may also have white spots that can cover most of the animal's skin. But a true Jersey will always have a black nose that is bounded by an almost white mouth shadow.

Jersey's hard black hooves' injury trend is very low.

Its size is relatively small, it is approximately 400 to 450 kg in weight, has a good and strong body.

Statistics

Jersey produces milk components at a lower cost than other large breeds.

It has very rare or no calving problem, it has a higher fertility, a shorter calving interval, and a sooner maturity acquisition.

Jersey stays in the herd longer than any other dairy breeds.

When processed as cheese and other value-added products, Jersey milk has more nutritional value as well as the highest revenue and higher efficiency.

Jersey milk finds buyers at the highest price in many markets.

Jersey performs well in a broad system and is renowned for its high feed conversion efficiency.

Jersey milk is unique in many ways. As a product, its content has 18% more protein, 20% more calcium, 25% more milk fat than "average" milk.

It is well known that jerseys are less prone to injury due to their black hoof color that makes their hooves very hard. Since Jersey is a lightweight breed, it may be less problematic in terms of injuries.

A good temperament is important in the dairy cows. Rapid production volume takes precedence in today's modern milking rooms. Bad behaviors of an animal that kicks the units constantly, will cause unwanted delays and even damage to expensive equipment. Jersey is thought to have one of the best temperaments among dairy breeds, of course, this mostly depends on the care of animals.

The results obtained from various research, show that Jerseys are less susceptible to mastitis; in Florida dairy herds, for example, mastitis and udder diseases are more widespread among Holsteins (51% of cows) than Jerseys (22%).