Jerseys

The Jersey cow is quite small ranging from only 400–500 kg (880–1,100 pounds). Jerseys come in all shades of brown, from light tan to almost black. They are frequently fawn in colour. All purebred Jerseys have a lighter band around their muzzle, a dark switch (long hair on the end of the tail), and black hooves, although in recent years colour regulations have been relaxed to allow a broadening of the gene pool. Reasons for the Jersey’s popularity is largely thanks to their greater economy of milk production due to: high fertility, high butterfat conditions, 4.84% butterfat and 3.95% protein, and the ability to thrive on locally produced food. The option to carry a larger number of effective milking cows per unit area due to lower body weight, hence lower maintenance requirements, and superior grazing ability. Calving ease and a relatively lower rate of dystocia, leading to their popularity in crossbreeding with other dairy and even beef breeds to reduce calving related injuries.