The Advantages of Owning a Jersey Cow
Owning a Jersey Cow
Jersey cattle are small dairy breeds originally from the Channel Islands of Jersey. This is the southernmost of the English Channel islands. They are distinguished by their black, hard feet, reddish brown bodies, and small stature. The breed is famous for its high milk production and its ability to produce butterfat. It is one of the oldest and most popular dairy breeds in the world, with populations in more than 80 countries.
Among its advantages, the jersey cow produces more milk per unit of body weight than any other breed. This is a very important trait in areas where feed is a constraint. In addition, the Jersey cow produces more milk and more nutrients than other breeds. For example, the average Jersey produces 20-35 percent more protein and twenty percent more butterfat in its milk than the average cow. These features make it an attractive animal for many consumers, particularly those who are looking for a locally-produced product.
Although the Jersey cow has been known to be a successful dairy cow, the animal has undergone several changes over the past few decades. Some of these changes are the result of a focus on productivity. Specifically, the breed has developed in recent years to be more adaptable to many different climates and management practices. As such, it can also be a valuable and profitable livestock breed in agriculturally-developed nations where local forage is limited.
The Advantages of Owning a Jersey Cow
Today, Jersey cattle are mainly found in Australia, Canada, and the United States. In addition, they are exported to several other countries, including France, South Africa, and New Zealand. Most of them are fawn in colour, but there are many brown, white, and even black varieties.
When the Jersey breed first arrived in the United States in the nineteenth century, it was considered a closed breeding population. However, there are still some herds in the country. While these herds have been in the US for a long time, they have seen a steady increase in numbers in recent years.
Jerseys are an amiable breed, making them easy to manage. They are known to have a low rate of dystocia and calving difficulties. Furthermore, they are able to survive on a diet of locally-sourced forage, which results in less manure storage. They are very productive, requiring only about 80% of the daily input of a Holstein.
The Jersey herd has grown steadily in the US and Canada over the last few years. However, it has been difficult to keep up with demand for Jersey milk. Sargent Family Dairy in Ontario has been trying to respond to the market, but their facilities are not large enough. Nonetheless, the family is trying to meet the demand for Jersey dairy products.
Jerseys are also very attractive to consumers because they produce a lot of milk at a relatively low cost. Milk from Jerseys contains a high amount of calcium, protein, and trace elements. The higher fat content also results in a smoother product. A number of artisanal cheeses are being produced using Jersey milk.