Facts About Jersey Cows You Won't Believe You Didn't Know Until Now

Here's a Jersey Superstar!

Mainstream Barkley Jubilee is a true Jersey superstar. She is the proud owner of the top two records for the highest milk production by a Jersey cow. She produced nearly 50,000 lbs of milk after calving at 3 years and 6 months of age, and close to 56,000 lbs after calving at 4 years and 8 months old.

Origin and Adaptability

Jersey cows are famous for producing lots of very rich milk. The breed originated on the Island of Jersey, a British territory in the English Channel, off the coast of France. It is one of the oldest dairy breeds in the world, kept as a purebred for close to six centuries.

Jerseys are highly adaptable. They can thrive all over the world, in almost any climate. Jersey herds do well in the mild climate of continental Europe, and they can also flourish in the tropical heat of Brazil or India.

Jersey Cattle Characteristics and Information

The Jersey is relatively diminutive in size averaging about 900 lbs in weight.

It is commonly brown in color. However, its coloring can range from gray to a muted black, which is known as Mulberry. They can also have white patches spread over the entire body.

Breeders today do not discriminate between the solid and broken colors, although there seems to be a slight preference for the solid colored ones.

A true mark of a Jersey is understood to be its black nose, lined by a light, almost white muzzle.

Another striking feature of the breed are its hard black feet, which are not as prone to lameness as some of the other breeds.

Despite their small size, Jersey cows are renowned for their ease of calving. This means that they are often crossed with the larger beef breeds.

Studies carried out in Denmark show this breed to be less prone to several diseases, as compared to other dairy breeds.

Science tells us that Jersey cows are very efficient milk producers. They can make a lot of milk even when their food supply is limited. This makes them a smart choice for farmers in both wealthy and developing countries around the world.

Jersey milk is special even compared to other cows. Studies have shown that it contains 18% more protein, 20% more calcium, and 25% more butterfat than milk from most other breeds.

Their ability to handle different climates (especially hot ones) only adds to their excellent reputation. In tropical countries, Jerseys are sometimes crossed with local breeds to improve milk production.

Jersey bulls are small compared to other dairy breeds, but they are very muscular. They are strongly built around their neck and shoulders. While Jersey cows are known for their calm, friendly temperament, Jersey bulls have the opposite reputation. They are considered the most aggressive of the common cattle breeds, and become very hard to handle once they pass the age of 18 months.

Most cattle live between 18 to 22 years. But Jerseys tend to live longer, often reaching 25 years or beyond. The oldest known Jersey cow reached the age of 37, and spent her final years at an animal rescue center in the United Kingdom.

Like all living beings, a Jersey's lifespan depends a lot on how she is cared for. Cows raised on pasture tend to live healthier, longer lives than those fed mostly on grain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Jersey cows come from?

The Island of Jersey, a British territory in the English Channel off the coast of France.

How much do Jersey cows weigh?

Jersey cows are relatively small, averaging about 900 lbs in weight.

How long do Jersey cows live?

Jerseys tend to live longer than most cattle, often reaching 25 years or beyond. The oldest known Jersey reached 37.

What is special about Jersey cow milk?

Jersey milk contains 18% more protein, 20% more calcium, and 25% more butterfat than milk from most other breeds.

Take the Jersey Cow Quiz!

5 quick questions. How much do you really know about the world's best dairy cow?

Start Quiz

Explore More Animals

Surprisingly Awesome Facts About Limousin CattleLimousin cattle are raised for their meat in more than 70 countries across the world. AnimalSake gives you some facts and information about this hardy cattle br Fascinatingly Crazy Facts About Texas Longhorn CattleTexas Longhorns are renowned the world over for their remarkably long horns and lean meat, which has less saturated fat compared to other breeds. AnimalSake lis Facts You Must Know (But Perhaps Don't) About Highland CattleHighland cattle facts: the ancient Scottish breed with a double shaggy coat, curved horns, and the leanest beef around. Discover what makes Highlanders so remar Cow BreedsThe different breeds of cows are mainly classified as taurine, zebu and hybrids. A short account of various cow breeds is presented in this article.