A Complete Guide to Caring for Jersey Cows

Jersey cows are one of the most popular dairy breeds in the UK, known for their gentle temperament, compact size, and exceptional milk quality. Originally from the Channel Island of Jersey, these cows have gained a reputation for producing rich, creamy milk with a high butterfat content, making them a favourite among smallholders, farmers, and artisan dairy producers.

If you’re considering keeping Jersey cows, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for this breed, including housing, feeding, health care, and breeding.

A Brief History of Jersey Cows

The Jersey cow breed originated on the island of Jersey in the English Channel, where strict regulations were put in place to preserve the purity of the breed as far back as the 18th century. Over time, Jersey cows became known for their high-quality milk and ability to thrive on pasture-based farming systems.

Jerseys are now one of the most popular dairy breeds worldwide and are especially valued in the UK for their smaller size, hardiness, and superior milk.

Key Characteristics of Jersey Cows

Jersey cows have several distinctive traits that make them a popular choice for smallholders and dairy farmers.

• Size: Jerseys are smaller than other dairy breeds, with mature cows typically weighing between 400-500kg, and bulls weighing up to 800kg.
• Coat Colour: Their coats range from light fawn to deep brown, often with white markings. They also have a distinctive black nose and white muzzle.
• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, and curious. They are known for their docile nature, making them easy to handle.
• Milk Production: Jerseys produce milk with a butterfat content of 4.5-5.5%, significantly higher than other dairy breeds. This makes their milk ideal for producing cream, butter, cheese, and yoghurt.
• Lifespan: With good care, Jerseys can live for 15-20 years, although their most productive years are typically the first 8-10 years.

Housing for Jersey Cows

Providing appropriate housing is essential to keep your Jersey cows comfortable, healthy, and productive.

Shelter Requirements

• Size: Ensure your shelter or barn provides at least 6-8 square metres per cow. Jerseys are smaller than other dairy breeds, but they still need adequate space to move around.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues. Ensure the shelter is well-ventilated but free from draughts.
• Bedding: Use straw, sawdust, or sand as bedding. Keep the bedding dry and clean to prevent infections and ensure the cows are comfortable.

Pasture Management

• Jerseys are well-suited to pasture-based systems and enjoy grazing. Ensure your pasture is well-maintained, with access to fresh grass and shaded areas.
• Rotational Grazing: Rotate your grazing areas to prevent overgrazing and allow the pasture to recover.

Feeding Jersey Cows

Jersey cows have high nutritional needs to support their milk production. Providing a balanced diet is essential for maintaining their health and productivity.

Diet

• Forage: The majority of a Jersey cow’s diet should consist of good-quality forage such as grass, hay, or silage. Forage provides the fibre they need to maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Concentrates: Supplement their diet with concentrates, especially during lactation, to provide additional energy and protein. Choose a feed formulated for dairy cows to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Provide a balanced mineral supplement to support overall health and milk production. Cows should also have access to a salt lick or mineral block.

Water

• Jerseys need constant access to fresh, clean water. A lactating cow can drink up to 80-100 litres of water per day, so ensure your water supply is adequate.

Milking Jersey Cows

One of the main reasons people keep Jersey cows is for their high-quality milk, which is rich in butterfat and protein.

Milking Routine

• Milk your cows twice a day, typically in the morning and evening.
• Maintain good hygiene during milking to prevent mastitis. Clean the udder before and after milking, and sanitise the milking equipment.

Milk Quality

• Jersey milk is known for its high butterfat content (around 4.5-5.5%) and protein, making it ideal for making cream, butter, cheese, and other dairy products.
• Jerseys typically produce between 18-25 litres of milk per day, depending on their diet and management.

Breeding Jersey Cows

Breeding is an essential part of keeping dairy cows, as cows must calve to produce milk.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Heifers can be bred from around 15 months of age once they have reached 60% of their adult weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for Jersey cows is approximately 283 days.
• Calving: Provide a clean, quiet area for calving. Monitor the cow during labour and be prepared to assist if necessary. Contact a vet if there are any complications.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

• Many farmers use AI to breed Jersey cows with top-quality bulls to improve milk production and genetic traits.

Health Care for Jersey Cows

Keeping your Jersey cows healthy is essential to ensure their wellbeing and productivity. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are all part of good herd management.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule. Core vaccinations typically include protection against:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, blackleg)
• Leptospirosis
• Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)
• Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Jerseys need regular hoof trimming to prevent overgrowth and lameness. Check their hooves every 4-6 weeks.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep their shelter and grazing areas dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Mastitis: A bacterial infection of the udder that can affect milk production. Maintain good milking hygiene to reduce the risk.
• Milk Fever: A calcium deficiency that can occur around calving. Ensure cows receive a balanced diet with adequate calcium.
• Lameness: Caused by hoof problems or infections. Regular hoof care and clean bedding can help prevent this.

Behaviour and Handling

Jersey cows are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them an ideal breed for new owners.

• Calm Handling: Approach your cows calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and gentle handling to build trust with your cows.
• Training: Cows can be trained to follow basic commands and routines, making them easier to manage.

Why Choose Jersey Cows?

There are several reasons why Jersey cows are a popular choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers:

• High-Quality Milk: Jersey milk is rich in butterfat and protein, making it ideal for cream, butter, and cheese production.
• Efficient Grazers: Jerseys are excellent for pasture-based systems, requiring less feed than larger breeds.
• Friendly Temperament: Their gentle and curious nature makes them easy to handle, even for beginners.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Jersey cows can thrive in various climates, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor systems.

Final Thoughts

Jersey cows are an excellent choice for new dairy farmers and smallholders looking for a friendly, productive breed. Their high-quality milk, efficient grazing, and gentle nature make them a rewarding addition to any farm.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and a good milking routine, you can ensure your Jersey cows remain healthy and productive. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic dairy breed.