Jersey
Cows
Jerseys are one of the oldest pure breeds of cattle. In our jerseys we strive to stick to the old style "Island Jersey". They were typically more refined, better conformed and smaller than they dairy type jerseys we have today, fortunatly there are some of the old stock still floating around. In the United States there is a registry for american miniature jerseys, decendents from the island jerseys that were never hybrid, or bred solely for production.
Unfortunatly due to BSE concerns we are unable to import any of these animals into Canada, for the time being. However we have been fortunate in getting hold of some registered jerseys that have many of the characteristics of the old island jersey. We are carefully selecting bulls and attempting to breed toward the type of jersey we want.
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Characteristics of the old style Jersey include: small size; usually in the 39" to 43" height range.
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Both cows and bulls are docile and easy to manage. Milk is high in butterfat and milk yield is 2 to 4 gallons a day, depending on hay quality and supplements fed. Cows generally weigh in the 600 to 650 pound range, bulls around 800 pounds. Cows calve easily, with newborn calves weighing 18 to 30 pounds, and 18 to 30 inches tall. They come in the colors of the original jerseys, predominately fawn with some darker almost black. White splashes are acceptable but not desireable. It is not necessary to keep a bull for semen, as artificial insemination is available. General care is simple, and the same as other cattle, proper feed, water, and shelter, with the same shots and worming. However, their diminutive size does make their care so much easier.
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All of our jerseys are all quiet, gentle, and well halterbroke. We handle them daily even when they are not milking. Check out our Sales page to see what we have available.
Jewel
& her half dexter calf