About Jersey Cows

Jersey cows are one of the most recognizable breeds of cows, seen as a sea of honey brown roaming vast green pastures around the world. Valued for their small size, easy-going temperament and their milk--high in butterfat--Jersey cows are the product of years of careful breeding and cultivation.

Origin

Jersey cows get their name from their place of origin as a breed, the British Channel Island of Jersey. DNA tests suggest that the breed is descended from Danish cows brought to the island from the continent, but there is no conclusive evidence of this.

Diversity and Export

In the 1780s, foreign breeds of cows were forbidden to be imported onto Jersey in an attempt to keep the Jersey breed pure. Since then, cows on the island have been protected from outside influence and diversity, while Jersey cows were exported all over the world, including to India, where there are herds of semi-wild cows resembling their Jersey ancestors.

Physical Characteristics

Jersey cows are small, ranging from 800 to 1200 pounds. (In comparison, the distinctive black and white Holstein dairy cows range from 1100 to 1600 pounds.) They are a soft brown color.

Temperament

Female Jersey cows are known as being curious, calm animals, so much so that they were valued as pets as much as herd animals and milk producers. Bulls have been known to be much more aggressive.

Organizations

There are a number of organizations that are dedicated to ensuring the continuation of the breed, including societies in America, Canada, Australia and England. These societies keep meticulous records on the breeding stock and milk production of their herds.

Famous Ties

The most famous Jersey cow is perhaps Elsie the Borden Cow, the mascot of the Borden dairy company. Elsie was created to represent the perfect dairy cow and was even given a family, including offspring Beulah, Beauregard, Larabee and Lobelia. Ironically, her husband is Elmer the Bull, who was the mascot for the Elmer's Glue company.