When we want to talk about a breed of cows that indeed produces milk as it should be and not just any type of milk, Jersey cows will come in the first place. Jersey cows are highly milk-producing cows. They are the second largest breed of milk production among the other dairy cows in the world!
The Jersey breed has the ability to produce high-quality milk very naturally without the need to be fed a specific diet. These adorable little cows produce milk with the highest percentages of butterfat and protein, which is why they have been selectively bred in many countries over the years.
In this article, we’re answering a question that was asked by many farmers through out the ages. We’re exploring the exact amounts milk produced by jersey cows and for how long it will be producing milk for its breeders. Keep reading to learn more.
How Much Does Jersey Cow Give Milk?
Jersey cows produce impressive amounts of high-quality milk, producing milk equivalent to 13 times their own weight in each lactation cycle, more accurately Jersey cows have an average of about 20 kilograms of high-value milk per day!
The amount of milk produced by Jersey cows is large when compared to other breeds, especially since they are small cows, but they produce more pounds of milk per pound of body weight than any other breed. This number is also a great rate because it does not only refer to the amount of milk, but the point here lies in what this milk contains.
A Jersey cow produces milk with a fat and butter content of 5.45% and a protein equivalent of 3.88%! Which made Jersey milk sit on the milk market and obtain a high position in the manufacture of dairy products. Jersey milk is the ideal milk that is mainly used to produce high-quality dairy products, such as butter, clotted cream, milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products that are found in large supermarkets and famous restaurants.
We can say that Jersey cows are great machines for converting feed into high-quality milk that contains high-value components that are not produced by any other cow breed in these proportions.
How Jersey Cow Adaptations Help Them Produce Milk
Jersey cows adapt to a wide range of conditions, It adapts to a wide range of temperatures. as Jersey cows are heat tolerant and have been successfully bred in many hot countries.
Jersey cow is adaptable to a variety of farm management systems, from grazing systems on outdoor pastures producing milk composed almost entirely of fats and proteins from pasture grass to indoor management systems both on domestic and more intensive dairy farms.
Jersey cows are also healthier than other dairy cattle breeds, because they are less likely to develop mastitis. This is the great danger that threatens most milking dairies, where mastitis can lead to the death of a dairy cow if it is not detected and dealt with quickly. [1]
Jersey cows are less prone to lameness compared to other cows because the black color of their hooves, which is characteristic of them, increases the hardness of their hooves and makes them more powerful.
How Long Will A Jersey Cow Produce Milk?
Jersey cows usually give milk about 9-10 months a year, then stop milking for a period of 2-3 months. This period is called the rest period, or you see drought. Most Jersey cows continue to give high-quality milk between 2 to 4 years. There are some factors that can increase the productive life of your Jersey cow, take a look at the following points:
1. Clean And Disinfect Frequently
Hygiene and sterilization are among the main important basics in raising dairy cows. Therefore, you must raise your Jersey cow in a clean place and remove any dirt to keep it constantly clean.
In order to avoid the transmission of any infection to the udder of Jersey cows, whether during or after milking. Keep in mind that the nipple opening remains open after milking for a period of up to 15 minutes. Replace any dirty bedding with a clean one and keep the Jersey Shelter mopped daily.
When you take the time to clean up Cow bedding, you make your dairy cows less susceptible to diseases, especially mastitis.
This brings back a good effect on your cow, on milk production, and on the general health of the cow. this in turn increases the productive life of your Jersey cow.
2. Regular Vaccinations
Vaccinate your cattle against common diseases, and follow the standard vaccination regimen for Jersey cows. whether it is vaccinations against viral diseases that affect the respiratory tract or vaccinations against mastitis. You also have to get rid of worms to keep your cows healthy.
Related Article: How often should your cattle be drenched?
3. Sterilize The Milking Equipment
Jersey cows are usually milked twice a day. Whether manually in home-raised cows or using a milking machine on farms. whatever the method of milking. You have to keep all the equipment for milking your cows clean and sterile.
You should also clean the udder from dirt and sterilize it with disinfectant water and then dry it with a clean towel special for each cow or disposable wipes to ensure fresh and healthy milk and avoid infection in your cow any infection in udder.
4. Prepare Well For Childbirth
It is recommended to carry regular health check-ups of your cows. Therefore, it is preferable for the veterinarian to visit your cows regularly, especially the milking cows, which are waiting for a new baby. To monitor the health status of the cow and to complete the calving process according to the best standards.
Although Jersey cows are not highly susceptible to dystocia, as they give birth to somewhat smaller-weight cows compared to other breeds, the Jersey calf born weighs only about 25 kilograms.
However, following up on the cow during pregnancy and after childbirth is necessary. Especially since Jersey’s calves are susceptible to milk fever, as they show symptoms of weakness, and inability to be stable and lie down after birth.
Related Article: How Often Do Jersey Cows Have Twins? Science Explained.
5. Healthy Nutrition
The best food for the general health of Jersey cows is pasture fed. It is also better for humans, as the cow produces high-quality milk. Therefore most Jersey cows that live on farms are also fed pasture feed. Jersey cows are fed in a similar way as all other breeds of dairy cows. However, there are a few things that are recommended to be kept in mind when balancing the diet of Jersey cows.
Jersey cows need more dry matter than their small weights, as they eat about (4.5%) of dry matter, while larger breeds eat about (4.0%) of dry matter. Jersey cows need lower percentages of fat compared to other breeds, where they need about 4.5% or less.
You must also monitor Copper closely, as jerseys are very intolerant and highly susceptible to copper poisoning. This is because the copper reserves in their livers are greater than that of other cows, which makes them more susceptible to copper toxicity. Therefore, it must be added at the lower levels. Keep copper at only 20ppm in Jersey ration.
Related Article: How Much Does A Jersey Cow Eat Per Day?
FAQS
How Many Calves Can A Jersey Cow Have?
Jersey cows can give birth to about 4-5 calves during their productive life cycle.
How Long Does A Jersey Cow Live?
There is no definite answer as to how long Jersey cows will live. How long Jersey cows live depends on many factors. But in general, Jersey cows usually live longer than other cows. some of which may exceed twenty-five years. One of the oldest living Jersey cows ever recorded was 37 years old. But when talking about the productive age of Jersey cows, is about 4 years.
Do Jersey Cows Produce A Lot Of Milk?
No, Jersey cows do not produce large quantities of milk, but in return, it produces high-quality milk with high fat and protein levels
How Many Months Are Jersey Cows Pregnant?
The average Jersey cow pregnancy period is less than other cows’ pregnancy periods. A Jersey cow is usually pregnant for 278 days.
