Jerseys - The Problem-Free Cow!

One of the soundest methods to improve overall net profit is to lower un-necessary input cost, improving tal cow efficiency. Often times, producers pay close attention to production levels, but overlook many of the other factors which contribute to a cow’s overall profitability. In many of these areas, the Jersey breed shows a definite advantage.

Reproductive Efficiency

According to recent information from the Canadian Dairy Network, Jerseys are industry leaders in many indicators of reproductive efficiency.

From these statistics, we see that Jerseys are reaching productive life at an earlier age, breed back more quickly after calving, have fewer days open, and have easier calvings than other Canadian dairy breeds. These all mean dollar savings for the producer through more live calves, fewer breedings, fewer culled cows for reproductive performance, and less down time for productive cows.

John Brand, a purebred Jersey producer from Huron County, Ontario, remarks: “I had an interesting experience at our local dairy management club meeting. Discussion turned to protocols for managing fresh cows. Many of the comments on protocols were quite detailed and involved drenches and injections, in some cases for up to ten days post-partum. When my turn came my comments were the following: Once the calf has been delivered put the cow in the milking group, if she is a third or later lactation calver monitor her for hypocalcemia then watch for heats and breed back at 60 days. The response to my brief words were, "and...so...what else do you do?" The truthful answer is: that's it. Later it dawned on me that the brevity of my answer relates to the fact that my 100 cow-plus herd is entirely Jersey!"

Likewise, Dr. Paul Tummon, DVM from Bay of Quinte Veterinary Services comments that “from a fertility standpoint, the Jersey cow appears to have about a 15% higher conception rate than other dairy breeds. The smaller body size of the Jersey results in lower heat stress than larger breeds, helping to improve reproductive efficiency.”

Productive Life

In both Canada and the United States (studies by CDN and AIPL), the Jersey breed has shown a distinct advantage in length of productive life over the industry average.

In both countries, Jersey cattle show a marked difference in length of productive life. This results in more days in mature productive form, the point where the cow begins to return the investment made in raising or purchasing the animal. There is also less need for replacement animals, as cows are lasting in the herd longer, and are producing more calves. This all adds up to some dramatic savings for the dairy producer with Jerseys!

David and Tracy Morey of Unique Stock Farm, Rochester, Alberta, comment that they “milk between 200 and 220 cows at all times, and 13% of our productive cow herd is over the age of 10. Jerseys continue to surprise us - how they just keep going and going, and are productive at an old age.”

Decreased Animal Health Costs

Several studies have shown Jersey cattle to have lower incidences of acute health problems. For instance, at 2002 DRMS report from the USA showed a much lower rate of involuntary culling for Jerseys (24%) then for the Holstein breed (31%). Another study of Florida dairies showed Jersey heifers to have marked advantages with less dystocia, less metritis, and fewer stillbirths than Holstein heifers in the same herd conditions.

Many producers accept high incidence of health problems and the associated costs as a necessary part of a productive dairy operation. This does not have to be the case. Cows can be highly productive and have fewer health costs - Jerseys are proving this! A healthy cow will in turn produce more, and will have fewer associated problems with fertility or structural breakdown. More immediately, they will require less visits from the vet, and less cost due to medication or other treatments. The hard, black hooves possessed by most Jerseys is also more resistant to wear, and will produce fewer feet and leg problems and lessened need for frequent hoof trimming.

Alain and Janna Rémond of Grunthal, Manitoba, switched to the Jersey breed a few years ago, milking approximately 80 cows in a free-stall herd. They comment that “the Jersey cow fits our system well. They are a low-maintenance cow that utilize a lot of forage, and are lovely to work with, especially with our children. They have exceptionally strong feet and legs, with their hard, black hooves giving no hoof health problems. We have found Jerseys to be tough, hardy cows, that when they do get sick, recover very quickly.”