Feeding and management of Jerseys and Holsteins: should there be a difference?

摘要

Jersey dairy cattle are pictured as pictrographs in prehistoric times, 10,000 years ago. The Auroch cow, from the area known today as Turkey, is thought to be the origin of the modern Jersey. The fact is, the Jersey is the only breed in the USA thatis presently undergoing noticeable expansion: up to a six percent increase in breed population in 2001 (American Jersey Cattle Club, 2001). Dairy herds across the USA are milking all-Jersey herds, Holstein cross Jersey herds, and upgrading from Holsteinto Jerseys after five crosses to the Jersey breed. During the summer of 2002, close-up Jersey heifers were selling within a few hundred US dollars of Holstein close-ups, when they were available. When some large herds of 1000 to 2000 head changed to Jerseys, the Black & Whites were sold and whole Jersey herds were purchased, making available animals scarce.