A small 43 mid-sized Jersey cow that is A2A2 may bring 5000 from a private seller while another small 43 calf with A2 type unknown sold by a large dairy will only be 800. Standard size Jerseys tend to be smaller averaging under 50 with a mature weight of around 1000 lbs for cows and 1500 lbs for bulls.
The miniature Jersey is much smaller so requires less forage than a standard jersey.
How big is a miniature jersey cow. A Miniature Jersey is small and stands between 38 and 42 inches tall. While a Mid-sized Jersey is 43-48 inches tall. Miniature and Mid-sized Jersey cows are rare and in short supply as they are perfect for small farms homesteaders or preppers.
Neidhardt notes that the Miniature Jersey breed is sub-divided into size categories with true Miniature Jerseys reaching up to 42 inches when measured at the hip and the larger Mid-Miniatures measuring between 42 and 46 inches. The same general qualities of straight lines and dairy conformation as are found in the cows are desired in bulls. Standard size Jerseys tend to be smaller averaging under 50 with a mature weight of around 1000 lbs for cows and 1500 lbs for bulls.
Miniature Jerseys are classified by height. They should be 44 inches or less at the hook bone at 3 years of age. Mid Size Jerseys are greater than 42 inches but less than 48 inches at 3 years of age.
Additionally miniature jerseys should be proportionally smaller than a standard jersey. Cows 42-48 inches are midsize miniature Jerseys. Cows greater than 48 inches are standard Jerseys.
These measurments are taken at level ground to the Hook Bone. As we know that island dont have room for large grazing herds so miniature jersey cows were bred to be smaller than normal. There are not bigger than 42 inches.
Two three year old Mini Jerseys the left is a mid sized coming in a 43 the right is a full mini or micro. I like both cows of course. Miss Harlo- left is an excellent light framed easy keeper allowing for plenty of room to milk.
The right Miss Sunbeam is a heavier bodied little lady with less milking room and a. The Miniature Jersey of today combines the beauty and milk quality of the original Jerseys with the smaller size and appetite that the family farm needs. All of our breeding stock are registered and DNA tested which ensures that you know the heritage of your animal while maintaining the integrity of the breed.
We appreciate your interest in the Miniature Jersey. Jerseys are small in comparison with other dairy breeds. If you have young children or are just a little apprehensive about working with a 1000 pound animal a Jersey is a good solution.
A Jersey will usually produce 3-5 gallons of milk per day. The biggest difference between miniaturefull size cows is milking height. We are training ours to walk up a ramp to be milked.
Some people just sit on the ground to milk them. In the winter our cow eats about one bale of hay per week depending on weather. Surf the web and hope you find a webpage of a good honest miniature milk cow breeder.
Join a talk group on Yahoo such as Mini Jersey Talk and Small Family Cow and ask about breeders in your area. Consult the list of Miniature Jersey breeders on the AMJA website although it is not up to date. Compare this to the standard mature full size Standard Jersey Cow which weighs 1000 to 2000 pounds and is 50 to 60 inches tall.
Over the many years of selective breeding Tanglewood bloodlines have produced Miniature Jersey Cows that average in height 34 to 36 inches and 350 to 450 pounds. The miniature Jersey is much smaller so requires less forage than a standard jersey. The general saying in the mini jersey circle is.
Two miniatures to one standard forage. They produce the same quantity or a little less in milk and they have a much higher cream content of about 40 or more. Jersey cows come from Jersey Island in Britain.
Islands dont have that much room for large grazing herds so miniature Jersey cows were bred to be smaller for the small acreage available. Mini Jerseys dont get bigger than 42 inches at the hip. The average height at the withers of a mature Jersey cow back then was 46 117 cm with weight ranging from 772 to 937 pounds 350 to 425 kg.
Mature bulls were 50 127 cm and 1102 to 1323 pounds 500 to 600 kg. H e res How to Take a With e rs Measurement on Cows and Bulls. The Miniature Jersey is not a bred of cow that has been scaled down from the more commonly recognized standard breed as some may believe.
It was not until after World War II that there was a decline in the number of small Jersey cows raised in the United States because it is at that time that the larger standard Jerseys we know today began to be developed. Mid-sized cows are harder to price. A small 43 mid-sized Jersey cow that is A2A2 may bring 5000 from a private seller while another small 43 calf with A2 type unknown sold by a large dairy will only be 800.
Goats are a terrific little size as compared to Mini dairy cows and particularly standard dairy cows. Standard Jersey cows weigh between 800 and 1200 pounds. Jersey bulls while small in comparison to other dairy breeds are extremely muscular around the chests and shoulders.
The same general qualities of straight lines and diary conformation found in the cows are desired in bulls. Standard Jersey bulls weigh 1200 to 1800 pounds. Jerseys need more calcium at calving Milk fever or hypocalcemia can be a common challenge for Jersey heifers if they arent managed carefully.
Hypocalcemia is caused by a shortage of blood calcium levels shortly after calving. The key here is management of minerals in the pre-fresh diet.