dairy breed

Jersey cattle range in color from gray to dark fawn, and some appear almost black. The Jersey is the smallest major dairy breed. Its broad face is unusually short from its forehead to its nostrils. The small horns curve inward.

Jersey cows produce less milk than the four other major breeds, but their milk contains the most butterfat. A thick mass of cream rises to the top of a container of Jersey milk.

Jersey cattle originated on the tiny island of Jersey in the English Channel. They were brought to the United States in 1850, and now thrive in all parts of the country.

Note: Elsie the Cow, of Borden condensed milk fame, is a Jersey.

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This page was last updated on September 28, 2018.