Astor, prizewinner in 1903
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
The Jersey cow is known throughout the world as the most efficient dairy cow. It is the result of generations of careful selection for high quality milk production. The list of qualities which have made this breed so famous includes:
early maturing
easy calving
longevity
high quality production
These factors and others lead to commercial profitability, and the fact that the cow is beautiful to look at is a bonus!
As long ago as the middle of the 18th century the Jersey cow was recognised as a good breed, and large numbers were exported to England. This export movement spread until Jersey herds could be found throughout the world, in Africa and Asia, as well as in America and Europe.
In 1763 the government of Jersey passed a law which prohibited the import of cattle from France. Until the passing of this law, French cows had often been moved to Jersey for a few weeks grazing, and then were taken into England as "from Jersey" to avoid excise duties. Over the following half century further laws strengthened the case against other breeds of cow being allowed into the Island, until from 1827 the import of all cattle was forbidden.
The Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society was formed in 1833, and it soon was given royal patronage, and could add the coveted "Royal" to its name. Its first cattle show was held in 1836.
In 1866 the Jersey herd book was formed. Every pedigree Jersey cow in the world can trace its ancestry back to this record.
The first cows to be exported to New Zealand were sent in 1860. Gradually other nations found the need for their own herd books. The American Jersey herd book started in 1868, the Canadian book in 1901, and the South African in 1906.
At cattle shows and sales, judges and farmers know what to look out for in a quality animal. Here are illustrations to show the points for perfection in a cow and a bull.
Pedigree cow
