The Jersey breed is integral to the continued success of New Zealand’s dairy industry.

Why Jersey’s?

The economic difference between dairy breeds has never been greater. This season at a $7.30 payout the average Jersey herd will make a 73-cent margin over their Holstein Friesian counterparts. The margin is a combination of higher milk price, more milk solids per unit of feed and lower replacement costs (see Table 1). Longer term stabilising of the VCR to 0.7-0.8 as many analysts are predicting, will still see Jerseys retain a 60-cent margin.

*Table 1: The Jersey Advantage vs Holstein Friesian.png*

Benefit’s of Jersey genetics

Feed conversion efficiency

Jerseys have been proven conclusively as the most efficient of the three main breeds. Jerseys produce an average of 8% more milk solids per kilogram of dry matter – 1-2% more protein and 11-13% more fat – than Holstein Friesians.

Environmental sustainability

Research by DairyNZ has concluded that methane emissions and urinary nitrogen excretions are linked to dry matter intake with, on average, 22g methane emitted per kgDM eaten. Jerseys require less feed to achieve the same milk solids output as other breeds. This, coupled with lower replacement rates due to superior fertility, as well as lower milk volumes requiring less milk cartage and drying, combine to deliver significant environmental advantage. We estimate that Jerseys have a 12% carbon efficiency advantage.

Genetic gain & crossbreeding

A strong Jersey breed is critical for crossbreeding programmes and to maintain genetic diversity. Genetic diversity will allow the New Zealand dairy industry to sustain genetic improvement and dairy farmers to adapt their livestock to changing environments and demands.

Animal welfare and longevity

The Jersey breed provides animal welfare advantages in the form of longer cow life expectancy through reduced feet and leg problems, fewer collapsed udders, less mastitis, less calving difficulty and significantly lower empty rates due to superior fertility. As table two highlights, Jerseys on average require a significantly lower replacement rate than their Holstein Friesian counterparts – 17% compared to 22%.

Heat tolerance

Jersey cattle display superior heat tolerance, through their ability to maintain feed intake, milk production and reproduction under warm temperatures.