For a printable PDF of this post as published in the November 2020 issue of the Jersey Journal, click here.

To help you care for the beautiful brown babies in your calf pens, we have compiled the following tips from nutritionists who specialize in Jerseys and resources at the American Jersey Cattle Association. They are not simply a “smaller” breed of dairy cattle. Jerseys have a higher maintenance requirement per unit of metabolic weight.Because of this, they can be more prone to chilling and dehydration. Body heat dissipates more quickly in Jersey calves because of their high ratio of body surface area to body mass.This is quickly expended to generate body heat, often within hours of birth.

Jersey newborns are relatively small, averaging 60 lbs., and have minimal body fat reserves of just 3%.

Keep these key points in mind when working with Jerseys: One area in which Jerseys and Holsteins differ is management of newborns and baby calves. By paying mind to a few key breed differences, they will be poised to capitalize on Jersey potential. Though familiar with raising and milking Holsteins, dairy producers often have questions about Jerseys. More and more, Jerseys are being integrated into Holstein herds, largely due to their higher milk components and advantages in feed and reproductive efficiencies.

Raising dairy bull calves for profit