JERSEY JOTTINGS

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 5

JERSEY JOTTINGS

•By Pedigree). rpms COLUMN IS BEING PIJB--1 LISIKED WITH THE SOLE IDEA OF KEEPING A LIVELY INTEREST IN THE JERSEY BREED OF CATTLE AMONGST NORTHLAND BREEDERS AND ENTHUSIASTS. Tile greatest obstacle that faces a breeder of dairy cows is the tendency of those animals to revert to the original cow, who gave only sufficient milk to feed her calf for a period of about four months. Every breeder in all countries where Jersey cattle arc bred has to combat that tendency to slip back to Nature.

It would be interesting to see, side by side, a cow of early origin and one of today’s standard type Jersey cows. Knowledge gained by mankind in mating suitable types has worked wonders in evolving the almost perfect animal of present-day type.

Jersey breeders’ difficulties arc many, and are here at all times. Grant shew cows, with no failings from a shew point of view, may not be the best producers, and yet some great producers have various type failings. Isn’t it a perfect cow, trying to breed one?

What is it that prompts a breeder to send out of his own territory when purchasing new animals, when perhaps his neighbour, a successful exhibitor or studmaster, has high class stock of tested and proved strains for sale? Is it rivalry, or ignorance, or, maybe, a desire to spend one’s money elsewhere? Don't do that! Back your judgment on typo and production, pay the price, and give Northland Jersey studmasters the support they’re entitled to. and no regrets.

An extremely nervous cow needs careful handling and, if humoured, is usually a heavy producer. The nerves of a cow make her milk, or do not, as the case may be. The dairy type of cow more consistently has the kind of nerves that make her produce milk.

A dairy herd may have certain type failings, and to use the same typo of bull is not a wise proceeding. For instance. a beefy herd may produce better dairy cows if mated with a bull inclined to be flat-ribbed and flatboned.

The best producing two-year-old heifers do not always make the best cows. Early profits are a comfort certainly. but cows that live on to be

great old producers are a continuous source of revenue and pleasure *o the dairy farmer. * • ■» * The v.h.c. standard in Jersey cows demands a high class animal. Const ilulion, flat bone. etc., are important points, and yet breeding for flat 'bone may cause lack of constitution. It is easier to breed constitution, with flat bone than it is to get dairy ability with round bones. There are well over 200.009 Jerseys in the United States of America

The largest Jersey herd in the world is at Brampton, Canada, and is owned by Messrs B. H. Bull and Sen. In 1933 their great cow Brampton Basilica set up a world’s record for tire breed of 1312.81bs of butterfat from 19.012.3 lbs of milk in 365 days.

Since 1753 A.D, the introduction of live cattle from outside sources has been forbidden on Jersey Island.

Large size and beefiness should not be confused with constitution, and although the Jersey is small and fineskim,ed, they are naturally adaptable to extremes of climate and severe conditions.

As a breed, the Jersey is notably free from disease. It is said that more than 90 per cent, of the animals sold on Jersey Island at auction or privately have passed the double intradermal test, indicating freedom from tuberculosis.