THE JERSEY AT HOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23084, 8 July 1938, Page 5

THE JERSEY AT HOME

BY B. C. DE GUEJUN, GUERNSEY

EARLY FRENCH ORIGIN PURITY OF THE BREED SCALE OF QUALITY POINTS

Tho earliest known exportation of Jerseys from tho Channel Islands to New Zealand was in 1862, when three animals were despatched, but it is quite likely that tho breed was established there long before that date, as it was the custom of emigrants to take their own cattle as well as their household goods when they undertook tho journey from ono end of tho world to tho other Like tho other bovine inhabitants of tho Channel Islands, there is no doubt that originally tho stock sprang from the neighbouring French mainland, which is only approximately 15 miles distant. But, having once colonised tho island and stocked it sufficiently for the settler's needs, no further interest in tho agricultural development of this out-of-the-way corner of tho world seems to have been taken by tho generations who succeeded the Conqueror, and under whoso reigns the islands themselves passed from French to British rule. Type Evolved by Nature For over seven hundred years then. Nature and a beneficent climate combined to evolve a distinct typo of cattle, tho value of which as dairy animals was at last realised by farmers outside of the island early in the eighteenth century. Unfortunately there are no records existing of tho first, shipment that followed the "discovery" of the breed, the earliest being noted in 1747, but there is no doubt that for many years previously representatives of the island herds were occasionally thrust into tho sea and made to swim out to tho boat over whose side they were hauled at tho risk of lifo and limb. This was the only method of shipment in vogue in thoso early days.

But by 1833 the Jersey farmer had realised the value of his distinctive typo of cattle, and in that year formed tho society which later received the regal patronage of King William tho Fourth and became the present Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Tho history of this body lias been ono of continued progress, and with it lias kept pace the development of tho breed whoso encouragement was one of its primary objects. The Jersey Herd Book was commenced in 1866 and at about the same time restrictions were placed on the importation of foreign cattle, even for immediate slaughter, and for many years now no live meat has been allowed to land upon the island. In 1893 the first 24-hour butter test was held, and in 1912 milk records were instituted which together proved beyond all doubt the utility of the breed, and further enhanced its reputation. Removal of Restrictions Although recently for the first time in recorded history, foot-and-mouth, disease made its appearance among a fe'V local herds, its ravages were checked in time, and all the necessary restrictions which were enforced have now been removed. Apart from this visitation. however, the island cuttle bill of health is an exceptionally clean ono, and the wind-swept heights facing directly upon the unbroken stretch of tho Atlantic tend to keep it so.

Tho Jersey is a smaller animal than its neighbour from Guernsey, and its source of origin is bounded by the shores of its island home. The average liveweight of a Jersey cow is 8501b., as compared with the Guernsey's average of IOUOIb. But though its small, compact frame, and neat, clcan-cut head and legs give a first impression almost of fragility, it is a. remarkably mal, as no doubt New Zealand dairy farmers know, and rapidly becomes acclimatised to now surroundings.

Though the milk production of the Jersey ir. not as prolific as that of some of tho larger breeds, its percentage of butter-fat per gallon, and in proportion to its own live weight, make it a more economical animal to keep. It is quite common for a Jersey to yield her own weight in butter within the year. Scale of Points in Jersey Island The colour range is somewhat wider than that found among Guernseys, fawn and whites, fawns, and browns being predominant, though blacks are occasionally seen. Tho scale of points for cows adopted by tho society consists of 20 features totalling 100 points, and of these the principal awards of 10 each are made for barrel capacity; udder; and general appearance. Points for bulls total the same, the outstanding features considered being barrel and straight back.

Like its neighbours, tho Jersey is a remarkably docile animal to handle, constant leading to water rendering it accustomed to both man and motor traffic. Tethering is usual, though tho inland agricultural districts of the island are much more open and not so intensively cultivated as on Guernsey.