History of the Jersey Breed

Jerseys are the second most popular Dairy breed worldwide.

Originally they came from Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands after which they are named. There is no other breed of cattle on the island and at present there are less than 6000 animals on Jersey with almost two thirds of them being used for milking.

They have a common ancestry with the Guernsey breed and also with cattle that are found around the Normandy and Brittany coasts. It is thought that these types of cattle may have travelled up and across Europe from the Middle East.

Jerseys used to be known as Alderneys and records show the breed has been on the mainland of Britain since 1741 and probably before. There are several very old herds in this country, one of which is owned by Her Majesty the Queen.

For more information on Jerseys visit The Jersey Cattle Society.