Difference Between Holstein-Friesian And Jersey Dairy Cows

Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cow

Holstein Friesians are a breed of dairy cattle originating from the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Friesland and Schleswig-Holstein in Northern Germany. They are known as the world’s highest-production dairy animals.

Holsteins are large, stylish animals with color patterns of black and white or red and white. A healthy Holstein calf weighs between 40-45 kg at birth. A mature Holstein cow weighs about 480-600kg and stand 58 inches tall at the shoulder.

Holsteins adapt to all management and utilization systems. They can be stabled, but are equally suitable for grazing. They can be kept on grassland or in mixed farming systems with bi-annual grazing or be stabled throughout the year. Neither does it matter whether they are kept in high-lying or low-lying area. Not only are Holstein suitable for low-cost farming systems, they are also eminently suitable as dairy industry cows in intensive farming, which requires the stabling of cows.

Characteristics Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cow

• Holstein Friesians have their origin in Netherlands.
• A Friesian cow is relatively huge in size and hence requires a large space. They average about 58 inches tall.
• Friesian cows are either white or black with black or white patches on their bodies or sometimes red and white coat pattern.
• Holstein-Friesian is heavier; it weighs about 480-600kg.
• They are heavy feeders and excrete more waste.
• Produces low quality milk when compared to the Jersey.  
• Friesians are less adaptable to hot climates.
• They are susceptible to various diseases.
• A Holstein-Friesian’s milk has a lower fat content; therefore it is whiter in color.
• Holstein-Friesian cow produces an average of 19000 pounds of milk in its lifetime.
• Holstein-Friesian produces less pounds of milk per pound of body weight.
• Holstein cows have fertility problem, they can give birth as from the age of 24 months.
• Holstein meat has a comparatively better demand in the market to that of Jersey.
• Less likely to suffer from milk fever, ketosis, udder infection etc.
• They have pretty easygoing temperament, generally less intelligent.
• They are resistant to stress, exhibit a herd mentality and are not solitary animals.
• Holsteins produce vigorous calves distinguished by rapid growth, early maturity and easy care.   

Jersey Dairy Cow

The Jersey is a breed of small short-horned dairy cattle originating on the Island of Jersey, a small British Island in the English Channel off the cost of France. The color of the Jersey is usually a shade of fawn or cream, but darker shades are common. They have relatively long sized head and they usually have no hunchback.

Jersey breeds are adaptable to a wide range of climatic and geographical conditions. Outstanding Jersey herds are found from Denmark to Australia and New Zealand, from Canada to South America and from South Africa to Japan. They are excellent grazers and perform well in intensive grazing programs. They are generally tolerant of hot conditions. With an average weight of between 350-550 kg, the Jersey produces more pounds of milk per pound of body weight than any other breed. Most Jerseys produce far in excess of 13 times their bodyweight in milk each lactation.

Characteristic Of Jersey Dairy Cow

• Jersey is a breed that originated from the Jersey Island, off the cost of France, but associated with Great Britain.
• Jersey is relatively small in size and hence requires less space. They average about 48 inches tall.
• Jersey cows are reddish in color.
• Jersey weighs around 350-550 Kg.
• It eats less and excretes less waste.
• Produces high quality milk when compared to Friesian.
• Jerseys are more adaptable to hot climates and a wide range of environmental conditions.
• They are less susceptible to diseases such as mastitis, udder infection and dystocia.  
• Jersey have higher butter fat in their milk, it usually has a slightly yellow appearance to it.
• Jerseys always have a grey colored tongue and black hooves.
• Jersey cow produces an average of 13000 pounds of milk in its lifetime.
• Jersey produces more pounds of milk per pound of body weight than any other breed.
• Jersey has high fertility rate and can give birth at the age of 19 months.
• Highly likely to suffer from milk fever, ketosis and udder infection.
• Jerseys are known as the most intelligent and most curious of all breeds.

Also Read: Difference Between Indigenous And Exotic Breeds Of Cattle

Difference Between Holstein-Friesian And Jersey In Tabular Form