The Ultimate Mini Jersey Cow Guide | Size, Uses, Cost

There’s a breed of mini cow perfect for small homesteads that can produce the creamiest, richest milk at a lower cost than many other mini cattle breeds. The Mini Jersey cow! If you’re looking for an intelligent, adorable, gentle, cost-effective family milk cow, our Ultimate Mini Jersey Cow Guide is your ideal primer.

Mini Jersey cows bring a wealth of dairy and financial benefits to farms and homesteads.

Jersey cows exploring the pasture with one looking at the camera.

It’s easy to see that these cows are adorable. But Mini Jerseys also require daily attention and astute care. Naturally, in the interests of happy human-bovine relations, knowing as much as possible about these dreamy-eyed milkers is crucial before buying one.

So – let’s halter up!

Mini Jersey Cow Profile

Cost	They cost anywhere from $4,500 to $8,000. Due to their rarity, they may cost even more, upwards of $10,000.
Bull Weight	500 – 800 Pounds
Cow Weight	500 – 800 Pounds
Uses	Mostly for rich, buttery milk. They’re friendly animals, perfect for homesteaders with small acreages who want ample delicious dairy.
Milk Production	2 to 4 gallons daily.
Milk Butterfat Content	Up to 5%
Appearance	They are primarily tan, fawn, red, black, or light brown with occasional white patches. Rarely, they may appear silver. Their eye rims and noses are black. They also have black hooves. They should have a white muzzle ring. Their coats are not brindled.
Benefits	Mini Jerseys feature adorable faces, docile temperaments, excellent grazing abilities, superb milking skills, and pleasant demeanors.
Temperament	Mini Jerseys are sweethearts! Calm, relaxed, friendly, and docile.
Breed Association	Purebred Mini Jersey Society

Mini Jersey Cow Profile

The table above represents the Mini Jersey cow profile.

But – there’s tons more to know about this lovely, adorable breed.

And some of the little-known insights about Mini Jerseys might surprise you.

Consider the following.

A Mini Jersey Cow Guide

Adorable Jersey cow resting in a field during sunset.

The most desirable Mini Jerseys are downsized over generations while maintaining pure Jersey DNA, which is provable through genomic testing. Mini Jerseys should still preserve the A2/A2 milk protein after miniaturization. Their low feed conversion ratio, docility, high fertility, and ease of calving make them a cost-effective and healthy investment for small acreages.

Jersey cattle were originally bred on the isle of Jersey in the English Channel to produce milk rich in butterfat. Their milk is perfect for drinking and cooking purposes. And also to extract cream and manufacture nutritious cheeses, butter, and yogurt for local consumption and export.

Due to limited pastureland on the island, the original Jersey was naturally a tiny cow, measuring around 46″ at the withers (shoulder).

When Jersey cows got exported across the world, they were selectively purebred (or crossbred with Holstein and Hereford bulls) to bigger sizes (up to 58″ at the withers) to increase milk yield.

By selectively pairing short Jersey cows with diminutive Jersey bulls, breeders arrived at a bona fide miniature cow measuring 42″ or less.

Thoroughbred Mini Jersey Cows

Two lovely Jersey cows resting on a small rural farm.

One of the only downsides of Mini Jersey cows is their relative rarity. Purebred Mini Jersey cattle are not easy to find and cost a pretty penny, too!

Dedicated Mini Jersey breeders work to purify the breed DNA and establish breed standards. A multi-generational process of downsizing Jersey cows to arrive at a height of 42″ or less has involved diligent work. Some breeders also create mini Jersey mixes, involving a fair deal of crossbreeding with other dairy cattle breeds like Dexters and Herefords.

(One great example of a mixed mini Jersey is the Belfair, which is 50% Dexter and 50% Jersey.)

Crossbred Mini Jersey cows generally produce lower milk volumes, potentially with less delicious butterfat content than purebred Mini Jerseys.

What happens if you spot a Mini Jersey cow for sale that doesn’t have registration papers to prove its purebred status? Examine its coloration and other identifying markings!

How To Identify A Purebred Mini Jersey Cow

Cute Jersey cow wearing a lovely festive bow.

Purebred Mini Jersey Cows resemble their full-sized counterparts, only smaller! They should appear well-proportioned without signs of dwarfism. They are primarily fawn or brown with black eyes and a black nose.

Their hooves are primarily black. You may also notice white markings above the hooves and around the ears and a white muzzle band.

But the best way to tell if your Mini Jersey is full-bred is by testing its genetics. The Breed-Based Representation (BBR) test is a valuable tool for assessing the purity of Mini Jersey Cows. According to the Purebred Mini Jersey Society, the average Mini Jersey cow typically falls within the 80% to 100% pure range. Any BBR score of 94 or better is reported as 100, allowing for genetic diversity within the Jersey breed.

The Mini Jersey’s stature is also below 42 inches from the top of the hip.

Characteristics Of Crossbred Mini Jersey Cows

Crossbred Mini Jersey cows might have pink pigment around their eyes and a mottled pink and grey nose. Dappled, pitch black or spotted coats are further signs of crossbreeding, as are missing white markings around the pasterns, muzzle, and ears. Short legs and elongated or drooping ears are also crossbred Mini Jersey characteristics.

Purebred Vs. Crossbred Mini Jersey Cows

Owning a purebred Mini Jersey cow may be a passport to micro-dairy heaven, but crossbred Mini Jersey cows also have their perks! They may be less prodigious in the milking realm. But they can still produce healthy raw milk. And they’re as manageable and cute as their purebred cousins!

Also, consider the following when deciding on crossbred vs. purebred Mini Jersey cows.

A crossbred Mini Jersey cow costs less to buy than a purebred Mini Jersey cow.
A purebred Mini Jersey cow can calve premium breed stock to sell to the boutique cattle market.

With dominant Jersey genetics and homestead productivity in mind, let’s examine more advantages of purebred (or near-as-dammit) Mini Jersey cows.

The Advantages Of Mini Jersey Cows

Tiny Jersey cow prancing in a field and grazing for yummy forage.

Purebred Mini Jersey cows have several advantages, including the following.

Excellent milk butterfat content.
Excellent feed cost ratio (FCR).
Mini Jerseys make great farmyard companions with unmatched manageability.
They need less pastureland.
High fertility.
Longer lactation period.
Delicious milk with superb protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin B12 content.

The above attributes are enormous advantages for micro-farms wanting to optimize productivity and reduce operational expenses.

A small homestead with a few Mini Jersey cows can sell surplus raw milk and dairy products to neighbors, restaurants, and farmer’s markets for additional income.
A Mini Jersey cow’s high feed conversion efficiency generates more milk at lower feed costs than competitor breeds.
Mini Jersey cream makes the best ice cream!

The charming gentleness of Mini Jersey cows makes them great educators, allowing young children to safely learn how to care for dairy cows, from leading them to pasture to grooming, feeding, and milking.

The inside word from dairy professionals about Jersey cows is – “Less cow to feed. And more cow to milk!” (We feel their sentiment is twice as valid for the miniature version!)

The Disadvantages Of Mini Jersey Cows

Tiny brown Jersey cow grazing in a field on a lovely sunny day.

Mini Jersey cows are prodigious milk producers and require daily milking, udder care, and grooming. Full udders on Mini Jersey cows can be difficult to milk due to their proximity to the ground, a trait that makes them more susceptible to infections like mastitis.

Considering their exceptional productivity credentials, the Mini Jersey cow ‘disadvantages’ shouldn’t stop you from investing in a Mini Jersey or three.

Learning the basics of udder hygiene is easy, and learning how to prevent mastitis can save you tons of heartache.
Antibiotics and a vet can help effectively cure milk fever and other severe cases of infection.

As always, we urge you to invite a family-trusted vet to visit your farm (or homestead) if you detect health problems with your Mini Jersey cow or any cow!

Can You Milk A Mini Jersey Cow?

Thirsty Jersey cows getting a drink from a trough.

Yes! A Mini Jersey cow produces milk just like a full-size Jersey cow, only in lesser quantities. The udder and teats on a Mini Jersey cow are marginally smaller than those on regular Jersey cows. But you can still milk them by hand or machine.

If milking by hand proves difficult, an electric milking-machine will save your hands and back muscles. Milking machines can also prevent the udder-floor proximity problem.

How Much Milk Do You Get From A Mini Jersey Cow?

A purebred Mini Jersey cow will produce, on average, between two and four gallons of milk per day, depending on which stage of her lactation cycle. A crossbred Mini Jersey cow will produce around half that volume. A full-size Jersey cow produces between six and ten gallons of milk daily.

How Long Do Mini Jersey Cows Produce Milk?

Mini Jerseys who receive proper care can live for 12 to 18 years. They can calve yearly upon turning two years old. It’s healthy for their wellbeing to calve annually. Therefore, expect your Mini Jersey cow to calve (and give milk) ten to fifteen times over their lifetime. Their productivity is why investing in a Mini Jersey cow is a boon for nearly any homesteader.

How Many Times A Day Do You Have To Milk A Mini Jersey Cow?

A Mini Jersey cow must get milked at least once daily, even if she’s feeding a calf. During peak lactation (in the first three months after calving), try milking twice daily, especially if the cow is not feeding a calf.

What Do Mini Jersey Cows Eat?

A small Jersey calf eating a grassy lunch in the farmyard pasture.

Mini Jersey cows eat grass (forage). They also love grains, legumes, alfalfa, minerals, and salt. Cow feed called balanced or mixed rations can supplement forage to ensure a balanced diet for optimum health and milk yield.

What you might find surprising is that Mini Jerseys are tremendously thirsty. They’re like mini water buffalos! Well, not exactly. But you should still expect your Mini Jersey cow to drink around five gallons of water daily, perhaps more during summer. (We’ve heard rumors of mini Jersey cows drinking 10 to 20 gallons daily! While that amount is likely excessive, it’s good to plan for at least five daily gallons.)

How Big Do Mini Jersey Cows Get?

Mini Jersey cows range from Full Miniature (36 inches to 42 inches in height) to Mid-size Miniature (42 inches to 48 inches tall).

How Much Space Does A Mini Jersey Cow Need?

A single Mini Jersey cow needs one-half to one acre of pastureland to graze on and a stable of around 140 square feet to calve and shelter in. (Many sources say you can enclose your mini cow in a smaller space. But don’t cramp them. Give them ample barn space to stretch, move about, turn around, and rest.)

Read More – How Fast Can A Cow Run, Exactly?

How Much Do Mini Jersey Cows Weigh?

Full Miniature Jersey cows weigh between 500 and 700 pounds, while Mid-size Miniature Jersey cows weigh from 700 to 800 pounds.

How Much Does A Mini Jersey Cow Cost?

The price for Mini Jersey cows varies depending on breed purity, conformity, age, and appearance. Typically, a purebred Mini Jersey cow will cost around $3,000 to $5,000. You can purchase a mixed Mini Jersey cow for around $2,000.

Where Can You Find Mini Cows For Sale?

The best way to find a healthy Mini Jersey cow for sale is to contact your regional cattle breeder’s association. They usually maintain a diligent list of registered breeders and sellers of Miniature Jersey cows.

We also advise checking out the Purebred Mini Jersey Society’s Cattle Market. In our experience, PMJS is the most reliable source for information on Mini Jersey cows, and we trust their integrity.

Local mini cow breeders may also prove a happy hunting ground for your first Mini Jersey cow (check your local cattle breeders – as long as they have a good reputation).

Can You Buy Mini Jersey Cows At A Cattle Auction?

No! We wouldn’t recommend doing so!

We asked Lorinda Barnes, who manages the Purebred Mini Jersey Society if she would recommend buying dairy cows at an auction.

She says she can’t recommend it and advises against using auctions for any dairy animal purchase! The problem with auctions is that many cows could have mastitis or diseases.

Another issue with auctions is that they might not offer vital health records, breeding information, or the history of the cows you get. Since many homesteaders want yummy and nutritious milk, avoiding an auction cow is best.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our guide about Mini Jersey cows. We love these animals because they offer small homesteads a tremendous opportunity to produce ample, delicious milk. We’re also trying our best to spread the word about them!

What about you?

Do you agree that Mini Jersey cows are among the most underrated dairy animals?
Have you ever tried A2 milk from a Mini Jersey cow?
Mini Jersey cows also make superb pets or homestead companions! Do you agree?
Have you ever raised a full-sized Jersey cow? How many gallons of milk did it produce daily?
How many gallons of milk do you need per day?

We hope to hear from you!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

Special thanks to Lorinda Barnes of the Purebred Mini Jersey Society for helping us research, fact-check, and articulate this Mini Jersey article. For more information about Mini Jersey Cows, check out the Purebred Mini Jersey Society. It’s one of the most accurate sources of information about these majestic farmyard animals. And they care about raising healthy, happy cows, which matters more than anything to us!

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Mini Jersey Cows And Full-Sized Jersey Cows | References, Resources, And Works Cited

2 Comments

Lorinda Barnes says:

February 24, 2024 at 10:32 pm

I wish you had contacted the Purebred Mini Jersey Society, the only registry that requires proof of Jersey DNA purity. Many “Mini Jerseys” are not really miniaturized Jerseys at all. PMJS is also the ONLY Mini Jersey registry that’s applied to be a non-profit and to offer grants for taking relevant educational courses. PMJS offers so many educational resources and opportunities. It appears you’ve visited the website, PurebredMiniJerseys.org, but didn’t contact PMJS for help with this article. I wish you had! If you’d like help you can contact PMJS through the website.

1. Mike D says:
  
  February 25, 2024 at 8:05 pm
  
  Hey Lorinda!
  
  Thanks so much for visiting our humble blog!
  
  It’s our pleasure to connect with like-minded Mini Jersey cow enthusiasts. You have a magnificent passion for these lovely farmyard companions, which is admirable.
  
  :]
  
  We are relatively new to these adorable miniature cows ourselves. But, in the short time we’ve studied them, we realize how majestic they are.
  
  We’ve also been checking out more about your organization. It’s excellent!
  
  We’ll spread the word about your organization if anyone asks about healthy, happy, purebred Miniature Jerseys.
  
  (I will work on giving your organization a prominent plug in the article and listing you as a reliable source for Miniature Jerseys. We’re also happy to hear any tips or suggestions. We could use all the help we can get!)
  
  Thanks again for reading.
  
  We wish you and your team the best!
  
  Cordially,
  
  Mike D