Miniature Jersey Cows

[MrsPratt]

Actually he has the original miniature jerseys. I know they are very rare and I am sure that is why you would assume. Have you ever heard of Mr Snow from Dobson NC?? That is where he purchased his first miniature jerseys. My grandfather has now passed away but my father continues in his shoes. My grandfather was Ralph Martin of NC

Just for clarification purposes.

http://www.miniaturejerseyassociation.com/history.htm

The above is what we class as a "heritage jersey" in our territory. I know things are different in the U.S.A.

A mini jersey around here would be a jersey cross and then bred back to get to 7/8 jersey. These are what we see marketed as "mini jerseys".

Then there is the upbred jersey we use on our milking lines. Much larger than any of their ancestors.

I visited that Link, I am very farmiliar with it, as you could see Mr' Snow of Dobson NC is where they originated here in the states.. Several of the Miniature Jersey around the country have come from my grandfathers farm or were decendants of them. Here in the USA, According to my grandfathers standards "PURE MINIATURE JERSEY"is not bred with any other breed at any point in time otherwise it isn't pure. I know that some registries allow 7/8 and 15/16, although when keeping the lineage true to its history my grandfather never had to outcross. That is why there are so few of the pure miniature rabbit-eyed jerseys here in the states.

Its just my personal opinion that when outcrossing to get miniature jerseys, some of the genetics of the jersey are lost. My grandfather and my father have worked very hard to preserve what was started when my grandfather was younger. The adorable miniature sized cows will steal your heart and are great in every way.

Thanks for the info, very interesting the difference in the classifications.

Many people market cattle as "mini-jerseys" that is why I always advise people to do research and talk to some of the long time breeders. Figure out what you want and what is important to you. Anything can be outcrossed to make a miniature but is it pure? Our miniatures are pure miniature jersey, no need to change anything if they are already miniature.

 

[kstaven]

That is the sad part in all of this. People see the Mini Jersey name used and assume it is pure. Many times not knowing there is a huge difference.

My hat is off to all who raise and maintain pure heritage stock.

Another interesting thing you will find with jerseys is to look at what is raised in Canada up against the U.S. for dairy purposes. These cattle look very different.

 

[SillyChicken]

SO... is there anyone still raising true heritage jerseys or were they too depleted? I'm also looking into getting a mini jersey but there's not much info out there.

 

[Roll farms]

http://minijerseysbydexter.homestead.com/

 

[MenagerieMama]

I would also be very interested in Mini Jersey's and Dexter cattle. Dangit they are so cute! Perfect size for us homesteaders, too!

 

[Shora]

Hello to all,

What info are you wanting? I had a mini jersey for 2 years, right up until this summer when I sold her. It was just too hard to milk her since we didn't live on site, but she was the best cow I could have asked for. She faithfully gave 3 gallons a day everyday. (She has 10 years old) My young children could climb all over her with no problems and she was a breeze to milk. I bought her from the aforementioned Tim O'donnell, he was very helpful and knows a lot about the breed. Also to answer a question "are there any in texas" Yes I actually live in Tx and I know there is a farm that raises them out of Pattenville, Tx However I have never talked to them so I couldn't tell you much about them. If anyone has any specific questions I would be happy to answer if I can.

 

[farmerlor]

We have a miniature Jersey/Holstein mix bred to a purebred miniature Jersey bull. We're in Colorado and the lady who owns the bull that bred our heifer drives pretty much all over America searching out PURE miniature Jerseys and now has quite a herd. We're very anxious to see our baby/babies born as the bull is a painted mini so even though Momma is black and white spotted we're hoping for a little color. Everyone I know who's trying to get self sufficient is looking in mini dairy cows. Let's face it, 8-10 gallons a day is a bit much for your average family but the 3 gallons we anticipate my mini will be giving should be just about enough to provide us with milk to drink and milk to make cheese with.

 

[MrsPratt]

That is the sad part in all of this. People see the Mini Jersey name used and assume it is pure. Many times not knowing there is a huge difference.

My hat is off to all who raise and maintain pure heritage stock.

Another interesting thing you will find with jerseys is to look at what is raised in Canada up against the U.S. for dairy purposes. These cattle look very different.

I'm sorry, I feel like this is an arguement and I am not sure why. Most of the people on this topic that are asking about miniature jerseys are in the US. There may be a difference in Canada. and that is fine!

The use of your "pure" comment really strikes me on the wrong chord. There may be a difference in miniature and heritage stock. We are talking about miniature jerseys not what Canada considers heritage stock!
"pure" isn't something that is cross bred with something else. I don't care how or who looks at it. These people asked about miniature jersey cattle in their area or to know more about them.

I am only speaking because my grandfather dedicated his entire life to keeping miniature jerseys, maintaining the integrity of the breed, and passing this wisdom to my father, brother and I. There are many people who obtain cattle from him and who are striving to do the same thing. I am sharing the information that our family knows to help the breed and for no other purpose.

 

[redtailgal]

Mrs. Pratt, I think that Kstaven was only noting the difference between a Purebred mini and a little cow that looks like a Jersey and is thus called a Mini Jersey when it should not be.

He did commend those that maintain the pure heritage in breeding mini's....he was complimenting the dedication of those that maintain good lines in there mini breeding program.

It's not an argument, just a mis-communication.

One of the things I love about this forum, is that we are a very multi-cultural community, it's always fascinating to me to see how the same thing goes by so many different names in different parts of the world. It's nice to know that once we get past the language/terminology barriers that we have so many things in common. And now, the folks from Canada will know that the information that you provide about mini's really does not apply to what they consider minis.

Anyway, I havent seen you around here before, so Welcome to the group! I'd love to hear more about your grampa and his cattle. I'm in NC, and I love Jerseys, so it was pretty cool to get some of that information from this thread. I hope that you will continue to post more information. DO you have a website that you would recommend? There may be one of these little cuties in my future, lol.

(as for Kstaven, give him another chance. Rough start for the two of you, but he really is a great guy).

 

[Valley Ranch]

The pictures of mini Jerseys I've seen couldn't look more like Jerseys, we had a Jersey when I was a boy.
I believe they are just that, small Jerseys by selective breeding, until I am shown different.
We have been shopping for a Mini Jersey ror our girls 4H that will become part of our family.