Compared to other leading breeds, Jerseys experience decidedly lower incidence of diseases such as mastitis, blind quarters, and ketosis. While Jerseys are susceptible to milk fever, improved management has proven that the incidence rate can be controlled and effectively decreased. There is a lower frequency of Jerseys leaving herds due to feet and leg problems. Overall, Jerseys have a longer life span. Feed intake and production capabilities are crucial in the profitability of a dairy animal - conversion of feed to milk is what counts.
Jerseys are highly efficient milk producers.
DMI is the most important factor when evaluating a feeding program. Because Jerseys can consume more dry matter per pound of body weight they draw more of their nutrient requirements for milk production and body maintenance from the less expensive feeds. The more dry matter a cow can consume per pound of body weight the more efficient a producer she is. It might be initially surprising that Jerseys can be successfully integrated into beef production enterprises. A number of dairy producers have found the Jersey's early maturity to be a definite advantage in veal production.