Ages at calving and survival rates largely determine average productive life of cows in a herd. As a result of lower incidence of calving problems, mastitis and lameness, it is to be expected that the Jersey should live longer.
Increased longevity is a good measure of a cows overall profitability.
Calving Ease . Jerseys are well known for their ease of calving, whether the calf is a purebred or a cross bred with a large beef breed, such as a Belgian Blue. Results from several investigations lead to the conclusion that Jerseys are less susceptible to mastitis. Jerseys are well-known to be less susceptible to lameness because of their black hoof colour which makes their hoofs very hard. Because Jerseys are a lighter breed this may also give them less problems with lameness.