The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has announced that new records for production by Registered Jersey™ cows were established in 2011.
The official Jersey lactation average increased to 18,633 lbs. milk, 889 lbs. fat, and 676 lbs. protein. On a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis, average yield was 2,294 pounds. All are new category records.
A record 91,028 lactations were processed by the AJCA, an increase of 51.4% in 10 years.
The lactation average is calculated on a standardized 305-day, twice daily, mature equivalent (m.e.) basis.
These records for Jersey production come on the heels of a study published in the January, 2012 issue of Journal of Dairy Science that documents lower production inputs and reduced environmental impacts of Jersey milk production because of higher component levels and small body mass to be maintained.