Cows you say?

Jamaica's Montgomery Jersey cattle

Switzerland is known for its robust cattle industry. But did you know there is a breed of dairy cattle that originated in Jamaica? It is the Jersey-Zebu or Montgomery Jersey and more called popularly the Jamaica Hope, since it was first bred at Hope Farm. Here is a short history on the birth of Jamaica Hope.

Breeding started in 1910 with the aim of developing an animal suited to the island’s climate. The outcome is Jamaica Hope, a cow that is heat tolerant, has high resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases and produces much milk even in poor pasture lands typical of tropical climates. 

Jamaica Hope is a combination of other breeds, 80% Jersey, 15% Zebu and 5%Holstein. The development of this breed was to a large degree the work of Dr. Thomas Lecky, a pioneer in Jamaican agricultural science. 

Jamaica Hope today comprises approximately 50% of the cattle on the island. A mature cow weighs around 500 kg, while a male weighs between 700 and 800 kg. 

A cow can produce 2,500 liters of milk per lactation period, which generally lasts for 305 days.The butter fat content of the milk is 5%. 

At the beginning of August the island’s largest agricultural fair is staged at the Denbigh show grounds, where the best of Jamaica Hope are on display.
 

For more on cows in Jamaica visit these links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZHO2kNdEBE

http://www.fao.org/3/X6500E11.htm

https://www.rada.gov.jm/know-your-jamaican-cattle-breeds

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Hope

Denbigh Agricultural Show: http://www.jas.gov.jm/Denbigh.html

Also visit our art gallery: https://www.experiencejamaique.com/product_gallery

Updated August 2020.

July 2017