As a guideline, Jersey cows will eat about 10% more per unit of body weight (i.e., Holstein cows eat 3.5% of body weight, and Jersey cows 3.85%) at similar stages of lactation and production. Remember, Jerseys are much smaller and eat fewer total pounds. The total amount of feed cows eat varies with milk production, nutrient specifications of the ration being fed, and temperature/humidity, to name just a few variables.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET
