Tatton Park works with the British Breeds Revival Trust to help preserve the Jersey Breed.

Peter Anderson
August 12, 2025

In a new initiative this summer, following discussions with the British Breeds Revival Trust, four of Tatton’s native breeds of dairy cows are to receive embryo transplants. Staff at the farm, which has Conservation Centre status from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, work hard to monitor, save, and promote UK native livestock and believe this latest initiative is a positive move.

Jayne Chapman, farm manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the British Breeds Revival Trust to help bring the original breed of Jersey cow back from the brink of extinction. We both are passionate about preserving the breed and increasing appreciation of the value of low input animals which can be farmed sustainably without costly and environmentally damaging feeds.”

The iconic Jersey cow
This beautiful breed has been exported to all corners of the world, but until recently, it was illegal to import back onto the island, so that the cattle on Jersey possessed genetics untainted by any external factors. In recent years this has changed, and pure Jersey genetics are now possessed by very few animals. The BBRT is currently in talks to acquire original population Jersey heifers to form the basis of an original population herd here on the mainland UK. Planned embryo collection from the heifers will enable numbers of pure calves to be maximised helping to ensure the future of this much-loved breed. It is a breed that I know well, my Great Aunt & Uncle then my ?Uncle was a tenant farmer in Derbyshire with a herd of pedigree Jersey cattle.

The very first BBRT Jersey embryo calf was born on 17th May this year and is now in the process of being fully registered with the Jersey Cattle Society. This embryo came from a genetic maternal line in Devon that was about to be lost if the BBRT hadn’t stepped in. The calf born from the embryo is a young bull Pedigree named Revival Gabriel, (pictured above) who was implanted into a Red Poll heifer belonging to Terry Mancey, a Staffordshire farmer.

The farm at Tatton is hoping to welcome its own Jersey embryo calf later this year. Chris Ball from the BBRT said: “We are absolutely delighted that Tatton has offered us the chance of placing embryos into their cattle. I personally cannot think of a better place to try to highlight our joint aims.” Jersey Cattle are not the only animal breed the farm are helping and you can help them by adopting an animal.

The Animal Adoption Scheme at the farm gives visitors the chance to assist with the care and upkeep of Tatton’s rare breed animals while also giving them the opportunity to get up close and spend time with their farmyard friend. Adopters will receive an official adoption certificate, VIP tickets for two guests to attend a special farm adoption day event, a cuddly toy goat, shire horse or pig (depending on your adopted animal), factsheet, sticker, photocard and regular e-newsletters on your adoptee’s progress. The Adoption pack is available to buy online from tattonparktrust.org.