Classification is when an independent and objective classifier from Holstein Canada visits your farm to assess the conformation of individual animals. This is an optional form of record keeping for farmers but it is one that can have many benefits. The most profitable cows are ones that have functional type traits which facilitate adequate milk production and allow them to remain in the herd for a long time. Classifying helps farmers determine which cows are the best ones to keep in their herd, and which cows will best help them to meet their goals.
Conformation is one basis of high production. Cows that have desirable physical traits eat more roughage, transmit desirable characteristics to their offspring and improve their production levels as they get older. Classification can be a useful management tool in several ways:
• Breeding and raising the type of animals you want to work with.
• Providing information to make profitable decisions.
• Providing information to help improve your herd through corrective breeding.
Cows and heifers from classified families have higher Lifetime Profit Indexes (LPIs), and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) than unclassified ones. Semen companies also provide computer generated genetic matings for classified herds. In addition, animals that are classified have higher resale values than those that are not classified. Cows that are classified higher tend to produce more milk and be more profitable than cows with lower classifications.
Animals of each dairy breed are evaluated compared to their breed scorecards, which have been developed based on the True Type Model. The classifier looks at the breakdown of four major composite traits: mammary system, feet and legs, rump, and dairy strength. While the same 21 traits are assessed for each breed, different goals, strengths and weaknesses of the breeds have led their classification committees to create slightly different scorecards. Each trait is assessed based on a linear system, rated 1 to 9, based on measurements and visual assessments.
When classified, cows are placed into one of the following categories:
• Excellent (EX) - 90 points and higher Animals can be reclassified for EX status in subsequent lactations, and will receive multiple “Excellent” status for scoring EX on different lactations. In Canada, a cow must have had 3 natural calvings to be scored this high. Jerseys that score EX when they are 10 years of age or older are awarded the title of Supreme Excellent (SUP-EX) to showcase their longevity. For example: A cow scored EX 92-3E has been scored 92/100 points and has been granted an Excellent score on three different lactations.
• Very Good (VG) – 85-89 points
• Good Plus (GP) – 80-84 points
• Good (G) – 70-79 points
• Fair (F) – below 70 points
To arrive at a final score, each animal is evaluated for a series of traits and assigned a linear score corresponding to that trait. Some traits, such as stature, are directly measured, and that measurement will correspond to standards established by the breed in order to determine a linear score. Other traits, such as bone quality, are not directly measured, but are evaluated based upon breed specifications. Linear scores are from 1 to 9. For some traits, 9 is the ideal score, while for other traits (i.e. udder depth), there is an intermediate optimum, meaning that 5 would be the ideal score. Evaluated traits fit into 4 categories, with the following traits and their relative weights evaluated under each category:
1. Rump (8% of final score) - Rump Angle (34%) - Pin Width (21%) - Loin Strength (32%) - Thurl Placement (13%)
2. Mammary System (48% of final score) - Udder Depth (14%) - Udder Texture (12%) - Median Suspensory (16%) - Fore Attachment (15%) - Front Teat Placement (8%) - Rear Attachment Height (16%) - Rear Attachment Width (12%) - Rear Teat Placement (5%) - Teat Length (2%)
3. Dairy Strength (29% of final score) - Stature (5%) - Height at Front End (5%) - Chest Width (20%) - Body Depth (25%) - Angularity (27%) - Body Condition Score (3%) - Udder Texture (5%) - Loin Strength (10%)
4. Feet & Legs (15% of final score) - Foot Angle (22%) - Heel Depth (25%) - Bone Quality (9%) - Rear Legs Side View (15%) - Rear Legs Rear View (29%) - Locomotion (research only)
The classification report is generated by the classifier immediately after the animals are classified during a herd visit. This form will show the type profile of the cow, and relate her linear scores back to the ideal scores set by Jersey Canada. The breeder will also receive a herd report, giving the breeder an overall look at the type profile of the herd on a trait-by-trait basis.
For more about Classification and Linear Trait assessments and understanding the benefit of the program, please click on the following link:
www.holstein.ca/Public/en/Services/Classification/Breakdown_of_Traits
Conformation is one basis of high production. Cows that have desirable physical traits eat more roughage, transmit desirable characteristics to their offspring and improve their production levels as they get older. Classification can be a useful management tool in several ways:
• Breeding and raising the type of animals you want to work with.
• Providing information to make profitable decisions.
• Providing information to help improve your herd through corrective breeding.
Cows and heifers from classified families have higher Lifetime Profit Indexes (LPIs), and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) than unclassified ones. Semen companies also provide computer generated genetic matings for classified herds. In addition, animals that are classified have higher resale values than those that are not classified. Cows that are classified higher tend to produce more milk and be more profitable than cows with lower classifications.
Animals of each dairy breed are evaluated compared to their breed scorecards, which have been developed based on the True Type Model. The classifier looks at the breakdown of four major composite traits: mammary system, feet and legs, rump, and dairy strength. While the same 21 traits are assessed for each breed, different goals, strengths and weaknesses of the breeds have led their classification committees to create slightly different scorecards. Each trait is assessed based on a linear system, rated 1 to 9, based on measurements and visual assessments.
When classified, cows are placed into one of the following categories:
• Excellent (EX) - 90 points and higher Animals can be reclassified for EX status in subsequent lactations, and will receive multiple “Excellent” status for scoring EX on different lactations. In Canada, a cow must have had 3 natural calvings to be scored this high. Jerseys that score EX when they are 10 years of age or older are awarded the title of Supreme Excellent (SUP-EX) to showcase their longevity. For example: A cow scored EX 92-3E has been scored 92/100 points and has been granted an Excellent score on three different lactations.
• Very Good (VG) – 85-89 points
• Good Plus (GP) – 80-84 points
• Good (G) – 70-79 points
• Fair (F) – below 70 points
To arrive at a final score, each animal is evaluated for a series of traits and assigned a linear score corresponding to that trait. Some traits, such as stature, are directly measured, and that measurement will correspond to standards established by the breed in order to determine a linear score. Other traits, such as bone quality, are not directly measured, but are evaluated based upon breed specifications. Linear scores are from 1 to 9. For some traits, 9 is the ideal score, while for other traits (i.e. udder depth), there is an intermediate optimum, meaning that 5 would be the ideal score. Evaluated traits fit into 4 categories, with the following traits and their relative weights evaluated under each category:
1. Rump (8% of final score) - Rump Angle (34%) - Pin Width (21%) - Loin Strength (32%) - Thurl Placement (13%)
2. Mammary System (48% of final score) - Udder Depth (14%) - Udder Texture (12%) - Median Suspensory (16%) - Fore Attachment (15%) - Front Teat Placement (8%) - Rear Attachment Height (16%) - Rear Attachment Width (12%) - Rear Teat Placement (5%) - Teat Length (2%)
3. Dairy Strength (29% of final score) - Stature (5%) - Height at Front End (5%) - Chest Width (20%) - Body Depth (25%) - Angularity (27%) - Body Condition Score (3%) - Udder Texture (5%) - Loin Strength (10%)
4. Feet & Legs (15% of final score) - Foot Angle (22%) - Heel Depth (25%) - Bone Quality (9%) - Rear Legs Side View (15%) - Rear Legs Rear View (29%) - Locomotion (research only)
The classification report is generated by the classifier immediately after the animals are classified during a herd visit. This form will show the type profile of the cow, and relate her linear scores back to the ideal scores set by Jersey Canada. The breeder will also receive a herd report, giving the breeder an overall look at the type profile of the herd on a trait-by-trait basis.
For more about Classification and Linear Trait assessments and understanding the benefit of the program, please click on the following link:
www.holstein.ca/Public/en/Services/Classification/Breakdown_of_Traits
