HOLSTEIN UK LAUNCH
THE CENTENARY
VIRTUAL COW
Frequently Asked Q: Why can’t I just build
Questions my own ideal cow?
Q: Why was
A: A great deal of work has gone into this
it created?
fi rst phase, which is to create a moving cow
A: The idea was born which is as detailed as possible. I am sure
following a British
you can appreciate that in order to create a
Society of Animal
cow with any combination of the 17 linears
Science conference
shown, this would require a massive number
in 2003, where
of solutions and cow structure possibilities.
researchers presented
a full 3D image of
The research budget has allowed for the fi rst
a pig. Achieving
important step and we will strive to improve
the same with our
the programme towards this goal, as the
model cow in a 3D
cost reduces and technology moves forward.
environment, with the
Q: Can Colleges/Universities/Clubs and
ability to demonstrate
advisors have an access code to use it
the different degrees
for training purposes?
of linear extreme, then became a mission. It took fi ve years for the
technology to fi nally become available to produce the desired degree
A: We are planning to licence access to
of detail, and although Holstein Canada produced their version of a
the cow for this specifi c purpose as soon
virtual cow in late 2007, we would argue that the UK version is more as possible. Some colleges, such as Llysfasi
detailed, functional and worth waiting for. College in Ruthin and Reaseheath College
Q: Why is it behind the PIN protected section and not
in Cheshire, have been given a special one-
available to all, as this would provide international publicity off code to trial the cow with students and
for the UK? as you can see from the feedback – this has
A: As the Virtual Cow was solely funded by Holstein UK, it was felt
proved very positive!
that the initial benefi t should be given to members as a priority
and that it adds to the suite of member benefi ts available. We
For more information please contact:
do, however, acknowledge that the product could offer a huge
lucyandrews@holstein-uk.org or call
promotional opportunity for the UK, so the longer term intention is
01923 695 268
to make it more widely available to ensure maximum marketing
and promotional opportunity.
Q: Why isn’t the cow Black & White!
A: By applying a black or white colour to the cow, we loose all of
the details, refl ection and movement as both the black and white
colours absorb the light. We therefore opted for a metallic-look
cover which refl ects and highlights all of the details.
Q: Why does it look gold – like a Jersey!
A: The cow is designed to be silver – to match the Centenary
theme, however on different monitors and different screen
resolutions, the cow can appear to vary in colour a little. The
structure and design of the cow was taken from the Holstein
True Type model and therefore does not necessarily refl ect the
Jersey breeding goal.
Q: Why does the cow not load on some computers?
A: To view and run the Virtual Cow, your computer requires a
couple of key applications. These are the latest versions of ‘Flash
Player’ for the individual traits and also ‘Java Script’ in order to fully
interact with the spinning cow. A quick download for both of these
applications can be found on the appropriate Virtual Cow pages.
14 THE JOURNAL APRIL 2009
e2-09 Virtual Cow.indd 4 01/04/2009 12:13:41
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