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Head classifier for Holstein UK Meurig James looks at how classification helps focus on a balanced cow that is profitable on the modern dairy farm
difficult time that it has for many decades. It is, therefore, more important than ever to breed the right type of cow for your system and your farm. Some systems and management can cope with the more extreme type of dairy cow while others on a more grass based and less intensive system require a stronger, more robust type of cow.
T
I strongly believe that the black and white breed now has something to suit everyone on all systems.
Most farmers want a cow that has the right balance between strength and dairyness – milk
he dairy industry in the UK is going through the most
and longevity. A cow that is not too tall, but has length and good body conformation. Legs and feet are not too sickled or too straight with clean bone and good sound feet with good locomotion, a mammary system that has good attachments, with good texture and veination and teats of a moderate length. Type classification plays an important role in achieving this type of cow. The scheme was set up many years ago in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses in high yielding dairy cows. Classification identifies which traits need improving on cows, therefore, giving farmers an opportunity to use certain bulls to rectify these faults.
Classification is no longer aimed at the elite pedigree breeder, but is a useful management tool for every farmer whether pedigree or commercial. Cows that are scored Excellent are the pride of every farmer. They are the cows who have stood the test of time, usually cows that are balanced in all the traits and box breakdown when they are scored.
Classification is backed up by ClassAct which allows classification to be analysed and cows ranked on either composite or linear scores. Too many people are of the opinion that all Excellent cows are show cows. This is
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