Identify the strengths in your dairy herd
Type classification can be an effective tool for commercial dairy farmers.
It’s more than a tool for showmen and elite breeders and in fact is a valuable management aid for both dairy and beef producers.
The independent assessment of individual cows accentuates economically important conformation traits that influence a cow’s ability to withstand modern production and management practices. The modern dairy cow needs good functional traits - a well-supported udder with strong central ligament, correctly set legs with good foot angle and the general constitution to cope with life on a modern dairy farm.
By classifying, conformational strengths are recorded and can be improved upon in the next generation via corrective breeding, improving the herd’s production, longevity, health and welfare, economically benefitting the farm.
Type Classification involves assessment of 21 linear type traits to produce four composite scores and the analysis of five welfare traits has been proven to directly impact cattle productivity. In the past five years, there has been a 20 per cent increase in classified cattle representing the direct link between breeding the right type of cow for your system and farm profitability.
Highly graded animals are proven to have a considerably higher value than non-classified animals. Specific strengths and weaknesses are highlighted allowing improved corrective breeding decisions to be made, and the general standard of conformation to be improved across the herd. Cattle of a better conformation are proven to be more productive, less demanding and longer-living.
Holstein UK operates the national type appraisal scheme for dairy cattle in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Through the scheme, cattle are assessed for conformation by one of the accredited team of classifiers. The cows are awarded an overall grade (for example,. VG, EX) and score, and they are also measured for 21 individual type traits.
Most of these classifications are carried out for private farmers but many are also undertaken on behalf of the AI industry. From these classifications, genetic indexes for type are calculated on behalf of UK dairy breeds by AHDB/SRUC. These are expressed as Type Merit for sires, and the individual type traits are generally shown on a bar chart.
The Holstein UK type classification scheme is the only type appraisal programme in the UK that is internationally recognised by the World Holstein Friesian Federation & ICAR.
Meurig James, Holstein UK
