The Dutch classification system is focussed on the cow as a milk producer,
which requires a good and functional conformation.
High production, supported by excellent confromation is the Dutch breeding goal
The Ideal Cow
The classification of conformation traits is performed in accordance with
the conformation standard (ideal cow).
The conformation standard for the Black-and-White cow is as follows:
a strong dairy cow with a wedgeshaped rump, in top as well as in side view,
and with a slightly sloped rump angle;
a stature of about 148 to 150 centimeters;
a aquare, high-quality and well-attached udder with close front teat placement
and strong suspensory ligament;
excellent use of legs and feet.
Type Classification
The goal of dairy farmers is to breed the most profitable dairy cows.
High-yielding dairy cows completing many lactations without problems
contribute significantly to this ultimate goal. Functional conformation
traits contribute positively to trouble-free milk production, since it
influences the longevity and workability of the cow.
Herdlife is a feature which gives a proper insight into trouble-free
production. A cow which meets the selection criteria of the dairy farmer
each year, will be kept in the herd. Selection for production is an important
reason in the culling of dairy cows (voluntary culling).
Herdlife is an economically important factor in milk production, since:
- it leads to lower culling rates and consequently to lower rearing costs
- it increases the profits from milk production. The highest production
performances are achieved in 4th to 7th lactation
- it might reduce the veterinary costs
- it enables higher selection possibilities for economic traits, like
milk production
The Classification Report
The Dutch classification report is split up into two parts:
- the linear descriptive traits;
- the general characteristics.
This is in accordance with the recommendations of the World Holstein
Friesian Federation for the Black-and-White Breed Societies, which enables
sound comparisons of conformation traits all over the world to be made.
Linear Descriptive Traits
The linear descriptive traits are measured (stature) or scored objectively
13 linear descriptive traits are measured (stature) or scored lineary.
The linear descriptive traits are scored individually and objectively in a
range of 1 to 9, which covers the biological extremes.
The linear descriptive traits, together with an explanation of the scores, are
given in table 1.
The advantage of linear scoring of conformation traits is that a very clear
description is given of how the cow looks like.
The General Characteristics
Taking the scores of linear descriptive trails into account, the following
general characteristics are judged: size, type, udder, legs and feet and
final score (see table 2.)
| Size: |
Stature, length width and capacity of the cow in
relation to age. |
| Type: |
Youthfulness (heifers), strength and general openness;
all in relation to the conformation standard. |
| Udder: |
Qualification of the total udder, with emphasis on teat
placement, suspensory ligament and udder depth. |
| Legs and feet: |
Set and bone quality of the legs, quality of feet and
use of legs and feet. |
| Final score: |
The total appearance of the cow with emphasis on the
udder and legs and feet. |
Table 2 The general characteristics
|
The general characteristics give a linear qualification of the cow in
relation to the conformation standard. The general characteristics are
scored in the range from 65 to 100, according to the following qualifications:
| Range |
Qualification |
| 65 - 69 |
Poor |
| 70 - 74 |
Moderate |
| 75 - 79 |
Good |
| 80 - 84 |
Good Plus |
| 85 - 89 |
Very Good |
| 90 - 99 |
Excellent |
The average score per general characteristic of cows classified is constant
over the years and is set at 80 points. In other words, a score of 85 points
for a general characteristic in 1995 is significantly better than in 1990,
due to the progress made in conformation over the years.
The more the cow corresponds with the conformation standard (ideal cow),
the higher the score.
Veepro Magazine, December 1994, Volume 21
Dutch Cattle