Reece Attenborough runs through the Jersey classification system and the importance of individual type traits in a cow. Simon Reid, of Jackiah Jerseys, holds his cow for the demonstration.
A lunchtime highlight of this year’s Dairy Muster in Gippsland was a rundown on the points of a cow that make up Jersey classification, delivered by Reece Attenborough, of Poowong.
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The Jersey cow on show was led by Simon Reid of Jackiah Jerseys.
Reece is a senior classifier with Jersey Australia, and has been a cow classifier with Jersey Australia for 12 years.
Jersey Australia was a sponsor of the Dairy Muster, and was asked to provide a lunchtime demonstration on classification and how it is done.
“I went through the 24 different type traits that we calculate as classifiers, on the one to nine scale that we assess within the classification system,” Reece said.
“I gave a run down on each type trait, where on the cow those traits are assessed, how we score them, and what is considered ideal for each trait.
“Classification is based around a true-type animal and its overall functionality. Our 24 linear traits assessed are the key components that make our four Trait Composite Groups that, in turn, make up a cow’s final class score.
“Those four traits groups and their weightings are: Dairy Strength 40 per cent, Mammary 35 per cent, Rump 15 per cent and Feet and Legs 10 per cent.”
Reece said the cow with the true type will have great dairy strength showing that combination of overall width and clean flat dairy bone, walk on a great set of feet and legs, have a good rump with length, width and slope, and show a well attached udder with good teat placement.
“A cow who displays an overall correctness in these traits versus a cow who is less than ideal is more likely to have a distinct advantage — she will be a more healthy cow, is able to convert high feed intake into milk production more effectively, and she has added benefits of being more fertile and having that greater longevity of being able to do so further on into her life.”
Peter Williams followed up with how to look at bull ABVs for corrective mating.
“Peter was explaining how to use the data information shown on a Bull proof for corrective mating,” Reece said.
Simon Reid, of Jackiah Jerseys, holding one of his cows while Reece Attenborough describes the characteristics of a good cow.
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