Type Classification provides an independent assessment of cows in your herd reviewing the strengths and weaknesses to enhance longevity, health and welfare. It provides an overall classification score for your heifers and cows, which can substantially increase their value.
Linear assessment involves the measurement of 27 individual traits on a scale of 1-9, describing the degree of the trait rather than its desirability. The traits are as follows:
Mammary (40%) | Feet & Legs (30%) | Dairy Capacity (10%) | Rump (10%) | Dairy Character (10%) | Management |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Udder Depth | Foot Angle | Stature | Rump Angle | Ribs Structure | Temperament |
Udder Texture | Rear Leg Side View | Body Depth | Rump Width | Milking Speed | |
Udder Support | Rear Leg Rear View | Chest Width | Loin Strength | Condition Score | |
Fore Udder Attachment | Bone quality | Height at Front End | Thurl Position | ||
Front Teat Placement | Front Feet Orientation | ||||
Rear Udder Height | Locomotion | ||||
Rear Udder Width | |||||
Front Teat Length | |||||
Rear Teat Length | |||||
Rear Teat Placement | |||||
Teat Position Side | |||||
Udder Tilt |
To see a description of each trait classified for dairy cows, refer to the Holstein Virtual Cow and download the NBDC Dairy Cattle Type Classification Guide.
Classification involves the appraisal of an animals in comparison to the ideal. An overall score and grade are awarded, according to the following scale:
Final Linear Score | Final Grade |
---|---|
90-97 | Excellent (EX) |
85-89 | Very Good (VG) |
80-84 | Good Plus (GP) |
75-79 | Good (G) |
65-74 | Fair (F) |
50-64 | Poor (P) |
A similar score and grade are awarded to each of the five areas of the cow – mammary, feet & legs, dairy capacity, rump and dairy character. Then the final score is calculated from the individual score of these five assessments.
The maximum Final Score attributed to an animal depend on its number of calving:
Parity | Final Score |
---|---|
1st Calver | 88 points |
2nd Calver | 89 points |
3rd Calver | 93 points |
4rd Calver + | 97 points |
The NBDC Classification Team assess 20 breeds of cattle across the UK and Channel Islands. The below table shows all the breeds currently participating in the Type Classification Scheme. If you are interested in classifying you herd please use the contact numbers at the bottom of the page.
Dairy Breeds | Beef Breeds |
---|---|
Ayrshire | Aberdeen Angus |
British Friesian | Beef Shorthorn |
Brown Swiss | British White |
Dairy Shorthorn | Dexter |
Guernsey Island | Longhorn |
Guernsey UK | Gloucester |
Holstein | Hereford |
Jersey Island | Irish Moiled |
Jersey UK | Red Ruby Devon |
Montbeliarde | Simmentals |
South Devons | |
Welsh Black | |
There are several forms of the service, one to suit each breed – Ayrshire, British Friesian, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Shorthorn. In each case, the service offers the potential to substantially increase the value of your herd and for some, opens up services such as:
ClassAct (Currently in development)
The Classifier does not require you to:
What do I receive after the classification?
NBDC classifiers operate an internationally recognised appraisal system which is used by the AI industry in the British Isles to provide reliable type proofs.
If you would like to book a classification, please contact: