Classification – Jan 2016

Last week we classified our herd for the American Guernsey Association. It’s an important and long day looking at every cow in our herd. Classification scores are an objective collection of information on the type characteristics that are important to the success of a dairy cow. Type, is the “beauty” side of the cow, what she looks like. She’s given a final score, out of 100, with 100 being the perfect ideal cow. Reaching 90 points is a significant achievement as these cows are considered Excellent. The highest scored Guernsey ever was Ex 96. This score is complied by her individual scores of her parts; her form, rump, feet and legs, udder and teats. All these parts play an important roll in how the look of a cow can affect her function. The information is also compiled by sire, so other breeders can know what the offspring of a certain bull look like.  The final score is a source for pride for purebred dairy farmers, it reflects careful breedings and time invested. And well who doesn’t love a beautiful cow! You can read more about classification here.

Here’s the highlights from last week.

Abiqua Acres Lorry Boo moves to EX 92 at 10-03 with EX 93 FL. Boo has produced 160,815lbs lifetime and is still going strong on her 6th lactation. It’s great to see her recognized for her solidity at this age.

We also welcomed two new Ladies to the Excellent club.

Abiqua Acres Neon Jellacy is now EX 90 at 8-04. And Abiqua Acres Yogibear Rainfall moves to EX 90 with an EX 92 MS on her 3rd lactation. Jellacy has produced 111,370lbs in 5 lactations and given us four daughters. One of those solid  dairy cows that has been a pleasure to work with and glad to see her join this club at this age.  Rainfall is a cow we’ve enjoyed watching develop each year, she came in milking with that look that might take her to excellent and it’s great to see her there.

Two second lactation cows move to VG 88. Abiqua Acres Marksman Splat with a EX 91 MS and Abiqua Acres Quebec Royal Monita with Ex 90 FL.

At VG 87 we have four Ladies. Abiqua Acres Alstar Jacey, Kilchona Altanic Clarice, Abiqua Acres Grumpy Myra and Kilchona Tribute Freckles gets the points she deserves at 9-10.

 

VG 85 and above includes Kilchona Gary Truleen at VG 85 with VG 86 FL, just calved on her first lactation in November, this little cutie is fun to work with, excited to watch her develop. Abiqua Acres Glacier Norma VG 85 with VG 88FL, Wil-Rene Geo Arizona VG 85, Abiqua Acres Grumpy Breyn VG 85 with VG 86 MS, Kilchona Tribute Bailey VG 85 at 8-10 and Spencer Farm Mystery Dena VG86.

 

On 41 Ladies scored for the day our average comes to 82.7. A good day despite bad weather that kept us inside for about half the time, but it’s crazy to think this will be the last time scoring in this barn! I always enjoy looking at the Ladies really individually and through the eye of someone who doesn’t see them everyday.