TOP & Classification
Traits Other than Production (TOP) measure the physical attributes of dairy cattle. Farmers score animals for traits relating to their management at milking time and qualified inspectors score traits relating to the physical conformation of the animals. In addition to scores on individual traits, registered animals receive a classification award that categorises them based on the standard of conformation overall.
Classification Awards
Classification awards are given to all inmilk heifers and cows. To be eligible for classification awards, animals must be registered with Jersey New Zealand.
Classification is divided into the following categories:
- Excellent – 90 points plus (9/9, 8/9, 9/8)
- Very Good – 85-89 points (7/8, 8/7, 8/8, 7/9, 9/7, 8/9, 9/8)
- Good Plus – 80-84 points (5/6, 6/5, 6/7, 7/6, 6/8, 8/6)
- Good- 75-79 points (3/5, 5/3, 4/4, 4/5, 5/4, 4/4, 4,6, 6/4)
- Fair – 74 or below (3/4, 4/3 or below)
The scores in brackets above are Udder Overall and Dairy Conformation
Excellent Cow award conditions:
- Cows must have calved 3 times before receiving an Excellent award i.e the earliest age an excellent can be awarded is 4 years old
- To receive subsequent Excellent awards a cow must have calved twice between each award i.e. E2, E3, E3, E5 etc
When all two year olds are inspected in a member herd, the results are entered in the database and are used in Animal Evaluation to calculate breeding values for the traits. If a member chooses to select only a few two year olds to be inspected, the data is not used in Animal Evaluation and adds nothing to breeding values. Jersey NZ recommends that members inspect all two year olds to receive greater value from the service.
Inspection Service Options
Tour Option
The Tour option usually involves two classifiers from out of the area coming into a region to inspect all animals put up for classification. Spring calving herds are inspected during October, November and December and autumn calving herds are inspected as requested by the member. Tours happen once a year and are usually completed by 1 December in any given year.
Personalised Option
With this option members can plan an inspection to work in better with the needs of their farm operation and is not restricted to tour times of the year.
Please note the following conditions for the personalised option:
- One or two (if applicable for larger herds) local Classifier/s will inspect your cattle (this inspector will be TOP certified and a Jersey NZ Classifier).
- Inspections must be carried out in suitable yards for drafting and be on concrete.
- All inspections are arranged between the inspector and the member as to when inspections suit.
- The herd owner or one staff member must be present during the inspections to assist with drafting etc.
This inspection option is offered in regions as set out in the application form.
Application form soon to be published.