Post by Midgimoo on Aug 19, 2006 4:41:17 GMT -5
This is an excellent book which I highly recommend Jersey owner/breeders to add to their cow book library
Excerpt taken from the book “Dairy Cattle Judging Techniques” written by George W. Trimberger.
The top line of cows and bulls probably does not have a great influence on productive capacity, but it does reflect in many ways the general strength and conformation of the individual.
General muscle tone, the health of the animal, the condition of the legs and feet, and other characteristics of refinement and strength are indicated by the top line. Openness of form throughout the back and loin region is one of the chief indications of dairy quality. Strength of frame development can also be observed here. A strong, straight back is helpful to the mammary, reproductive, and digestive systems. The vertebral column, which forms the back, carries the spinal cork, thus, marked irregularities in the spine can affect the disposition and wearing qualities, causing premature aging in some individuals.
Proper rump conformation is important because the rump provides the support and roof for the udder. It is possible, however, for a cow to have a well-formed rump with poor udder attachments. Strength of loin and a square, level, wide rump can affect the entire skeletal structure in the rear quarters. This, in turn, can determine ease of calving, which, together with the way the reproductive organ is carried, greatly influences reproductive efficiency. This applies not only to individuals but also to groups, such as the daughters of a particular sire.
Preferred Type for Top Lines
The entire top line from the withers to the tail head, comprising the back and rump, should form as nearly a straight line as possible. The back, made up of the chine and loin, should be strong and straight, with well-defined vertebrae. The loin should be broad, strong and nearly level.
A long, level, wide, flat pelvic region or rump is ideal. Important parts of the rump are the hips, thurls,
pin bones, and tail head. The hip points or hooks should be prominently displayed, with ample width between them. They should be clean, or free from excess tissue, and should be approximately level laterally with the back. Prominent hips are associated with dairy character.
The thurls on a good rump should be wide apart and high enough so that they add to the general fullness and level ness of the pelvic region to form a square, relatively flat rump. In addition to being wide apart, the pin bones should be well-defined and free from excess tissue deposits. The region from hips to pins should be long and nearly level, although the pins can be set slightly lower than the hips, especially in younger animals and particularly in the Ayrshire breed.
The tail head should show refinement and should form a smooth, level ending of a straight top line. It should be slightly above, and nearly set between, the pin bones. Some breed differences are tolerated. For example, a high, somewhat prominent tail head receives only slight discrimination in Brown Swiss, but is penalized considerably more in other breeds. Jerseys, noted particularly for their straight rumps, occasionally have wide, flat tail heads, but these are not objectionable if they are not patchy and covered with extra tissue. In judging Ayrshires, Guernseys, and Brown Swiss, the fullness and flatness of rump are not considered as important, especially for young animals, as for Jerseys and Holsteins.
Excerpt taken from the book “Dairy Cattle Judging Techniques” written by George W. Trimberger.
The top line of cows and bulls probably does not have a great influence on productive capacity, but it does reflect in many ways the general strength and conformation of the individual.
General muscle tone, the health of the animal, the condition of the legs and feet, and other characteristics of refinement and strength are indicated by the top line. Openness of form throughout the back and loin region is one of the chief indications of dairy quality. Strength of frame development can also be observed here. A strong, straight back is helpful to the mammary, reproductive, and digestive systems. The vertebral column, which forms the back, carries the spinal cork, thus, marked irregularities in the spine can affect the disposition and wearing qualities, causing premature aging in some individuals.
Proper rump conformation is important because the rump provides the support and roof for the udder. It is possible, however, for a cow to have a well-formed rump with poor udder attachments. Strength of loin and a square, level, wide rump can affect the entire skeletal structure in the rear quarters. This, in turn, can determine ease of calving, which, together with the way the reproductive organ is carried, greatly influences reproductive efficiency. This applies not only to individuals but also to groups, such as the daughters of a particular sire.
Preferred Type for Top Lines
The entire top line from the withers to the tail head, comprising the back and rump, should form as nearly a straight line as possible. The back, made up of the chine and loin, should be strong and straight, with well-defined vertebrae. The loin should be broad, strong and nearly level.
A long, level, wide, flat pelvic region or rump is ideal. Important parts of the rump are the hips, thurls,
pin bones, and tail head. The hip points or hooks should be prominently displayed, with ample width between them. They should be clean, or free from excess tissue, and should be approximately level laterally with the back. Prominent hips are associated with dairy character.
The thurls on a good rump should be wide apart and high enough so that they add to the general fullness and level ness of the pelvic region to form a square, relatively flat rump. In addition to being wide apart, the pin bones should be well-defined and free from excess tissue deposits. The region from hips to pins should be long and nearly level, although the pins can be set slightly lower than the hips, especially in younger animals and particularly in the Ayrshire breed.
The tail head should show refinement and should form a smooth, level ending of a straight top line. It should be slightly above, and nearly set between, the pin bones. Some breed differences are tolerated. For example, a high, somewhat prominent tail head receives only slight discrimination in Brown Swiss, but is penalized considerably more in other breeds. Jerseys, noted particularly for their straight rumps, occasionally have wide, flat tail heads, but these are not objectionable if they are not patchy and covered with extra tissue. In judging Ayrshires, Guernseys, and Brown Swiss, the fullness and flatness of rump are not considered as important, especially for young animals, as for Jerseys and Holsteins.