4 13:21
Classifiers News
Holstein UK Workshop, Shropshire Report by Paul Boal On the 15th October, Holstein UK organised an on-farm workshop outside Telford which was hosted by the “Styche Herd” of Ed Seaton. IHFA classifiers were invited to attend with the team of Holstein UK classifiers. The farm consists of 250 Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian cows in an indoor system. This is a high production herd with large emphasis on cow comfort. Cows are housed in sand-bedded cubicles. Milk is produced throughout the year and a large proportion of the diet is maize and grass silage.
Iwan Morgan, HUK Board Member responsible for UK classification with John Kirby & Paul Boal, IHFA Classifiers
Meurig James, head classifier welcomed his team of classifiers, some board members and the three visitors from ‘Southern Ireland’, Shane, John and myself. The morning started with assessing the skeleton and rump of a mature cow, identifying the importance of the structure of the rump in relation to; a) ability to calve b) ability to walk correctly (thurl position) This was followed by a linear scoring exercise. We all scored a number of 1st lactation animals at different stages of lactation. The UK score Dairy Strength whereas in Ireland we score Dairy Character. On the day we had to adjust to this format. The other noted difference was the stature of the cows presented to us - taller than normal at home. Although the system is slightly different in the breakdown of the animal, the final score is quite close. There was a good discussion on each animal after this exercise there was an overall summary from Iwan Morgan (Breed Executive for Herdbook Classification). After a short break, younger cows were presented for scoring by the group, followed by a few older animals. The workshop was brought to a conclusion by the scoring of an 8th lactation cow - awarded a final score EX95. A true dairy cow, strong spine,
Selection of the animals for scoring during UK Classifiers work-
deep rib, great legs and feet and a well attached milky udder. This cow epitomised the type that most farmers/ breeders would love to work with. As a small token of our appreciation, Ed and Meurig were presented with a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream. On behalf of John, Shane and myself I would like to thank the Holstein UK Board for the invite and warm welcome we received. The interaction between us all, the friendship and knowledge shared, on the day was beneficial. Thanks to IHFA for making this trip possible. 99