The
Holstein Association (ANAFIJ) is responsible for classification program in
Italy.
All the
farms registered in the Herd Book are visited every six months, and all first
lactation cows on the farm are evaluated on those occasions.
- All cows subject to
milk controls in Italy are registered in the Herd Book;
- All cows must be
evaluated at first lactation ;
- All daughters of
progeny tested bulls as well as all first lactation cows are evaluated on
registered farms.
- Evaluation every
three months on request
Evaluation system
The
objectives of type classification are the genetic evaluation of sires for Type
and the attribution to each animal of a phenotypic value for conformation. In
this way, top subjects can be evaluated and their commercial value increased by
means of type scores.
Correlations
between conformation and functional longevity represent one of the strongest
reason for type selection. Therefore, if we want to fix priorities, we have to
account for findings which have stressed the importance of giving different weights
to the different traits. The evaluation sheet is expressed from 50 to 100
points; each individual character is judged according to a linear scale from 1
to 50. The highest score a first lactation cow can be assigned is 88 points.
Cows with fewer than 70 points cannot be registered in the Herd Book. Breeders
may ask for a new evaluation. First lactation cows cannot be evaluated outside
ordinary work-shifts.
Activity of Breed Classifiers
Breed
classifiers are technicians specialised in assisting breeders for preparing
selection plans.In their area
of competence classifiers have to:
- Evaluate all first
lactation cows (about 14.000/year).
- Reclassify the most
distinguished cows in perfect physical condition.
- Discuss the genetic
situation of a farm and carry out Anafij’s mating plans.
- Advise breeders on
animals to register at shows or to be photographed.
ANAFIJ is
in charge of selection, training, upgrading and control.
Training:
6 month of training.
Upgrading:
8 meetings
a year are held which also include field activities. Evaluations carried out
during the meeting are analysed by means of a computerised program which
controls averages and standard deviations.
Control:
The work of each classifier is analysed by visiting
farms where evaluation was carried out some days before. If any problems are
detected, classifiers will be invited to go out together with the person in
charge who, within his routine evaluation activity.
Definition of Linear Traits
