Recalibrating Heifer Classification

The goal of classification is to bring about breed improvement in cow conformation, especially in the important functional areas of Mammary and Legs & Feet. Recent years have seen an impressive rise in the number of Holstein heifers achieving VG scores. For example, 2020 saw 60% more first calf heifers achieving VG than in 2010 (17.8% of heifers scored were VG in 2020 versus 11.1% in 2010), confirming the tremendous breed improvement that has taken place. However, as a result there is a risk of VG becoming more commonplace, rather than identifying only the very best in the heifer ranks.

Therefore, the Holstein UK Science Committee, in consultation with the classification team, developed a proposal to recalibrate VG scoring for 1st calf Holstein and Friesian heifers. The following changes were then agreed at the December Board meeting.

Starting from March 2022:

• For first calf heifers to achieve VG85 overall score, they must score a minimum of VG85 in both Mammary and Legs & Feet and in at least one of the other boxes (Rump, Dairy Capacity or Dairy Character) and then be at least GP83 in the remaining two boxes. 
• Heifers that exceed the minimum criteria for VG85 can be scored VG86 or VG87 at the classifier’s discretion.
• For first calf heifers to achieve VG88 overall score, they will need to score a minimum of VG88 in all five boxes. These will initially be scored VG87 overall and will then require a second visit from a senior/other classifier to be elevated to VG88. First calf heifers will no longer be scored VG89. 

In addition to the changes for heifers, minimum criteria are also being introduced for VG89 2nd calf and EX93 3rd calf cows:

• To Achieve VG89, 2nd calvers will need to score a minimum of 89 in all five boxes. 
• To Achieve EX93, 3rd calf cows will need to be 93 in all five boxes.