Factors affecting annual classification ratings of Jersey cattle and the relationships of these ratings to performance

The conformation of dairy cows is a trait which receives considerable emphasis in dairy cattle selection programs. Several years ago this was justified on the basis of an intuitive relationship with lactation performance. This relationship, when examined closely, was found not to be nearly as great as many people thought. In more recent years the emphasis on conformation is justified as being related to the ability of animals to wear and remain in the herd for a long and useful life. Research investigations into this aspect have not been very numerous. The influence of environment factors on classification score have not been established. The changes which occur with age and the effect of stage of lactation need to be established for optimum efficiency in interpretation of classification data. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the factors affecting classification scores such as age, years, stage of lactation. and body weight, and to determine the correlation between type and production and the interrelationship of the major type breakdowns to total score and measures of milk yield.