2008 Classifications 
Type Classification Scheme
The necessity for long lasting trouble free cows is always vital in profitable milk production. Linear scoring and type classification plays an important role in achieving this.
Linear Assessment is the first method and is on a scale of 1 - 9. It doesnʼt necessarily mean if it is 1it is good and 9 bad or vice versa i.e. on leg set side view 1 would be straight and 9 would be sickled.Therefore 5 is desired.
The importance at these 19 linear traits immense and effects every one that uses A.I. It is these scores,on heifers only, that go into figures that determine the bulls proofs. In correlation with this there is the Type Classification where the cows are scored from 65 points to a maximum of 97 points on any of the five main breed traits. Legs and feet, rump, dairy character, frame and finally the udder which would also have the biggest weighting of 40% on the final score with frame 15%, Rump 10%, legs and feet 25% and dairy character 10%.
Heifers can be scored in five grades, namely:
VG 85 - 89 points
Good plus 80 - 84 points
Good 75 - 79 points
Fair 65 - 74 points
Poor Below 65
Second Calvers are scored the same way but to a maximum of Excellent 90, although they are few and far between.Third Calvers can be scored up to Excellent 93 and Fourth calvers and above can score a maximum 97 points. There has been one cow in the Republic of Ireland that stands at Excellent 97 - Moralta Inspiration Fame.The main advantage with classification is that it identifies the good and great cow families. There are
known cows around the world that are up to thirteen or fourteen generations VG and Excellent. These are also the cows that are in high demand all over the world for embryos, bull and females.
If you would like more information regarding classification or linear assessment please contact the IHFA Office 023 33443 or enquiries@ihfa.ie
Information is also available from the World Holstein Association 
