Republic of the Philippines

MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.
LABORATORY EXERCISE 3
Judging Dairy Cows

Name:
Ivan A. Seño
Christian Jonathan Seño
Adrian Julian Maming
Mark Jay Monreal
Program: Animal Science 2
Date: March 25, 2024

Introduction:

The ability to judge dairy cattle is an essential and a constantly used talent of the dairy
producer. Every time an animal is bought or sold; judgment must be passed on its worth as an
individual. Also, since the success with dairy cattle depends a great deal upon breeding for
production and type, then judging is a part of the farm management in which the priorities are
high production with functional type.
In order to be a good breeder and feeder, a dairyman must know how to judge and
observe cattle. Such knowledge is of practical use in the selection of the foundation cattle, in
culling to improve the herd productivity, and particularly in selecting herd sires. Mistakes in
selection are realized only after the damage has been done.

Objective:

To acquaint the students with the principles and techniques of judging dairy type cattle.

Materials

1. Four milking cows preferably of the same blood components

2. Mini replica of a dairy cow or drawing of dairy cow and its parts
3. Score card sheets

Procedure:

1. Study and know the parts of a dairy cow

Master the language that describes and locates the different parts of the animal.

2. Study the score card for a dairy cow.

The score card enables the student to observe an animal in an orderly way. However, it
is prescribed only for beginners, as its use in the field is tedious and time-consuming
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.
3. Have mental picture of an ideal animal (or a standard of perfection).

An ideal animal, which scores 100 percent, exists only in the mind. It serves as the basis
of comparison during the animal judging. A mental picture of an ideal animal is formed by
familiarizing oneself with the general appearance, proportions, symmetry, and appeal of
superior stock illustrated in textbooks, by studying the score card, and by observing the good
points of animals exhibited in livestock fairs.

4. Evaluation of the animal

a. Observe at a distance 1.5-3.0 m, securing a panoramic view of all animals involved for 1)
side views, 2) rear view, and 3) front view.
b. Close inspection
c. Moving animals to observe action.

5. Placing the animals in the score card

a. Choose the animal nearest and farthest from the ideal animal;
b. Decide upon the middle two according to their merits.

6. Prepare reasons to support your choice of placing.

a. Compare animals in this order. Top pair, middle pair, and bottom pair.
b. Remember, very seldom will an animal be superior in all respect to another.
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.

Supplementary Information

What is judging? It is the systematic evaluation of the good and bad points of an animal
in comparison with another according to their type or the purpose for which they are raised.
The different types of cattle are: dairy type, beef type, draft type and dual-purpose type. Each
type has its own characteristics and has to be classified for those characteristics.

What is a score card? A score card is a list containing a systematic, logical, brief and
ideal description of the different parts of an animal with their numerical values, which always
total to 100, as set forth by breeders or their association to be the standard for the animal
concerned. The brief description of the animal and the definite values given in the score card
represent perfection or excellence with which a given animal to be judged may be compared
and for which one seeks to approach in one's animal of the same breed or type. The nearer one's
animal is to such a standard, the closer it is to perfection and the better the animal is considered.

First impression. When an animal is judged, the first impression is important and
lasting, seldom is the first impression changed. It should only be changed when you discover
that you did not see a major point.

Age. Whenever possible, the age of the animal should be determined. Among young
animals which have not reached maturity, the younger and smaller the animal, the lower its
worth. With adults, the younger the animal, the higher its value.

Quality. Fine, pliable skin, silky hair, fine bones, and general refinement denote quality
in animal. Because of the fineness of the skin of the animals with quality prominent blood
vessels may be seen on certain regions of the body such as the face, abdomen and udder.

Condition. The degree of fatness of an animal is referred to as its condition. With dairy
or breeding animals, fatness is to be confused with thinness, the back, points the ribs exposed,
and the thighs flat. prejudicial to their functional activities. Not of the hips and pin bones are
prominent,

Constitution. The size and quality of the vital organs of an animal determine its
constitutional vigor. Strong constitution refers to the superior capacity of the chest and barrel,
which means that the lungs, heart, and digestive organs are well developed. With breeding
animals, the shape and capacity of hindquarters, which accommodate the reproductive organs,
are also taken into consideration.

Temperament. This has reference to the nervous structure. An animal of nervous

temperament is active and industrious, whereas one that is of phlegmatic temperament is lazy
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.
and generally slow. The typical dairy cow has a nervous temperament. This denotes her ability
to convert feeds into milk and not flesh and fat.

Disposition. The behavior of the animal when touched, whether it may be handled with
safety or with danger is referred to as its disposition. An animal of good disposition is tractable
and docile. It is evident that in the acquisition of animals, those that have good disposition
should be selected.

Type. The make-up or structure of a group of animals, which were developed to

perform a certain function or serve a certain purpose, constitutes type. The dairy cow's
functional activities are directed principally towards milk production. Consequently, the cow
is angular, lean and temperamental. The mammary glands are large and well developed.

The dairy cow possesses the "triple wedges", namely, 1) more width between the points
of the hip than at the withers, 2) more width at the bottom of the chest between the forelegs
than at the withers, and 3) more depth from the point of the hip to the floor of the udder than at
the forelegs. The more pronounced the wedges, the more productive the cow is expected to be.

Conformation. This refers to the relationship of the various parts of animal of good
conformation, has proportional, and properly balanced parts of its body.

Unsoundness. This denotes a malformation of a part of an animal, or a malady, which

may not disturb the health of the animal but adversely affects its serviceability. A bone spavin
(a soft enlargement of the anterior, inner aspect of the hock) is an unsoundness. The animal
with bone spavin suffers when at work but remains healthy at rest.

Blemish. This is a defect on the body of the animal, which does not affect the health
and working ability of the animal, but renders its appearance unsightly or less attractive. An
example is a scar on the skin.

Large digestive organs, (body capacity) are important when the cow has to produce a
lot of milk out of cheap roughage (dry matter intake).

A wide, dished face, large muzzle, and well-developed jaws indicate a good feeding
ability. A large abdomen, resulting from the three wedges, denotes the ability of the animal to
ingest large amount of feed. The ribs should be well sprung, deep and far apart, whereas the
hind flanks should be full and low. The abdomen should be both wide and low. A cow may
have the propensity for converting feeds into milk, but if her barrel is small, the amount of milk
she can produce will be limited by the amount of feed she can accommodate.

Udder. A strongly attached udder that is wide, long in the bottom and balanced, which
means that the rear and fore quarters are at the same level is of paramount importance. For a
young cow, the forequarters might be a little bit lower. The more level the floor of the udder,
the easier it is to keep the milking machine attached. For a well-shaped udder, the cow should
have a wide and long rump.
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.

It is easier to judge the udder of cow in milk than when dry. The form of the udder is
evident when full of milk and well distended. Immediately after it is milked, the udder of a
high yielding cow collapses, is small in size, soft, pliable, and much wrinkled.

Teats. The teats should be cylindrical, rounded at the bottom and well placed in the
center of the quarter. This, in combination with strong suspensory ligament will take care of a
good teat placement. Cows with atresia iridis or blind teat (absence of tear opening), should
not be allowed to breed. The presence of more teats than four adds no advantage, and is actually
an obstacle.

A properly attached udder and strong feet and legs are the best indicators that a cow
will remain a high producer for a long time. Weak legs and/or claws will result in decreased
milk production and fertility.
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.

SCORE CARD FOR DAIRY CATTLE

Criteria Points Animal Number

GENERAL APPEARANCE 20 1 2 3 4
• Weight 4 4 3
• Form-triangular, well-proportioned 5 5 4
• Quality-hairs, fine, skin pliable, bone clean 4 4 5
• Condition-lean spare, indicating productivity & not 3
3 4
beefy
• Temperament - nervous, disposition, good 4 4 4
INDICATION OF CAPACITY FOR FEED 20 1 2 3 4
• Face-broad between the eyes and long, muzzle, 3 3 2
clean cut; mouth, large lips, strong jaws, lean and
sinewy
• Body-wedge-shaped as viewed from front, side & 10
top; ribs, long, far apart & well-sprung, breast, full 9 10
• Back-straight; chin, broad & open; loin, broad &
3 2 3
roomy
• Hips & thurl-wide-apart & high 4 5 5
INDICATION OF DAIRY TEMPERAMENT 20 1 2 3 4
• Head-clean-cut & fine in contour, eyes, prominent, 2 2 2
full and bright
• Neck-thin, long neatly joined to the feet & 2 2 2
shoulders & free from throatiness
• Brisket-lean & light 2 2 2
• Shoulders-lean, sloping, nicely laid up to body, 3 3 3
points, prominent, withers, sharp
• Back-strong, prominent to tailhead & open joined 3
• Hips-prominent, sharp & level with back 3 3
3
3 3
• Thighs - thin & incurving 2 2 2
• Tail-fine and tapering 1 1 1
• Legs-straight, shanks, fine 2 2 2
INDICATION OF WELL-DEVELOPED MILK 20 1 2 3 4
ORGANS
• Rump – long, wide & level, roomy 2 2 5
• Thighs – wide apart, twist, high & open 2 3 2
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.
• Udder – large, pliable, extending well forward & 12
high up behind; quarters, fully symmetrical, evenly 9 10
joined & well held up to body
• Teats – plumb, good size, symmetrical & well 4
placed 5 3
INDICATION OF STRONG CIRCULATORY SYSTEM, 20 1 2 3 4
HEALTH, VIGOR & MILK FLOW
• Eyes-bright & placid 1 1 1
• Nostrils-large & open 2 3 2
• Chest – roomy 4 4 5
• Skin- pliable. Hair, fine & straight, secretions 4
abundant in ear, on body & at the end of tail 4 4
• Veins-prominent on face & udder, mammary veins, 4 5
5
large, & long, crooked & branching, milk well,
large & numerous
• Escutcheon-wide & extending high up 4 4 3
Total 100 100 100
Rank

Parts of a Dairy Cow

Draw a dairy cow and identify its parts.

1. Poll 2. Mammary gland 3. Pinbone

4. Bridge of Nose 5. Fore udder attachment 6. Tail head
7. Muzzle 8. Fore udder 9. Thurl
10. Jaw 11. Teat 12. Hip or Hook
13. Throat 14. Pastern 15. Rump
16. Shoulder 17. Hoof 18. Back
19. Point of Shoulder 20. Dew claw 21. Loin
22. Dewlap 23. Hock 24. Chins
25. Point of Elbow 26. Switch 27. Ribs
28. Brisket 29. Rear udder 30. Barrel
31. Chest Floor 32. Flank 33. Heart flank
34. Knee 35. Stifle 36. Withers
37. Sole 38. Rear udder attachment 39. Crops
40. Heel 41. Thigh 42. Neck
43. Milk well 44. Tail 45. Horn
 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.

Judging Dairy Cows

Report

I. Brief introduction

The ability to judge dairy cattle is an essential and a constantly used talent of
the dairy producer. Every time an animal is bought or sold; judgment must be
passed on its worth as an individual. Also, since the success with dairy cattle
depends a great deal upon breeding for production and type, then judging is a
part of the farm management in which the priorities are high production with
functional type.

In order to be a good breeder and feeder, a dairyman must know how to judge
and observe cattle. Such knowledge is of practical use in the selection of the
foundation cattle, in culling to improve the herd productivity, and particularly
in selecting herd sires. Mistakes in selection are realized only after the damage
has been done.

II. Objectives

To acquaint the students with the principles and techniques of judging dairy
type cattle.

III. Score card

Cow
Criteria
1 2 3 4
General Appearance (30%)
Dairy Character (20%)
Body Capacity (20%)
Mammary System (30%)
TOTAL

IV. Justification/Reasoning for your placement

 Republic of the Philippines
MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Certificate in Agricultural Science – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Level II Accredited by the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges Universities in the Philippines
(AACCUP), Inc.