The Holstein Association USA announced that it will implement a revised linear scale for scoring Stature into the Classification program beginning Dec. 1, 2024. This updated scale is based on a cow measurement project conducted in 2023 by Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Holstein Association USA dairy analytics and innovation scientist.

“In our objective measurement study, we determined the average and range of Holstein cow stature was larger than our old scale reflected,” said Bewley.  “This change will allow classifiers to assign linear scores more reflective of the current Holstein population, which will improve data quality for conformation and genetic analyses.”

The updated scale now ranges from 55” to 65”, which is an increase from the previous scale that ranged from 51” to 61”. Every 1-inch increase in stature is a 5-point increase on the scale.

Below is the updated scale for reference:

The intent of this update is to ensure there is a normal distribution of Stature scores and that the scale most accurately represents the biological range of today’s Holstein cow. This change started as a recommendation from the Conformation Advisory Committee and was later approved by the Holstein Association USA board of directors.

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Holstein Association USA’s Classification program helps dairy farmers make important management decisions and adds value to the marketability of dairy cattle. Classifiers evaluate 17 individual traits in five major dairy scorecard breakdowns, providing an unbiased and accurate evaluation of dairy cattle.

To learn more about the association’s Classification program or to sign up, visit www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/classification.html. Holstein Association USA also provides classification services for the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, American Guernsey Association and American Milking Shorthorn Society.

Holstein Association USA provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability, including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services and Holstein semen.

With headquarters located in Brattleboro, Vt., Holstein Association USA has more than 20,000 members with an interest in breeding, raising and milking registered Holstein cattle and processes over 370,000 registrations and 70,000 transfers each year.