AJCA Type Traits Appraisal

Included in Total Performance Evaluation (TPE)

Herd appraisals are scheduled every seven (7) to ten (10) months. All first and second lactation cows are required to be scored. Older cows that have been scored twice previously or are over the age of 5 may be scored at the owner’s option for an additional fee.

Experienced evaluators inspect all cows in their first and second lactations for 16 different traits, then give them a score which describes how that trait is expressed along its biological extremes. The appraisal information is sent to the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) for inclusion in genetic evaluations for type. So in addition to the valuable breeding information provided on your individual cows, more information is contributed toward evaluation of potential service sires.

Following the appraisal, you get a printout of final scores, trait breakdowns, and remarks. The information is sent overnight to the AJCA for processing. Barring complications in delivery and/or processing, the new scores and breakdowns will be available immediately on Official Performance Pedigrees and Performance-Progeny reports.

STEP

If you’re a herd owner who wants just linear type information, STEP fits your needs. The program (described above)  includes a subscription to the Jersey Genetic Summary.

Special and Random Type Appraisal

Call the Appraisal Office Coordinator at 614/861-3636 to discuss scheduling and service fees.