TOP AND CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

Traits Other than Production (TOP) measure the physical attributes of dairy cattle. Farmers score animals for traits relating to their management at milking time and qualified inspectors score traits relating to the physical conformation of the animals. In addition to scores on individual traits, registered animals receive a classification award that categorises them based on the standard of conformation overall. Refer to the TOP Breeding Values pamphlet for an explanation on how you can use the information for breeding purposes.

Traits Other Than Production
Traits scored by the herd owner:

• Adaptability to milking
• Shed temperament
• Milking speed
• Overall opinion

Traits scored by the inspector:

• Weight
• Stature
• Capacity
• Rump angle
• Rump width
• Legs
• Udder support
• Front udder
• Rear udder
• Front teat placement
• Rear teat placement
• Udder overall
• Dairy conformation
• Condition score

Classification Awards
Classification awards are given to all inmilk heifers and cows. To be eligible for classification awards, animals must be registered with Jersey New Zealand.
Classification is divided into the following categories:

EX - Excellent
VG - Very Good
GP - Good Plus
G  -  Good
X  -  Not Good

Classification conditions
When all two year olds are inspected in a member herd, the results are entered in the database and are used in Animal Evaluation to calculate breeding values for the traits.  If a member chooses to select only a few two year olds to be inspected, the data is not used in Animal Evaluation and adds nothing to breeding values.  Jersey New Zealand recommends that members inspect all two year olds to receive greater value from the service.

Inspection Service Options
Tour Option
The Tour option usually involves two classifiers from out of the area coming into a region to inspect all animals put up for classification.  Spring calving herds are inspected during October, November and December and autumn calving herds are inspected during May or June.  Tours happen once a year and are usually completed by 20 December in any given year.

Personalised Option
With this option members can plan an inspection to work in better with the needs of their farm operation and is not restricted to tour times of the year.
Please note the following conditions for the personalised option:
a. One local Classifier will inspect your cattle (this inspector will be TOP certified and a Jersey New Zealand Classifier).
b. Inspections must be carried out in suitable yards for drafting and be on concrete.
c. All inspections under this option will be carried out between 9:00am and 3:00pm.
d. The herd owner or one staff member must be present during the inspections to assist with drafting etc.
This inspection option is offered in regions as set out in the application form.