Grading - assessment of cattle productivity. I

The success of farming depends not only on the feeding platform and maintenance rules, but also on the level of selective breeding work. The main criteria for assessing cattle are parameters such as live weight, milk yield, and growth rate. Therefore, in the barns, an annual assessment (grading) of the livestock is carried out and more valuable specimens are bred, which will then be exploited for breeding purposes. But we will tell you further how to do this work correctly.

What is cattle grading?

Grading refers to a special assessment of cattle, which is carried out to identify the qualitative significance of animals and their consistency with the breed, exterior, build, pedigree, actual weight of each individual and milk yield.
Typically the procedure is carried out by farmers all year round in this order:

• for cows- to stop lactation;
• for young animals- 6–10 months after birth;
• for bulls- at the age of mating.

Important! Much of the assessment is carried out by farm staff, with outside experts from scientific bodies rarely hired.

Before starting cattle grading, perform the following actions:

• check inventory numbers, identify the presence of unclear or lost ones;
• create a basis for the diet and living environment;
• fill out cards in the prescribed form;
• add together the milk yield of each cow for the previous 305 days;
• perform other preparatory actions.

Grading classes

According to established standards, cattle are classified as follows:

• elite-record (ER);
• elite (E);
• I class (1K);
• II class (2K).

Cattle cannot be consistently included in one class: the animal grows throughout its life and its indicators change annually.
Exterior and constitutional indicators of cattle Classification is carried out according to gender and age. The suitability of cows is calculated using a scoring grid. The following indicators are considered separately:

• milk production and milk yield rate (maximum score - 60 points);
• external parameters;
• development and complexion (maximum score - 24 points);
• genotype (maximum - 16 points).

For each parameter, points are calculated and then the type of animal is determined.

Other parameters are used to classify bulls. They are assessed for their pedigree, genesis, external characteristics, constitution, ability to reproduce and the quality of such calves. The cattle class is similar in points to the cow class.
When assessing young animals, specialists take only body build, genotype, live weight, attitude to the breed and possible productivity. The classification rating scale will be different.

Important! Based on the evaluation results, animals are sorted into groups: into a purebred core, a user group, for sale or fattening.

Basic criteria for assessing herd representatives

There are a number of factors by which an individual in a herd is assessed:

• genotype and breed;
• quality and volume of milk;
• appearance and build;
• quality of offspring;
• adaptability of the udder to machine milking;
• potential for procreation.

Instructions for grading

To evaluate cattle, they consider the main parameters and, having collected all the indicators, accumulate points. After this, the cows are divided into categories. During the procedure, auxiliary points may be given for body composition, appearance, genotype and ancestry.

Meat cows

To assign a cattle class meat direction The assessment is made based on appearance. Moreover, the parameters are recorded immediately after birth. There are 5 divisions for judging young animals. This takes into account the formation of the skeleton, the design of the hooves, joints, sternum, and spinal bones. If adult cows are assessed, the following are taken into account:

• thoroughbred;
• productivity;
• muscle volume;
• development of the frame and skeleton.

Bulls must meet established standards for constitution, head position, sternum development, actual weight and adipose tissue.

Dairy cows

To assess the practicality of dairy cows, milk yield data is taken for the previous 3 lactations (for first-calf heifers - for one, after two calvings - for the last 2). In this case, take into account:

• the amount of milk yield;
• its suitability for machine milking;
• protein concentration in milk.

The fat content of milk is also calculated (based on the results of 305 days) and compared with the figures of breeding cows having class I. All data is drawn from accounting notes that are kept monthly on each farm. Based on the assessment results, the cow is given points and a class rating is calculated.

Important! An additional 16–24 points can be earned for genotype and pedigree.

Consequently, the exhibition of dairy animals can be presented exclusively by animals that received one hundred points based on the evaluation results. There are also super bonuses if the milk yield is 140% of the lowest milk yield of cows representing class A.

The average fat content of milk is calculated by multiplying the fat concentration for 30 days by the monthly milk yield. All products are summed up and divided by the actual yield.
The milk fat content during the lactation period is calculated by dividing the volume of 1% milk by 100.

The average milk fat content of cows is calculated by summing the milk yield converted into 1% milk and dividing the resulting number by the real milk yield.

Milk yield in the 2nd–3rd month of lactation is determined by taking supervisory milking readings during the day. In this case, the amount of one-time milk yield and the time spent on each milking must be taken into account.

The intensity of milk production is calculated as the quotient of the amount of milk received and the time spent.

Young animals

• elite record - 40;
• elite - 35–39;
• I class - 30–34;
• II class - 25–29.

Did you know? Mini-cows include breeds whose representatives, upon reaching three years height at withers no higher than 105 cm.The Highland is considered the most productive mini-cow. The breed was developed in Scotland at the endXIX century.

The following scale is used to display the results.

Parameter	Points for bulls	Points for chicks
Genotype (maximum - 30 points)
1st knee (1/2)	0	2
2nd knee (3/4)	3	3
3rd knee (7/8)	5	5
4th knee (15/16)	7	7
Purebred	8	8
Parent 2K	0	3
Parent 1K	4	6
Parent E	6	9
Parent ER	8	11
Father E	7	9
Father ER	9	11
Appearance and typicality (maximum - 10 points). The parameter is calculated based on a five-point rating
3	0	4
3,5	6	6
4,0	8	8
4,5	10	10
Development (maximum - 10 points). The following parameters are considered here: height at the withers, width, depth and volume of the chest, span of the shoulders, girth of the pastern, oblique length of the body.
Actual weight 2K (85% of first)	0	6
Live weight 1K	8	8
Live weight exceeding class 1 standards by 5 percent or more	10	10

If the father’s data is obtained from the offspring, then the following points are assigned (determined only for bulls):

• 3rd type - 3;
• 2nd type - 4;
• 1st type - 5.

Important! Chicks originating from mothers who do not meet the standards of class 2 cannot be defined as elite and class 1. And those descended from class 1 cannot be classified as the elite-record type. The elite record includes chicks that have a purity of at least the 3rd generation, and the elite - no lower than the 2nd generation.

Bykov

Sire bulls are considered based on external data, purebredness and ability to produce offspring. To calculate what type a bull is, use the following table:

Parameter	Class	Number of points
Actual weight	ER	35
	E	30
	1 TO	25
Structure and appearance	ER	20
	E	15
	1 TO	10
Personal productivity	ER	10
	E	5
	1 TO	2
Genotype*	ER	35
	E	30
	1 TO	25
Brood quality	ER	5
	E	4
	1 TO	3

* The genotype includes the following indicators (scored in points):

• Brood quality: ER - 10, E - 8, 1K - 7;
• breed: purebred - 10, IV generation - 8, III generation - 7;
• parent: ER - 5, E - 4, 1K - 3;
• father: ER - 5, E - 4, 1K - 3.

Manufacturers who have:

• the actual mass meets the requirements of class 1 and higher;
• thoroughbred was revealed to be no lower than the 4th generation;
• constitution and façade score 85–90 points and above.

In breeding barns, the exploitation of stud bulls is allowed only after determining the quality of the offspring and calculating the authenticity of the origin using immunogenetic control.

Did you know? The leader among cattle breeding countries is India - for example, 26 varieties of mini-cows have been bred there. Hindus consider cows sacred and pay special attention to them.

As you can see, valuation is not at all an unnecessary event in the hands of farm. Based on its results, plans are developed for sorting the herd, breeding young animals for replacement, and the prospects for breeding work are also being clarified.

Grading of cattle. Where to begin?

Hello, regular readers and visitors of the blog.

The topic of today's article is quite voluminous, relevant and interesting - livestock bonding and linear valuation of cows.

I have already touched upon this issue superficially in the article “On the duties of a livestock specialist,” and in the topic “Selection of young animals.”

What is cattle grading?

Appraisal– a comprehensive assessment of each animal, taking into account milk production (in cows), exterior, constitution and origin.

Constitution is a set of morphological and physiological characteristics of an animal associated with the direction of its productivity.

Exterior- appearance of the animal. It is the external expression of the constitution.

You can read more about these two concepts by following this link.

Valuation is not a formless word at all, but a very real paper document (a set of tables), which is submitted to the local authorities statistics.

And if, literally 10 years ago, a livestock specialist counted everything manually (it’s scary to even imagine), now he will do everything computer program"Selex". The main thing is to engage in timely collection of information, data processing and analysis of the results obtained throughout the year.

The main tables in the “Zootechnical report on the results of breeding work with dairy cattle” (another name for cattle grading) are as follows:

• breed and class composition of cattle;
• characteristics of cows in terms of milk productivity and live weight for 305 days in the last completed lactation;
• characteristics of cows by udder shape and milk production rate;
• insemination of cows and heifers;
• retirement of cows;
• industrial use of cows;
• characteristics of the reared young animals;
• characteristics of the young animals being sold;
• the result of using stud bulls;
• genealogical structure of the herd according to lineage;
• characteristics of the tested cows (perhaps the most voluminous part of the report).

For greater clarity, all tables, using my farm as an example, are presented below.

This entire set of tables is formed as a result daily work in the Selex program.

The livestock technician must work regularly

1.with the "Events" tab(Database - Cow/young stock file), where the following fields are filled in: control (entering the results of control milkings every month), calving of the cow, launch, insemination, pregnancy (entering the results of a rectal examination), retirement, weighing and appointment (formation of the herd structure)

The remaining items of “Events” are not so important for grading, but I recommend not bypassing them.

2. with OTT animal(body type assessment) in new version programs 5.50. But more on this point below.

3. "Udder" tab- determine the shape of the cow’s udder (cup-shaped, round, goat) and record the rate of milk production.

4. "Development" tab, where the measurements of the animal are noted: height at the withers, depth of the chest, width of the chest, width at the hips, oblique length of the body, girth of the chest behind the shoulder blades and girth of the pastern.

Animals are also assessed based on their exterior and constitution, according to the approved table.

Scale for assessing cows based on exterior and constitution

In total, a cow can receive a maximum of 10 points. Young animals from 10 months of age are assessed according to their general development, with a maximum of 5 points.

I should also note that the program itself tracks all events and control dates.

Let's say you forgot to measure the live weight of a cow 3 months after calving.

As you can see, cattle grading is an integral part of breeding work and one of the main responsibilities of a livestock breeder.

And the most important thing, in the new version of Selex w5.50 there is a new tab in “Events” - OTT(assessment of body type), which will play a significant role in the grading of livestock.

Source: http://milkfermer.ru/bonitiroa-krs/

The owner of any farm that has livestock always wants the animals to be as productive as possible. Accordingly, it is necessary to engage in breeding work and know how to correctly evaluate breeding animals for productive qualities.

Among the main criteria, the most important ones can be identified:

• live weight;
• precocity of young animals;
• how much feed costs are repaid;
• dairy productivity of animals;
• constitutional and exterior features;
• suitability for one breed or another.

In order to accurately determine all this, it is necessary to engage in grading, based on the results of which the most valuable animals are retained. They will subsequently be used for the tribe to improve an individual herd or the entire breed.

How to organize appraisal

Breeding value is determined once a year. Young animals under six months of age, as well as oxen, castrates and groups of animals put for fattening, do not take part in it.

Constitutional assessment

Before grading, the following procedures must be carried out:

• To summarize the assessment of bull calves, the main criterion is their own productivity. Sires are judged on the quality of their offspring;
• livestock inventory numbers are checked, clarified and restored;
• Measurements are determined in first-calf heifers, as well as in cows after the third calving. Producers are also measured at 3 and 5 years of age;
• all animals are weighed (in the morning, before food is distributed). Fatness is determined;
• cows are checked for pregnancy and whether there are pathological changes in the reproductive system;
• breeding records are being clarified.

How to determine breed

To determine which breed an animal belongs to, documents certifying the origin of the cattle are examined in order to establish the distinct breed type. Animals can be either purebred or crossbred.

A purebred cow is one whose parents are of the same breed with documents confirming this fact.

This also includes crosses in the fourth generation (if there are documents confirming the origin).

Such animals are obtained through absorption crossbreeding if they have a well-defined breed type, and the assessment is based on the totality of characteristics of the class-elite.

Crossbred cows are considered to be those that were obtained from different-breed parents, also up to the 4th generation when breeding within themselves, and if purebred or crossbred animals were crossed with improved livestock.

How is productivity determined?

Milk indicators are assessed by the live weight of calves that have reached six months of age. If a young cow is being assessed, then the minimum requirements should be reduced by 10% if the first calving has passed; during the second pregnancy, they should be reduced by 5%.

Milk productivity and animals that have already given birth to 3 or more calves are assessed according to the calving in which the young animals with the best weight indicators at the age of six months were obtained.

How to determine live weight by measurements

Producers with cows under five years of age and young calves are assessed based on the results of the last weighing. For an adult animal, this figure is equal to the largest mass.

The reproduction assessment is carried out on the basis of data received from livestock specialists and veterinarians.

Bulls are tested for sexual activity, which includes indicators on ejaculate volume and semen quality. Based on this, a decision is made on their further use.

The highest scores are for cows with annual offspring and excellent maternal instinct.

Table for assessing constitutional and exterior indicators of manufacturers

A clear example of exterior and constitutional indicators

Cows are identified using the same characteristics, only the udder is added to the assessment. It should be well developed and have the correct shape.

“Excellent” is given to those animals that have good breed and gender expression.

The sternum is also excellent, there is a straight line on the back, sacrum, and lower back.

The pelvic part should be well developed, the placement of the limbs should be correct. The bones are strong, but there is no coarseness or overdevelopment.

How animals are assigned classes

After the assessment has been made, the livestock is divided into classes:

• elite record (the animal must score more than 81 points)
• elite - 71–80 points;
• I class - 61–70 points;
• Class II - 51–60 points;
• Extracurricular - 50 points and below.

How to determine the subsequent purpose of animals

After all the results have been obtained and individual characteristics have been taken into account, you can begin to determine the purpose of the livestock, and this happens as follows:

• the breeding core includes the best part of the herd, which includes 60% of the animals of their total number;
• selection animals that will be included in the breeding core - about 20% of the cows included in the breeding stock.

From the animals included in the breeding core, mainly heifers are left, which in the future will be used as replacement cattle. The offspring of the cows that make up the breeding group, namely bulls, are also left for repairs.

If young animals do not have breeding value, then they are sent for meat after fattening.

In general, grading allows us to identify both the best and the worst animals. The latter are culled from the farm.

Source: https://fermers.ru/zhivotnovodstvo/krs/bonitiroa

Grading of cattle of dairy and dairy-meat breeds

Valuation is a comprehensive assessment of animals taking into account milk production (for cows), conformation, constitution, live weight and origin (genotype).

Purpose of the lesson Study the principles of grading cattle of dairy and dairy-meat breeds of different sex and age groups, master the practical skills of grading animals directly on farms. Learn to conduct comprehensive assessment animals, establish grading classes, determine the purpose of animals for further use, draw up grading reports.

Topics The annual assessment of the herd is the main organizational event of breeding selection.

Considering that grading is carried out not only in breeding farms, but also in commercial farms, as well as private farms, each specialist must have practical skills in organizing and technical techniques for assessing and selecting animals.

Selection is carried out through periodic culling of low-value individuals and annual grading. During the life of one generation, the animal is assessed and selected several times.

Heifers are selected after the dairy period, when assigned to mating or during the insemination period, cows - according to the data of the 1st and average lactation.

Bulls for breeding are selected from among those born from custom matings at 2-3 weeks of age to be sent to elevers (special farms for raising breeding bulls), then at one year of age according to their own productivity and reproductive qualities, and finally - according to the quality of the offspring. In doing so, follow the appropriate instructions.

The set of characteristics by which these breeds are rated includes: breed and origin, milk yield, fat and protein content in milk, milk production rate and adaptability to machine milking, exterior and constitutional indicators, live weight, quality of offspring, reproductive ability.

According to the scales given in the grading instructions, based on a 100-point score, cows are given points for the following three groups of characteristics:

1. For milk productivity, taking into account the fat content and protein content of milk, in relation to the requirements of class I for the breed, up to 60 points are given.
2. For the exterior, constitution, live weight of cows and milk production rate - up to 24 points.
3. For the genotype (indicators of breed, class of parents, father's assessment of the quality of the offspring - up to 16 points).

The assessment of puppies in terms of exterior and constitution is carried out by examining them in kind on a 10-point scale, in which the score for the udder can be 5 points.

Therefore, such an assessment may be more objective if the cow is 2-4 months into lactation.

During the same period, the rate of milk production and live weight are determined.

The specialist, organizing the herd assessment for each calendar month, compiles lists of cows for which the deadline for assessment of the exterior, weighing, as well as assessment of the rate of milk production and uniformity of udder development is suitable (the latter indicators are usually determined in the 1st lactation).

When assessing sire bulls based on a set of traits, based on a 100-point scale, the scores are set as follows:

1. For exterior and live weight up to 30 points.
2. Up to 70 points for genotype.

Young animals are assessed on a 50 point scale:

1. Up to 30 points are awarded for genotype.
2. For exterior and typicality up to 10 points.
3. Up to 10 points for live weight.

By total amount points of cows, bulls and young cattle are divided into the following classes: elite-record, elite,IAndIIClass.

In addition to the grading class, cows and bulls are assigned a category.

If the milk yield and milk fat content of cows exceed the class I standard by 40% and 20%, respectively, the letters AB are added to the class assigned to the cow: A (for milk yield), B (for milk fat content). If the superiority is only in milk yield, add - A, if only in milk fat content - B.

The bull that improves milk yield and fat in milk daughters is assigned the highest category A1B1. For others, the rating depending on the degree of prepotency, categories, respectively, can be with two bulls A1B3, or A3B2, or with one B1, A3, etc.

After assessing the animals based on a set of characteristics, taking into account individual characteristics, the purpose of each animal for further use is determined. This is one of the main tasks of appraisal.

In breeding farms, all livestock are divided into the following groups: leading breeding group (breeding core) production group; a group of replacement young stock, a group of young stock intended for sale for breeding, a group of animals subject to ranking, a group of animals subject to culling from the herd.

In breeding plants, in order to obtain the bulls needed for their herd, in accordance with the selection plan and for raising bulls according to the orders of the breeding service, within the leading breeding group from among the best cows of a certain linear affiliation, a special group of the breeding core is allocated - bull-producing in quantities exceeding the need for replacement bulls by 2-3 times.

In non-breeding farms, the herd is also divided into groups: breeding core, production group, replacement young stock group, super-repair young stock group, group of adult cattle for culling.

Particular attention is paid to the formation of a tribal core. Young animals obtained from animals included in the breeding core are raised to replenish (repair) their own herd.

In breeding farms, when recruiting the breeding core, the genealogical characteristics of the animals are also taken into account in order to ensure the reproduction of the factory lines provided for in the breeding plan.

In addition to taking into account the qualitative characteristics of animals, the number of cows is also important when forming a breeding core. The number of cows can be different, depending on the rate of reproduction of the herd.

The numerical composition of the breed is calculated taking into account the need for replacement heifers.

Considering that the average sex ratio of young animals born (bulls and heifers) is 1:1, the number of breeding cows should be more than twice as high as the need for replacement heifers, if the farm produces less than 100 calves per year from 100 cows.

Source: https://StudFiles.net/preview/5050315/

Features of the assessment of cattle to determine their qualitative value

Grading of cattle is undoubtedly an important and necessary procedure in any farm seeking to grow and develop. What is its meaning?

What is cattle grading?

Bonitation is a special assessment of cows (young animals, calves, bulls) to determine their quality value in accordance with breed, constitution, exterior, origin, live weight of each animal and milk yield.

The procedure, as a rule, is carried out by farms throughout the year, for cows - after the end of the lactation period, for young animals - after ten months from birth, for bulls - when they reach breeding age.

This is done by the farms’ own employees (livestock breeders); third-party specialists from scientific institutions who understand the characteristics of a particular breed are rarely invited.

Before proceeding with cattle grading, it is necessary to perform certain procedures:

• check inventory numbers, identify any unclear or lost ones;
• bring together information about feeding and maintenance;
• fill out cards F2-mol;
• summarize the milk yield of each dairy cow for the last 305 days of the lactation period;
• carry out other preparatory work.

To classify cattle by the Ministry Agriculture special instructions have been developed with detailed description set of distinctive features. After a full assessment, the animal is assigned one class or another.

Carrying out valuation

The valuation procedure is carried out in the following sequence:

1. The breed of cattle is determined.
2. An assessment of the productivity of milk yield is given.
3. An assessment of the constitution and exterior is carried out.
4. The final assessment is given: assignment of class.

Determination of breed quality

Documents about the origin of each animal and the breed of the parents are reviewed. The individual is examined and the type of breed is determined: purebred or crossbreed.

Animals whose parents were of the same breed (documentary confirmation is required) or a cross of the 4th generation (the result of absorption crossbreeding) are considered purebred if there is documentary evidence, a clear expression of the breed, and a class rating of at least “Elite”.

Crossbred cattle are considered to be those obtained by crossing representatives of different breeds, breeding crossbreeds “in themselves” or crossing local cattle and purebred ones.

Milk productivity

The indicators taken into account are taken for the last 305 days of the lactation period:

• milk yield (kg);
• milk fat content (%);
• amount of fat in milk (kg).

Constitution and exterior

Grading is carried out according to the following indicators:

• clarity of expression of the breed;
• harmonious physique;
• quality of hind legs and loins in bulls;
• cow udder size and shape.

Body composition is assessed on a ten-point scale with a permissible error of 0.5 points. A five-point scale is used to evaluate young animals.

Final score

In the final assessment, separate indicators are used for each category of cattle:

1. For cows: milk productivity, constitution, exterior, genotype.
2. For bulls: exterior, constitution, genotype.
3. For young animals: exterior, genotype, development.

It is based on the result of the final assessment that each animal is assigned a certain category.

Grading classes for bulls, cows, young animals

1. Elite-record.
2. Elite.
3. I class.
4. II class.

Depending on changing indicators, the result may decrease or increase over the years.

Cows

The quality of cows is determined by a point system (scale).

In this case, the level of milk productivity and the rate of milk yield (maximum 60 points), exterior, development and constitution (maximum 24 points) and genotype (maximum 16 points) are assessed separately.
In accordance with the results obtained, depending on the number of points, the cow is assigned one of the following types:

• 80 or more points – elite record;
• 79-70 – elite;
• 60-60 – I;
• 59-50 – II.

Bulls

The quality of bulls, like cows, is determined in accordance with the scale. The point values ​​are also similar.

Young animals

The point scale for young cattle looks slightly different:

• 40 points or more – elite record;
• 39-35 – elite;
• 34-30 – I;
• 29-25 – II.

Results of workover appraisal

Based on the results of cattle assessment, farms are developing a set of measures aimed at improving the quality of the herd. These may include a herd acquisition plan, improving productivity, selecting individuals to form a breeding herd, etc.

Source: http://fermerznaet.com/zhivotnovodstvo/krs/bonitiroa.html

About cattle grading

To assess the productivity and breeding characteristics of cows, cattle are graded.

Due to the fact that you can make good money on your farm only from a purebred herd, this event is held.

The process involves selecting the best cattle representatives to create good breeding and replacement stock. In this article we will tell you about proper organization procedures that guarantee a truly profitable business.

Key indicators taken into account when assessing

There are general criteria by which herd representatives are assessed:

• origin (parents) and breed;
• milk productivity (fat content), milk yield;
• appearance, constitution;
• quality of offspring;
• ability of cows to be milked by machine;
• possibility of reproduction.

As a rule, cattle assessments are carried out on farms several times throughout the year. Each cow undergoes an assessment procedure throughout its life - from young age to final culling.

According to the special “Instructions for Grading”, which was developed separately for all types of animals, points are given for the main indicators.

Their sum is an argument when creating a herd of breeding cows and bulls, and determines the cattle’s membership in it.

Depending on the gender, purpose and age, the cattle assessment plan may vary.

How is the procedure performed?

For the valuation assessment, the farm livestock specialist makes calendar plan, where he distributes cows for visual inspection and assessment of the cattle’s exterior.

The initial stage in the process is dividing the herd, weighing each animal, and checking inventory numbers. An analysis is made of how adapted dairy animals are to machine milking, the amount of milk yield and the percentage of fat content in milk is estimated.

In addition to the zoo engineer, the appraisal commission may also include veterinarians, foremen, farm workers, and insemination specialists. Sometimes scientists who are well versed in the breed are invited.

When grading bulls, the live weight of the animals, their exterior and their genotype are taken into account, since reproduction of the breed is the most important task and main goal the whole process. The best sire bulls score eighty points and become representatives of the elite record.

Dividing the herd according to individual characteristics

Based on the results of a thorough assessment, which takes into account the special characteristics of each animal, the herd is divided into the main composition, called breeding, a replacement group (calves for replenishment) and a marketable part of young individuals, as well as cull cattle and a small part of cows for dividing them in the future.

The most important attention is paid to representatives of the breeding unit, who serve to replenish the main group of livestock and produce young individuals, the so-called replacement heifers.

They must be kept in the best conditions, with good care and feeding, meet the requirements of first class, their number cannot be less than twenty-five per hundred head of livestock every year.

The replacement young animals in the herd are offspring from direct representatives of the breeding core; they can undergo grading starting from the age of ten months.

Selection replacement heifers and bull calves are produced when they reach maturity and are ready to reproduce. When assessed, they are assigned personal numbers and in the future, they require good care and maintenance to maintain the appropriate live weight.

A group of young animals for sale is intended for sale to a breed, and its price is determined by the breed and is confirmed by special documentation. Trade in purebred young animals can be one of the main sources of income for the entire farm.

How is the breed of cow determined?

A cattle breed is a group of artificially bred animals with similar characteristics. appearance(exterior), productivity (quantity and quality of milk yield), weight of cattle.

According to the current “Instructions for grading”, it is possible to establish the breed based on documentation of the origin of cattle and mandatory inspection. Thus, animals can be formally divided into: purebred individuals and crossbreeds.

Purebred presupposes being born from representatives of the same breed or from purebred relatives (on the maternal side).

One type of breed may include individuals born:

• by mating two similar representatives;
• with absorbent crossbreeding, from the fourth offspring;
• third generation descendants;
• in the case of breeding or improving a new breed using representatives of the global gene pool.

The breeding value of dairy cows is assessed by the main criterion - the productivity of the milk produced, that is, the volume and quality of milk yield, fat content, the content of valuable substances in it and the reproductive abilities of the cattle.

Dairy cow evaluation

To determine the productivity of adult dairy cows, milk yield data is taken for the last three, first-calf heifers - for one, and females with two calvings in the past - for the last two lactations.

The amount of milk yield is assessed, how adapted the cow is to machine milking, and how much protein is contained in the milk. The average amount of fat in the product for 305 days is also calculated and compared with the indicators of breeding representatives of class 1.

The data is taken from milking records, which must be carried out on farms on a monthly basis.

Based on the results of grading these indicators, the cow is awarded points - up to 60.

According to the accumulated amount, the class classification of the cattle is calculated from third to elite record.

Additional points are awarded for the animal’s exterior and its constitution - up to 24 and up to 16 - for the genotype and belonging to the breeding breed.

Thus, the exhibition of dairy cows can only be presented by animals that have passed the assessment and scored a total of one hundred points. There are also additional bonuses, for example, if milk yield is 140% of minimum level breed, the cow is classified as class A.

Criteria for evaluating beef cattle breeds

Representatives of meat breeds are assessed based on external data from the first month.

There are 5 categories by which the condition of young animals is analyzed; compliance with excellent results presupposes the correct development of the skeleton, the shape of the hooves, vertebral bones and joints, and good development of the chest.

When grading adult cattle, breed and productive characteristics, skeletal and bone development, and muscle volume are examined. For the bulls there are special requirements by constitution, head position, chest condition, adipose tissue and body weight.

Thus, the main goal of cattle grading is to identify and objectively assess productivity: in the case of dairy heifers - the volume and quality of milk yield, for beef bulls - exterior, constitution, muscle mass.

Breeding stock and the importance of evaluation

At the end of the assessment, a thorough analysis of the livestock must be carried out on the farm and the individuals that received the highest score are separated to form a breeding herd.

Since natural selection occurs constantly in the herd (disease, infertility, old age), it is necessary to keep strict records of livestock and carry out grading at least once a year.

Special attention should be paid to the young breeding brood. It is the young animals that will be the basis of the breeding herd of your farm and, perhaps, in the future they will become your pride and the key to a good income.

The organization of exhibitions of representatives of breeding breeds is carried out with the participation of the best individuals, who, according to the results of regular assessments, have received the highest score. Therefore, do not forget about the importance of this process in your household.

We hope that our grading instructions will help you increase the profitability of your subsidiary farm.

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crossing hybridization pig grading

Valuation is carried out throughout the year after the cow’s lactation ends or the young animals reach 10 months of age. The results of the herd assessment are summed up at the end of the year. Before the start of grading, the inventory numbers of animals are checked, data on the feeding and maintenance of animals is summarized, form 2 cards are filled out and another preparatory work. Animals are assessed for a set of characteristics in accordance with the requirements of special instructions. Based on a comprehensive assessment, each animal is assigned to a specific class. 1st class indicators correspond minimum requirements for recording animals in state stud books (SPK). Civil Code standards take into account the characteristics of each breed. The highest class of cattle is considered elite-record, the lowest - II. For each class, minimum indicators are established for productivity, live weight, exterior and other assessed characteristics. For young animals, live weight standards have been established by class depending on sex and age.

Based on the results of grading, animals are distributed into groups: into the breeding core, user group, for sale (user and breeding livestock), fattening.

At the end of the assessment, a selection plan is drawn up (an annual breeding plan), which provides for the coverage of all queens of breeding age. The best of them are assigned excellent producers, taking into account not only productivity, but also the origin of the animals.

In order to determine the breeding value and purpose of animals on farms, at artificial insemination stations, and breeding enterprises, all sires, cows, replacement heifers and breeding bulls are assessed annually.

Cattle are graded throughout the year: replacement bulls upon reaching breeding age, cows at the end of lactation, young animals from 10 months of age.

Livestock assessment is carried out by livestock breeders from farms, state breeding stations and state breeding centers. In some cases, valuation can be carried out by invited specialists and agricultural scientists. research institutions and educational institutions who know the breed well.

To carry out grading, the milk yield of each cow is calculated for 305 days of the last lactation (or for a shortened lactation) and the average fat content of milk is calculated; evaluate animals based on their appearance and constitution; determine the suitability of cows for machine milking; weigh each animal (cows 2-5 months after calving); inventory numbers of animals are checked; unclear or lost ones are renewed.

When grading, a comprehensive assessment of animals is carried out according to breed and origin, productivity and development, exterior and constitution, quality of offspring, milk production properties of cows, and the reproductive ability of sires and queens is taken into account.

The final assessment of animals during grading is carried out according to the following characteristics: cows - by milk productivity, exterior and constitution, genotype; sires - according to exterior and constitution, genotype; young animals - by genotype, exterior and development.

Based on the results of the final assessment, cows, bulls and young animals are assigned to the following classes: elite-record, elite, class I, class II. Animals that do not meet the requirements of class II are classified as non-class.

Cows are assessed for milk productivity by milk yield (kg), fat content in milk (%) or amount of milk fat (kg) for 305 days of lactation, or for a shortened completed lactation.

Minimum milk yield requirements are established for first-calf heifers calving before the age of 30 months. When calving at a later age, milk yield requirements increase by 10%. With shortened lactation, the actual milk yield is taken into account and the duration of lactation is indicated in days. Control milking of cows is carried out at least once a month.

First-calf heifers are assessed by milk yield for the completed lactation, cows of two calvings - by average productivity for two lactations, full-aged cows - by average productivity for any three lactations. On commercial farms, in the absence of data for previous years, it is allowed to evaluate cows based on the last completed lactation.

The elite-record class includes cows of at least the 3rd generation (7/8 blood), and the elite class - no lower than the 2nd generation (3/4 blood).

The elite-record and elite classes include cows with a live weight not lower than the requirements of class I.

If a cow’s milk yield exceeds the class I standard by 40% or more, the class assigned to it is additionally designated by the letter A. If the fat content in the cow’s milk exceeds the class I standard by 0.2% or more, the class assigned to it is designated by an additional letter B. If the cow exceeds standards for the specified value for both characteristics, its class is additionally indicated by two letters (AB).

The class of a cow based on a set of traits can be increased in subsequent years due to an increase in its productivity and assessment of the offspring. In other cases, the assigned class does not change.

The elite-record and elite classes include bulls with a live weight not lower than the class I standard and not lower than the IV generation (15/16 blood).

The class of a bull based on a set of traits and the category assigned to it can be increased in subsequent years due to an increase in the class of the parents and a higher assessment of the bull in terms of the quality of the offspring. In other cases, the previously assigned class and category are not changed.

Bulls descended from cows classified as class II based on a set of traits are not graded.

Heifers descended from cows that do not satisfy the requirements of class II in terms of the complex of traits cannot be classified as elite and class I, and those descended from mothers of class I cannot be classified as elite-record. The elite-record class can include heifers that have blood of at least the third generation, and the elite class - no lower than the second generation.

Approved by the USSR Ministry of Agriculture on July 10, 1974.

I. ORGANIZATION OF GRADING AND SIGNS CONSIDERED WHEN ASSESSING LIVESTOCK

1. In order to determine the breeding value and purpose of animals on farms, at artificial insemination stations, and breeding enterprises, all sires, cows, replacement heifers and breeding bulls are assessed annually.
2. Cattle are graded throughout the year: replacement bulls upon reaching breeding age, cows at the end of lactation, young animals from 10 months of age.
3. Livestock assessment is carried out by livestock breeders of farms, state breeding stations (state breeding associations) and state breeding nurseries. In some cases, grading can be carried out by invited specialists and researchers from agricultural research institutions and educational institutions who know the breed well.
4. To carry out appraisal:
- calculate the milk yield of each cow for 305 days of the last lactation (or for a shortened lactation) and calculate the average fat content of milk;
- evaluate animals by appearance and constitution;
- determine the suitability of cows for machine milking;
- weigh each animal (cows 2-5 months after calving);
- check the inventory numbers of animals; unclear or lost ones are renewed.
5. When grading, a comprehensive assessment of animals is carried out according to breed and origin, productivity and development, exterior and constitution, quality of offspring, milk production properties of cows; take into account the reproductive ability of producers and queens.

II. DETERMINATION OF CATTLE BREED

6. The breed of animals is established on the basis of a document about their origin and the breed of parents with mandatory inspection animals. Based on breed (blood) there are groups of purebreds and crossbreds.
7. Not applicable.
8. Crossbreeds include animals obtained:
a) as a result of crossing animals of two breeds, except for the breeds specified in the letter of the Department of Livestock Husbandry and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Russia dated December 31, 1997 No. 18-06/577 “On the procedure for determining the origin (breed) of breeding animals”;
b) when breeding crossbreeds “inside”, with the exception of cases provided for by letter of the Department of Livestock and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Russia dated December 31, 1997 No. 18-06/577;
c) when crossing local cattle with purebred cattle and crossbreeds.
The degree of breeding during crossing is determined on the basis of data on origin (Table 1).

Table 1: Determining the degree of breeding of animals during crossing

Mother's breed	Father's breed
	purebred	IV generation (blood 15/16)	III generation*(blood 7/8)
Breed level of the animal
Purebred	Purebred	-	-
IV generation (15/16)	Purebred	IV generation (15/16)	-
III generation (7/8)	IV generation (15/16) or purebred	IV generation (15/16)	III generation (7/8)
II generation (3/4)	III generation (7/8)	III generation (7/8)	II generation (3/4)
I generation (1/2)	II generation (3/4)	III generation (3/4)	II generation (3/4)
Local	I generation (1/2)	I generation (1/2)	I generation (1/2)

* Third generation sire bulls can be used in herds of commercial farms with the decision of the regional (territorial) department of agriculture or the Ministry of Agriculture of the Union Republic.

9. In the absence of documents about the origin and the presence of a well-defined type of improving breed in animals, they are classified as crosses of the 1st-2nd generations (1/2-3/4 blood) of this breed.
10. During introductory crossing, the breed of animals is established as follows:
a) the offspring obtained from crossing animals of two original breeds are classified as the first generation;
b) the offspring obtained from crossing crosses of the first generation with purebred animals of the improved breed (backcrossing) are classified as second generation (3/4 blood) according to the maternal breed;
c) the offspring obtained from crossing crosses of the second generation with purebred animals with the expression of the type planned according to the plan are classified as purebred (based on the maternal breed);
d) the offspring from breeding crosses of the second generation (3/4 blood) “in themselves”, depending on the severity of the type planned according to the plan, are classified as crosses of the third or fourth generation of the improved breed.
The offspring from breeding crosses of the 3rd and 4th generations, depending on the severity of the desired type, are classified as the 4th generation or purebred.

III. ASSESSMENT OF COWS BY MILK PRODUCTIVITY

11. Cows are assessed for milk productivity by milk yield (kg), fat content in milk (%) or amount of milk fat (kg) for 305 days of lactation or for a shortened completed lactation (Appendix 2 and Appendix 3).
Minimum milk yield requirements (Appendix 2) are established for first-calf heifers calving before the age of 30 months. When calving at a later age, milk yield requirements increase by 10%. With shortened lactation, the actual milk yield is taken into account and the duration of lactation is indicated in days. Control milking of cows is carried out at least once a month. (In extract).
12. The average fat content of milk for the first 305 days of lactation or for shortened lactation is determined based on the results of systematic determinations, which are carried out once a month.
The average fat content of milk is calculated by multiplying the percentage of fat in milk for each month by the monthly milk yield, the products are added (receiving the amount of one percent milk per lactation) and the amount is divided by the actual milk yield for the same months.
The amount of milk fat per lactation (kg) is determined by dividing the amount of one percent milk by 100. (Clause 12 does not apply in breeding farms and in breeding breeders, see Rules for assessing the milk productivity of dairy and meat breed cows. SNPplem R 23-97)
13. First-calf heifers are assessed by milk yield for the completed lactation, cows of two calvings are assessed by average productivity for two lactations, full-aged cows are assessed by average productivity for any three lactations.
On commercial farms, in the absence of data for previous years, it is allowed to evaluate cows based on the last completed lactation.
14. The average milk fat content of cows when assessing their productivity for a series of lactation is calculated by summing the milk yield expressed in one percent milk for the lactations taken into account (305-day or shortened) and dividing this amount of one percent milk by the actual amount of milk produced for the same lactations.
15. To determine the properties of milk production in the 2-3rd months of lactation, control milking of cows is carried out during the day. During control milking, the amount of one-time milk yield (kg) and the time spent on each milking (min) are taken into account.
The average milk flow rate is determined in kg/min by dividing the amount of milk produced per day (kg) by the time spent (min). The results of monitoring the milk production properties of cows are recorded in a special sheet (Appendix 5).

IV. ASSESSMENT OF ANIMALS BY EXTERIOR AND CONSTITUTION

16. Cows are assessed for exterior and constitution at the 2-3rd month of lactation of the 1st and 3rd calvings. If the assessment was not carried out after the 1st calving, this will be done after the 2nd calving.
Bulls are evaluated annually until 5 years of age.
If the animal has not been assessed for its exterior and constitution at the indicated ages, it is assessed during the next assessment.
17. When assessing the exterior and constitution, special attention is paid to the severity of the breed type, harmonious physique, in bulls - on the strength of the lower back and especially the hind limbs, in cows - on the size of the udder, its shape and suitability for machine milking. The physique of bulls and cows is assessed on a 10-point scale with an accuracy of 0.5 points. Table 2 and Table 3 show 10-point scales for assessing cows and bulls by exterior.
The scoring is supplemented with a mandatory indication of the main defects and shortcomings of the exterior.

Table 2: Scale for assessing cows based on exterior and constitution

* - There are three main udder shapes: cup-shaped, rounded and goat.

Table 3: Rating scale for stud bulls based on exterior and constitution

18. Evaluation of young animals by exterior is carried out on a five-point scale:
excellent -5, good - 4, satisfactory - 3, unsatisfactory - 2, bad - 1.
It is possible to refine the five-point assessment by using half-points (4.5; 3.5).
An excellent rating (point 5) is given to an animal with good expression of the characteristics of breed and sex, good development and growth, excellent development of the chest (wide, deep, without interception behind the shoulder blades), straight line of the back, lower back, sacrum, well-developed pelvis, correct positioning of the legs and strong bones, without overdevelopment and roughness. (Table 4)

Table 4: Disadvantages in the physique of dairy and dairy-meat cattle, for which the score for exterior and constitution is reduced

General development and statistics	List of disadvantages
1. General development	General underdevelopment. The skeleton is rough or overdeveloped-tender. The muscles are loose or underdeveloped. The physique is disproportionate and does not correspond to the direction of productivity. The breed type is poorly defined.
Exterior statistics 1) head and neck	The head is heavy or overdeveloped, bullish for a cow or cowish for a bull. The neck is short, rough with thick folds of skin or notched, weakly muscled.
2) chest	The chest is narrow, shallow, interception and depressions behind the shoulder blades
3) withers, back	The withers are forked or sharp. The back is narrow, short, sagging or humped. The loin is narrow, sagging or roof-shaped
4) middle part of the body	Cows have an underdeveloped belly, bulls have a saggy belly
5) back	Short, drooping, roof-shaped, awl-shaped
6) udder and nipples	The udder is small or pendulous (the distance from the nipples to the ground is less than 45 cm), with unevenly developed lobes
7) front and rear legs	The nipples are short, close together, abnormally developed, unsuitable for machine milking, clause 2.2. Rules for machine milking of cows, ed. 1972

V. FINAL ASSESSMENT AND DETERMINATION OF THE CLASS OF ANIMALS BY A COMPLEX OF CHARACTERISTS

19. The final assessment of animals during grading is carried out according to the following criteria: cows - by milk productivity, exterior and constitution, genotype; sires - according to exterior and constitution, genotype; young animals - by genotype, exterior and development.
20. Based on the results of the final assessment, cows, bulls and young animals are classified into classes: elite-record, elite, class I, class II. Animals that do not meet the requirements of class II are classified as non-class animals.

A. Determination of cow class
21. The class of a cow according to a set of characteristics is established on a scale (Table 5) in accordance with the sum of points received:

elite 79-70 points
I class 69-60 points
II class 59-50 points

Table 5: Scale for assessing cows based on a set of traits: a) milk productivity (total 60 points)

If the cow’s productivity indicators for both milk yield and fat content are higher than the class I requirement, an additional 3 points are added to the overall score for the productivity level, and if the class I requirement for milk yield, fat and protein content is exceeded at the same time (Appendix 6), 5 points are added.

b) exterior, constitution, development (total 24 points)

c) genotype (total 16 points)

22. For cows with milk fat content above the requirements for the breed from 0.10 to 0.49% and below from 0.10 to 0.39%, the requirements for the level of milk yield to classify these cows into a particular class are established according to Table 6 .

Table 6: Requirements for milk yield of cows with different milk fat content

For cows with milk fat content below the breed requirements by 0.4% or more, the score for milk productivity is set based on the amount of milk fat in accordance with the class I standard (Appendix 2), increased by 40%. The maximum score for such cows is 34 points.
For cows whose milk fat content exceeds the breed requirements by more than 0.5%, milk yield requirements are established based on the standard for milk fat production.

Example. The actual milk yield of a Simmental breed cow for the three best full-age lactations was 3500 kg with 4.0% fat in the milk. The milk fat content exceeds the standard (3.8%) by 0.2%. Therefore, the milk yield requirements, according to (Table 6), are reduced, namely: 2900 kg X 95: 100 = 2755 kg. From this standard, calculated adjusted for the fat content of milk, the actual milk yield of the cow (3500 kg) is 127%, and on the final scale (Table 5) the cow will receive 40 points. Since the cow exceeds the standard for milk yield and at the same time for the fat content in milk, she receives an additional 3 points, and her overall score for milk productivity is 43 points. If this cow had exceeded the minimum requirements for milk protein content at the same time, she would have received an additional 5 points instead of 3, and her overall productivity score would have been 45 points.
23. Cows are assessed for milk production rate according to the indicators in Table 7.

Table 7: Minimum requirements for evaluating cows for milk production rate

Milk yield per day (kg)	Score in points for milk flow rate, (kg/min)
	10	8	6	4	2
10-11,9	1,0	0,9	0.85	0,75	0,7
12-13,9	1,1	1.0	0,95	0.85	0,8
14-15,9	1,2	1,1	1,05	0,95	0,9
16-17,9	1.3	1,2	1,15	1,05	0,95
18-19,9	1,4	1,3	1.2	1,1	1,0
20-21,9	1,5	1,4	1,3	1.2	1,1
22-23,9	1,6	1,5	1.4	1.3	1,2
24-25,9	1,7	1.6	1,5	1,4	1,3
26-27,9	1,8	1,7	1.6	1,5	1,4
28-29,9	1,9	1,8	1.7	1.6	1,5
30 and above	2,0	1,9	1.8	1,7	1.6

Note. When milking with push-pull machines, the requirements increase by 10%.
24. The elite-record class includes cows of at least the 3rd generation (7/8 blood), and the elite class - no lower than the 2nd generation (3/4 blood).
25. The elite-record and elite classes include cows with a live weight not lower than the requirements of class I.
26. If a cow has one or more daughters of the elite class, she receives 3, and of the elite-record class - 5 points above those provided in the scale. Additionally, the points obtained for the quality of the offspring are included in the final score of the cow when determining the class based on a set of traits (within 100 points).
27. If a cow’s milk yield exceeds the class I standard by 40% or more, the class assigned to it is indicated by an additional letter A; for example elite A.
If the fat content in a cow’s milk exceeds the class I standard by 0.2% or more, the class assigned to it is additionally designated by the letter B, for example, elite B.
If a cow exceeds the standards by the specified amount for both characteristics, its class is indicated by an additional two letters, for example, elite AB.
The class of a cow based on a set of traits can be increased in subsequent years due to an increase in its productivity and assessment of the offspring. In other cases, the assigned class does not change.

B. Determination of bull class
28. The class of a bull based on a set of characteristics is established on a scale (Table 8) in accordance with the sum of points received:

elite record with a score of 80 points and above
elite 79-70 points
I class 69-60
II class 59-50

Table 8: Scale for assessing sires based on a set of traits

Signs	Point
a) exterior and development (total 30 points)
Exterior score:
8-8,5	15
9 or more	20
Class 1 by live weight	5
	10
b) genotype (total 70 points)
1st grade mother	15
Elite class mother	20
Elite-record mother	25
The fat content (%) in mother's milk is not lower than the requirements of class 1	1,5
Elite class father	20
Father of the elite-record class	25
The sire himself or his father is assessed by the quality of the offspring:
a) 3rd category for daughters’ milk yield	6
3rd category for fat content of daughters’ milk	5
b) 2nd category for daughters’ milk yield	7
2nd category for fat content of daughters’ milk	6
c) 1st category for daughters’ milk yield	8
1st category for fat content of daughters’ milk	7
Sum of points	100

* Sire bulls are assessed by the quality of their offspring in accordance with the instructions of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture. If the father of a bull is assigned a breeding category, the number of points for the sire being assessed is established: for the father of the elite-record class - in the first category, for the elite class - in the second category, for the first class - in the third category.

29. The elite-record and elite classes include bulls with a live weight not lower than the 1st class standard (

Appendix 4) and not lower than IV generation (15/16 blood).
30. The class of a bull based on a set of traits and the category assigned to it can be increased in subsequent years due to an increase in the class of the parents and a higher assessment of the bull in terms of the quality of the offspring. In other cases, the previously assigned class and category are not changed.

B. Determination of the class of young animals
31. Live weight requirements for young animals of different ages are given in (Appendix 4). For heifers over 24 months old, the same live weight requirements apply as for first-calf cows.
32. The class of young animals according to a set of characteristics is established on a scale (Table 9) in accordance with the sum of points received:
elite record with a score of 40 points and above
elite 39-35 points
I class 34-30
II class 29-25

Table 9: Scale for assessing young animals based on a set of traits

Signs	Points
	bulls	chicks
a) genotype (total 30 points)
I generation (blood 1/2)	-	2
II generation (blood 3/4) *	3	3
III generation (blood 7/8)	5	5
IV generation (blood 15/16)	7	7
Purebred	8	8
Second class mother	-	3
First class mother	4	6
Elite class mother	6	9
Elite-record mother	8	11
Elite class father	7	9
Father of the elite-record class	9	11
Father assessed by offspring**
a) 3rd category	3	-
b) 2nd category	4	-
c) 1st category	5	-
b) exterior and typicality (total 10 points)
3 points	-	4
3.5	6	6
4.0	8	8
4.5 - 5.0	10	10
c) development (total 10 points)
Based on live weight, class 11 (85% of the class 1 standard)	-	6
Live weight class 1	8	8
Live weight is 5% or more above the requirements of class 1	10	10
Total points 50

* For bulls obtained from introductory crosses.
**Assigned a category based on milk yield or fat content in milk.
Bulls descended from cows classified as class II based on a set of traits are not graded.

Heifers descended from cows that do not meet the requirements of class II in terms of their complex of traits cannot be classified as elite and class I, and those descended from mothers of class I cannot be classified as elite-record. The elite-record class can include heifers that have blood of at least the third generation, and the elite class - no lower than the second generation.

Appendix 2. Breed standard for milk productivity and live weight of cows when grading based on data for one lactation

Breed	Milk yield for 305 days of lactation (kg)			Average	Amount of fat (kg)			Live weight (kg)
	for the 1st lactation	for the 2nd lactation	for the 3rd lactation	Milk fat content	for the 1st lactation	for the 2nd lactation	for the 3rd lactation	by 1st calving	by 2nd calving	by 3rd calving
Ayrshire	2400	2800	3200	4,2	101	118	134	390	430	470
	2450	2950	3300	4,0	98	118	132	390	430	490
Bestuzhevskaya	2100	2600	3000	3,8	80	99	114	400	440	480
Jersey	2150	2500	2800	5,6	120	140	157	350	380	400
Istobenskaya	2100	2500	2800	4,0	84	100	112	370	410	440
Kostromskaya	2450	3000	3400	3,8	93	114	129	430	480	510
Red Gorbatovskaya	2100	2500	2800	4,1	86	102	115	360	400	430
Red steppe	2400	2850	3200	3,7	89	105	118	390	430	470
Red Tambov	2200	2650	3000	3,8	84	101	114	420	460	500
Kurganskaya	2100	2550	2900	3,9	82	99	113	400	450	490
Simmental and Sychevsk	2150	2700	3100	3,8	82	103	118	430	470	520
	2000	2550	2900	3,9	78	99	113	400	450	490
Tagilskaya	2250	2700	3000	4,0	90	108	120	390	430	460
Kholmogorskaya	2350	2850	3200	3,7	87	105	118	400	440	480
	2650	3200	3600	3,6	95	115	130	420	450	500
Black-motley (Siberia, Ural)	2500	3050	3400	3,6	92	110	122	400	440	480
Shvitskaya	2400	2900	3300	3,7	89	107	122	420	460	500
	2000	2400	2700	3,9	78	94	105	420	460	500
Yurinskaya	2100	2500	2800	4,0	84	100	112	360	400	430
Yaroslavskaya	2250	2700	3000	4,0	90	108	120	370	410	440
Suksun cattle	1800	2150	2400	4,0	72	86	96	370	410	440

Appendix 3. Breed standard for milk productivity of cows for a number of lactations

Breed	Average milk yield per lactation (kg)		Average milk fat content (%)	Amount of milk fat (kg)
				For two, three or more lactations, including the first	For any three full-age lactations
Ayrshire	2550	3000	4,2	107	126
Angelskaya (Anglerskaya) and red Danish	2600	3100	4,0	104	124
Bestuzhevskaya	2250	2800	3,8	86	106
Jersey	2300	2600	5,6	129	146
Istobenskaya	2250	2600	4,0	90	104
Kostromskaya	2600	3200	3,8	99	122
Red Gorbatovskaya	2250	2600	4,1	92	107
Red steppe	2550	3000	3,7	94	111
Red Tambov	2350	2800	3,8	89	106
Kurganskaya	2250	2750	3,9	88	107
Simmental and Sychevsk	2300	2900	3,8	87	110
Simmental (Siberia, Far East)	2150	2750	3,9	84	107
Tagilskaya	2400	2800	4,0	96	112
Kholmogorskaya	2500	3000	3,7	93	111
Black Pied of the European part of Russia	2800	3400	3,6	101	122
Black-motley (Siberia, Ural)	2700	3200	3,6	97	115
Shorthorn meat and dairy direction	2100	2500	3,9	82	98
Yurinskaya	2250	2600	4,0	90	104
Yaroslavskaya	2400	2800	4,0	96	112
Suksun cattle	1900	2300	4,0	76	92

Appendix 4. Breed standard for live weight of young cattle and adult bulls during grading

Breed	Live weight (kg) at age
	months															years
	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	3	4	5 and older
Ayrshire:
bulls	245	260	280	295	315	330	345	365	380	395	410	425	440	455	470	620	690	750
heifers and heifers	205	215	230	240	255	265	275	290	300	310	320	330	340	350	360	-	-	-
Angelskaya (Anglerskaya), red steppe, red Danish:
bulls	235	255	275	295	310	330	345	365	380	395	410	425	440	455	470	620	690	750
heifers and heifers	205	215	230	240	255	265	275	285	300	310	320	330	340	350	360	-	-	-
Bestuzhevskaya:
bulls	245	260	280	300	315	335	355	375	390	405	420	435	450	465	480	620	710	780
heifers and heifers	215	225	240	255	265	275	290	300	315	320	330	335	345	350	360	-	-	-
Jersey:
bulls	225	245	265	280	295	310	320	335	350	360	375	385	395	405	420	520	600	650
heifers and heifers	185	200	215	225	235	245	255	265	275	285	295	305	315	320	330	-	-	-
Istobenskaya:
bulls	235	255	275	295	310	330	345	365	380	395	410	425	440	455	470	620	690	750
heifers and heifers	195	205	220	230	245	255	265	280	290	300	310	320	330	340	350	-	-	-
Kostromskaya:
bulls	270	290	310	330	350	370	385	405	425	445	460	475	495	510	525	680	750	830
heifers and heifers	230	245	260	270	285	295	305	320	330	340	355	365	375	390	400	-	-	-
Red Gorbatovskaya:
bulls	225	245	265	285	300	315	330	345	360	375	385	400	415	425	440	570	640	700
heifers and heifers	190	205	215	225	235	245	260	270	280	290	300	310	320	330	340	-	-	-
Red Tambov:
bulls	255	275	295	315	330	350	370	390	410	425	440	455	470	485	500	660	730	800
heifers and heifers	225	240	255	270	285	295	310	325	340	350	360	370	380	390	400	-	-	-
Kurganskaya:
bulls	245	265	285	305	325	345	365	380	400	415	430	445	460	475	490	640	710	770
heifers and heifers	215	225	240	255	270	285	300	315	330	340	345	350	355	365	370	-	-	-
Simmental and Sychevskaya:
bulls	275	295	320	340	360	380	400	420	440	455	475	490	505	525	540	680	750	820
heifers and heifers	225	235	250	265	275	290	305	315	330	345	355	365	375	390	400	-	-	-
Simmental (Siberia, Far East):
bulls	245	265	280	295	315	330	345	365	380	395	410	425	440	455	470	650	730	800
heifers and heifers	210	225	235	245	255	265	275	290	300	310	320	330	340	350	360	-	-	-
Tagilskaya:
bulls	245	265	285	300	320	335	350	365	380	395	410	425	440	455	470	610	680	750
heifers and heifers	205	215	230	240	255	265	275	290	300	310	325	335	345	360	370	-	-	-
Kholmogorskaya:
bulls	245	265	285	305	320	340	360	380	400	415	430	445	460	475	490	640	720	800
heifers and heifers	215	225	240	255	265	280	295	305	320	325	335	345	355	365	370	-	-	-
Black-and-white of the European part of Russia:
bulls	255	275	295	315	330	350	370	390	410	425	440	455	470	485	500	660	740	820
heifers and heifers	225	235	250	265	275	290	305	315	330	340	355	365	375	385	400	-	-	-
Shvitskaya:
bulls	260	280	300	315	335	355	375	390	410	425	440	455	470	485	500	660	730	800
heifers and heifers	215	225	240	255	265	280	295	305	320	330	345	355	365	375	390	-	-	-
Shorthorn meat and dairy direction:
bulls	260	280	300	320	340	360	375	395	410	425	440	455	470	485	500	650	720	800
heifers and heifers	215	225	240	255	265	280	295	305	320	330	345	355	365	375	390	-	-	-
Yurinskaya:
bulls	225	245	260	275	290	305	320	335	350	365	380	395	410	425	440	570	640	700
heifers and heifers	190	205	215	225	235	245	260	270	280	290	300	310	320	330	340	-	-	-
Yaroslavskaya:
bulls	235	250	270	285	305	325	340	360	375	390	405	415	430	445	460	590	660	720
heifers and heifers	195	210	220	230	245	255	265	275	290	295	305	315	320	330	340	-	-	-
Suksun cattle:
bulls	220	240	260	280	300	320	335	355	370	385	400	410	425	435	450	590	660	720
heifers and heifers	195	205	220	230	245	255	270	280	290	295	305	315	325	330	340	-	-	-

Appendix 5. Sheet for monitoring the properties of milk production in cows

Cow inventory number	Age (calving)	date		Single milk yield (kg)				Time spent on milking by machine (min)				Milk flow rate per day (kg/min)
		last calving	control	morning	dinner	evening	average	morning	dinner	evening	average	morning	dinner	evening	average

An important on-farm activity is the valuation of farm animals. The Law of the Russian Federation “On Livestock Breeding” defines the grading of farm animals as an assessment of the breeding and productive qualities of a breeding animal, as well as the qualities of other breeding products (material) for the purpose of their further use. When grading, an individual assessment of a livestock is carried out based on productivity, breed, origin, live weight, constitution and exterior, reproductive ability, and the quality of its offspring. Based on the grading requirements, the final assessment is determined and the class of the animal is established based on a set of characteristics.
Animals are graded annually on all farms according to instructions developed separately for animals of each species and even for each area of ​​productivity. For this purpose, a commission is created headed by a specialist (animal engineer), who must have a good knowledge of the breed bred on the farm and the herd being graded. The commission includes foremen, farm managers, artificial insemination technicians, veterinary service specialists, etc.
Valuation of cattle of dairy and dairy-meat breeds. The set of characteristics used to grade cattle includes: I) breed and origin; 2) milk yield, fat and protein content in milk; 3) the rate of milk production and the adaptability of cows to machine milking; 4) indicators of exterior and constitution; 5) live weight; 6) quality of offspring; 7) reproductive ability.
According to the current Instructions for the grading of cattle of dairy and dairy-meat breeds, I establish the breed using documents of origin with a mandatory inspection of the animals. Based on their breed, all animals are divided into two groups: purebred and crossbred. Purebred animals are those whose parents belong to the same breed, and this is confirmed by documents; in addition, animals obtained by crossing related breeds, the list of which is given in the Grading Instructions, for example, Simmental and Sychevsk, Swiss and Lebedinskaya. Purebred animals also include crossbreeds starting from fourth generation absorption crossing, if they have a sufficiently pronounced breed type and good development.
Crossbreeds include animals obtained as a result of crossing two unrelated breeds, as well as when breeding crossbreeds “in themselves” and when crossing local livestock with purebred and crossbred animals. Crossbreeds are distinguished by generations (generations) or by the proportion of blood of the improving breed (1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 15/16). In the absence of documents of origin, depending on the severity of the breed type, animals can be classified as crossbreeds no higher than the second generation.
When assessing cows for milk productivity, they determine the amount of milk yield, the fat and protein content in milk, the amount of milk fat for 305 days of lactation or for a shortened completed lactation in comparison with the requirements of class I for the breed. First-calf heifers are assessed for productivity per 1 lactation, with two calvings - on average for two lactations, full-aged cows - on average for any three lactations. Install average speed lactation.
In terms of exterior and constitution, cows are assessed in the 2-3rd month of lactation on a 10-point scale (with an accuracy of 0.5 points) with an additional recording of the main defects and shortcomings of the exterior; young animals - on a 5-point scale (with an accuracy of 0.5 points).
To evaluate cows by reproductive ability, they use data from zootechnical and veterinary accounting, taking into account walks and the possibility of using animals for further reproduction. In bulls, sexual activity, ejaculate volume and sperm fertilizing ability are determined,
In accordance with the scale given in the grading instructions. When assessing cows, the following points are established:
for milk productivity, depending on its level, adjusted for the fat content of milk (as a percentage of the requirements of class I for the breed), taking into account low milk content - up to 60 points. To set a score for milk production, you need to carry out a large number of calculations related to adjustments for milk fat content, calculating the percentage of class I requirements, choosing lactation for a more objective assessment of the cow, etc. Therefore, special calculation tables should be used;
- for exterior, constitution, live weight and milk production properties - maximum score 24;
- for the genotype, which includes indicators of breed, class of parents, breeding categories of the manufacturer - up to 16 points.
General maximum amount is 100 points.
According to the scale for assessing sires based on a set of traits, a point is set for exterior and live weight (maximum 30 points) and for genotype (maximum 70 points). Out of 50 possible points, young animals receive 30 points for genotype, 10 points for exterior and typicality, and 10 points for live weight.
Based on the total score, cows, bulls and young animals are divided into classes: elite-record, elite, I, II, non-class. Cows are classified as elite-record if their score is 80 points or higher, their breed is not lower than the third generation, and their live weight is not lower than the requirements of class I for the breed. Animals of the elite class have a score of 70 to 79 points, the breed is not lower than the second generation with the same requirements for live weight. Class I includes cows with a score from 60 to 69 points, class II - from 50 to 59, and non-class - 50 points and below.
The classes of breeding bulls are determined with the same number of points, with the only difference being that the highest classes - elite-record and elite - are assigned to animals if their breed is not lower than the fourth generation. Young animals, which are graded starting at 10 months of age, are assigned the following classes.

If a cow’s milk yield exceeds the 1st class standard by 40% or more, then the class assigned to it is additionally designated by the letter A, and if the fat content in milk exceeds the 1st class standard by 0.2% - accordingly, by the letter B. If the cow’s productivity indicators are Both characteristics exceed the standards by the specified amount; this class is designated by two letters, for example elite AB.
Based on the evaluation data for a set of characteristics, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animals, the purpose of each of them for further use is determined. In breeding farms, all livestock are divided into the following groups: leading breeding (breeding core); production; replacement young stock; young animals intended for sale to the breeding stock; subject to culling.
In breeding plants and reproducers for producing bulls intended for sale to state artificial insemination stations and breeding enterprises, from among the best cows of a certain linear affiliation, a special group of the breeding core is formed - a bull-producing group - in an amount twice or three times greater than the need for replacement bulls.
In commercial farms, the groups have similar names.
Tribal core(leading breeding group) is intended to produce replacement young stock, which will be used to replenish the farm’s own herd. The best part of the steel is allocated to the breeding core, from which strong, well-developed and more valuable young stock should be raised, therefore special attention is paid to the cows of the breeding core, creating for them Better conditions feeding and maintenance, organizing their milking. In breeding farms, when recruiting the breeding core, the genealogical characteristics of the animals are also taken into account in order to ensure the reproduction of the breeding lines provided for in the work plan. In addition to taking into account the qualitative characteristics of animals, the number of cows is also important when forming a breeding core. It can be different and is determined by the rate of reproduction of the herd.
The numerical composition of the breeding core is also calculated depending on the need for replacement heifers. Taking into account the generally observed average sex ratio of 1:1 for young animals born, the number of cows should be twice the requirement for replacement heifers. With simple reproduction of the herd on farms where the number of livestock has stabilized, the breeding core usually makes up 50-55% of the total number of cows in the herd, provided that there are at least 90-95 calves per 100 cows and the safety of the young stock is ensured.
Production group consists of cows that were not included in the breeding core and were left in the herd for milk production, and in breeding farms - to produce young animals sold to the tribe. To increase meat production and improve its quality, it is advisable to inseminate low-value cows of the production group (or part of them) on commercial farms with sperm from bulls of specialized meat breeds.
Group of replacement young stock complete with heifers born from cows of the breeding core. In breeding farms, in addition to replacement heifers, the required number of replacement bulls is also selected.
The assessment sheets contain data only for those young animals that have reached 10 months of age. But even before grading, all young animals obtained from cows of the breeding core must be marked with individual numbers, a log of raising young animals is recorded and ensure good conditions feeding so that live weight at all ages is not lower than the requirements of class I. Consequently, during the appraisal process, the composition of the repair group is specified. Therefore, the number of heifers obtained from breeding core cows should slightly exceed the farm’s need for replacement young stock. To ensure a constant supply of well-developed, highly productive animals, it is recommended that all farms organize separate rearing of replacement and super-replacement young animals. For this purpose, specialized departments, farms, and teams for raising replacement young stock are created. It is very promising to organize in many areas specialized farms for raising replacement heifers, which are transferred to farms as heifers or milked first-calf heifers.
A group of young animals intended for sale to the breeding, in breeding farms makes up a significant share. The selling price of young stock is determined by its class, and it depends on the assessment of origin and the development indicators of the animal. Therefore, the better the young animals are raised, the higher the price they are sold at, which increases economic indicators farms.
A group of super-repair young animals on non-breeding farms complete with all the calves that are not included in the replacement group, and, with the exception of that part that can be sold to other farms, are used for feeding and fattening. The more intensive the fattening is and the higher the average daily gain in live weight, the better the cost of feed in meat products and the more successfully the tasks of increasing meat production are solved.
IN a group of animals subject to culling and ranking, include animals of all age and sex groups. Animals that are not practical to remain in the herd due to age, low productivity, chronic diseases, decreased reproductive capacity, etc. are culled. They are usually fattened and sold for meat. Ranging is the transfer (sale) of animals to other farms. This group is formed from those cows that do not meet the requirements in a breeding farm, but are suitable for use in a less productive herd.
Work is currently underway to prepare new instructions on the assessment of cattle of dairy and dairy-meat breeds, which should significantly facilitate the process of its implementation, it provides for more high requirements to the assessment of animals, in particular their breeding value using BLUR technology.
In preparation for the next grading, animal breeding engineers must draw up lists of cows for each month or quarter of the calendar year and evaluate them according to the specified characteristics, while simultaneously specifying the breed and health status of the animal during inspection.
After completing the assessment of the entire herd and processing the data for personal computers or in computer centers they draw up a zootechnical report on the results of breeding work with dairy cattle (form 7-mol).
Bonitation of horses. Valuation of breeding horses. The purpose of grading is to determine the breeding value and purpose of horses based on their comprehensive evaluation. A horse is assessed by origin and typicality, measurements, conformation, performance and quality of offspring. Each characteristic is assessed using a 10-point system. The first grading of horses is carried out at the age of 1.5 to 3.5 years according to the first three signs (to classify horses of the elite class of purebred riding and trotting breeds, starting from 2.5 years of age, performance assessment is also required); the second - at the age of 3.5 to 7.5 years according to four characteristics: the third - at the age of 7.5 years and older according to all five characteristics, and the assessment of the quality of the offspring is updated every three years as data accumulates.
The evaluated horses are divided into three classes: elite - the best horses in the breed, fully meeting the requirements for the breed; Class I - horses that generally meet the requirements for the breed; Class II - the rest of the breed, which has breeding value. Horses not classified in these classes are considered non-breeding.
For each class, according to all criteria, certain bullshits have been established. Horses are classified into one class or another in accordance with the minimum score for a particular trait (Table 15.3).

If a horse is 1 point short of the established minimum on one attribute, then the missing point can be ignored and the horse can be assigned to a certain class with the specified amendment. For horses that do not meet the minimum requirements of class II, this amendment does not apply.
Within each class, breeding horses are divided into three categories:
- the first category includes horses whose assessment for one characteristic or more is higher, and for the remaining characteristics meets the minimum requirements established for this class;
- the second category includes horses whose assessment in all respects meets the minimum requirements established for this class. The layer category includes horses whose score for one trait or more exceeds, and for one trait is 1 point below, the minimum requirements established for the class;
- the third category includes breeding horses, the score of which meets the minimum requirements established for this class, and for one of the characteristics is lower by 1 point.
Valuation materials are drawn up in an act accompanied by a statement of valuation results, which are used in breeding work when determining the purpose of horses, their monetary value, recording breeding animals in the state books and issuing certificates for them.
Valuation of horses of local breeds. Not carried out in the autumn period (September - October) according to type and origin, measurements and live weight, exterior, milk production, adaptive properties, quality of offspring. Each characteristic is assessed using a 10-point system.
The first grading and selection of horses into breeding groups (herds) is carried out at the age of 2.5 years for all indicators, except for milk production and assessment of the quality of the offspring. On newly organized farms, horses are graded for the first time even at an older age. The second grade, with an assessment of all characteristics, including milk production and offspring, is carried out at the age of 5.5 years.
The grading of full-aged horses is clarified as data on the quality of the offspring accumulates.
Young animals at 6-8 months of age and at the age of 1.5 years are not graded, but are visually assessed for typicality, conformation, fatness (giving an overall score on a 10-point scale) and weighed. These data are used to evaluate queens and stallions for the quality of their offspring, as well as when selecting young animals for breeding and other purposes.
Desirable qualities of breeding horses in beef horse breeding: wide, deep, stretched body; long, straight, rounded or forked croup; good expression of meat forms; moderately bony, strong limbs with strong hooves; in mares - high milk production (as evidenced by a large cup-shaped udder with large nipples and well-defined milk veins); high adaptability to herd conditions.
The breed and origin of breeding horses are determined from documents. The breed type is assessed visually, taking into account the characteristics of the breed and modern requirements To her. Horses with a clearly defined desirable breed type and excellent meat form receive 8-9 points; with a well-defined breed type and good meat forms - 6-7 points; with satisfactorily expressed breed type and meat forms - 4-5 points.
The scoring is adjusted depending on the documented origin of the horse. Horses descended from purebred breeding parents or obtained from reproductive crossing (when developing a new breed) and having a basic type rating of at least 6 points are given a bonus of 1 point; For first-generation crosses from stud stallions, the score is reduced by 1 point. For origin from elite parents with a basic score of at least 6 points overall rating for type and origin they increase by 1 point for each parent.
Horses obtained from crossing breeds similar in type and nature of use are assessed as purebred (Bashkir x Jabe, Bashkir x Yakut, Jabe x Yakut, etc.).
Full-age horses of local breeds (5 years and older) are assessed by measurements and live weight using special scales (Table 15.4).

The body length measurement should exceed the height at the withers. If the body length and height at the withers are equal, the score is reduced by 1 point. If horses have a shorter body length than the height at the withers, the score is reduced by 2 points. If the length of the body exceeds the height at the withers by more than 3 cm against the requirements of the scale, the scoring is increased by 1 point. For exceeding the chest girth by 10 cm or more against the requirements of the scale, the score is also increased by 1 point.
Articles are assessed using a three-point system: “excellent” - 3 points, “good” - 2. “satisfactory” - 1. “bad” - 0.8 points. In beef horse breeding they evaluate: head, neck. chest, body, back, lower back, croup, limbs, hooves, general development muscles; in dairy - in addition to the main items, the udder, nipples and milk veins are assessed in mares. The received scores for each of the ten articles are summed up, the sum is divided by 2 and a total score of 10 points is obtained. The evaluation criterion is the degree of expression of the desired qualities of horses.
The milk production of mares in beef horse breeding is assessed based on the development of foals in the first 2 months of life using a 10-point system: “excellent” - 8-10 points, “good” - 6-7, “satisfactory” - 4-5, “poor” - below 4 points. Adaptive qualities are assessed in points based on the degree of fatness of animals after wintering or at the end of summer. Excellent fitness is characterized by 8-10 points, good - 5-7, satisfactory - 4, poor - below 4 points.
The adaptive properties of stud stallions with well-developed shoaling instincts with the fertilization rate of mares in years with normal feeding conditions at least 85% are estimated at 9-10 points (mares that gave birth to non-viable foals and aborted are also taken into account among those that were fertilized); with a fertilization rate of at least 80% and satisfactory schooling instincts - 7-8 points: the rest of the stallions receive a low score. Stallions are subject to culling if, when using them, the fertility of mares within two years is no more than 60%,
A sire stallion is assessed for the quality of its offspring based on the entire litter, at least 10 heads, and mares - based on two foals aged 6 months and older. Young animals under 2.5 years old are assessed visually using a 10-point system. Young animals aged 2.5 years and older, classified as elite, are assessed at 8 - 10 points. 1st grade - 6-7. Class II - 4-5, non-tribal - 3 points or less.
If there are outstanding horses in the offspring, 1 point is added to the average score obtained.