I’m fed up with talking about the weather, but I can console myself with the fact we have grabbed every opportunity so far and progress is not too bad.Understanding traits to shape dairy cows’ future
THE completed version of the Virtual Cow was on view on Holstein UK’s stand at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show.
The computer-based, interactive three-dimensional tool shows the form, movement and condition of the milking cow.
It will seem familiar to farmers who have seen Eblex’s Virtual Beef and Virtual Lamb, as it was made by the same company, but contains even more information, with nine scores for each of the 18 type traits.
The Virtual Cow graphically illustrates differences in conformation between cows with various classification scores and responds to signals from the user by growing, shrinking or changing shape accordingly.
This means users can select a particular trait they want to view and see what it looks like on the ‘perfect cow’ and compare that to poorer examples.
Taking teat placement as an example, zooming in on the udder will show ideal placement, while moving the computer mouse to the left moves the teats out, and to the right moves them in, showing the whole range of good and bad placement.
Measurements
The cow can be viewed from a variety of angles and is accompanied by a written description of how and where each trait is measured. It also demonstrates a range of body condition scores, as well as videos of good, moderate and poor cow locomotion.
“The program has been developed with education firmly in mind,” said Lucy Andrews, HUK’s head of research, who is driving the tool with the help of John Gribbon, head of breed development.
“It is already being used by universities, agricultural colleges and other educational establishments in the UK and overseas,” she said.
For farmers interested in bull selection, it also relates each trait to the linear type profile for a bull - commonly expressed as a bar chart - to aid bull selection and breed improvement.
“Improving the Holstein and Friesian dairy cow has been the society’s foremost objective since its foundation back in 1909,” said Miss Andrews.
“As a result, the dairy cow of 2009 bears little relation to her forebears early last century, most notably seen through her infinitely improved udder conformation.
“It is vitally important that agriculture students of every age develop their understanding of the breed and the traits which should be carried forward to continue with these improvements. This will ensure the black and white cow has the constitution to lead a long, comfortable and trouble-free life.”
Virtual cow
Access the Virtual Cow at www.holstein-uk.org and www.thehyb.co.uk. Holstein UK members can use all elements of the tool and a short demonstration is available to non-members.
Share
