The unified scorecard
This major breakdown on the Dairy Cow Unified Scorecard accounts for 40% of the total score.
Udder
The number of compartments found in a dairy cow's udder.
4
This dairy breed is the most popular in the U.S., recognized by its distinct black and white markings.
Holstein
A cow that is standing still with all four feet on the ground.
Setting up or squaring up
The average length of the estrous cycle in dairy cattle
21 days
The percent of the total scorecard dedicated to Dairy Strength
25%
The passageway through which milk leaves the teat.
Teat orifice or streak canal
Known as the smallest dairy breed, these cows are fawn-colored and produce milk high in butterfat.
Jersey
The act of an animal defecating in the show-ring.
Dropping manure
The standard, ideal length of a dairy cow's gestation period.
283 days
This breakdown accounts for 15% of the scorecard and evaluates the rump, stature, and front end.
Frame
A CMT stands for this test, which checks for subclinical mastitis in individual quarters.
California mastitis test
This breed originated in Switzerland and is known for its docile nature and large, brown frame.
Brown swiss
The terminology used to describe a cow that has a weak or dipping topline.
Weak in the loin or sway backed
The primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy in the cow.
progesterone
The percent of the total score allotted to Feet and Legs.
20%
The hormone responsible for milk let-down
oxytocin
This red and white breed originated in Scotland and is known for its excellent grazing ability.
Ayrshire
Describing a cow that is wider in the pin bones than the hip bones.
Wide rump
This structure forms on the ovary after ovulation and produces progesterone.
Corpus Luteum or CL for short
Udder depth, rear udder, and this central ligament are key traits evaluated in the udder category.
Left Cleft
These tiny muscles in the udder contract to prevent milk leakage.
Sphincter muscles
This breed produces milk with a high beta-carotene content, giving the milk a golden color.
Guernsey
A desirable, angular neck and head that lacks excess fat or thickness.
Dairy character or cleanliness
The name for a sterile heifer born twin to a bull calf.
Freemartin