The new linear method for the exterior scoring of dairy cattle in Estonia

Since 1992 a new method of linear exterior scoring of cows has been used in Estonia. This method gives a better overview of the cow exterior and gives the possibility to achieve a faster selection effect in future breeding work. Estimated linear traits and scores are according to the international standards and results are comparable with results from other countries. This paper compares Estonian Black and White cows with Estonian Red ones on the basis of the new exterior scoring method. Linear changes of the different traits were analyzed according to the final score and live weight. From the analysis we may conclude: Among the Estonian Black and White Cattle the linear scores of the cows with higher exterior scores were significantly better compared with the cows of lower exterior scores, except foot angle, rear udder attachment and feet. Among the Estonian Red cattle with a higher exterior score there was a significantly better stature, body depth, rump width, fore udder attachment, udder height and teat length compared with the cows of low score. Deviation of the final score was not homogeneous, only five cows got the score "good" and the differences among several treatments were therefore not significant. Among the linear traits the angularity of Estonian Black and White cows had lower variation than of Estonian Red cows. The reason may be caused by the fact, that more different breeds with the various type are used in red cattle breeding. The variations of the other linear traits were medium or high in both breeds and the coefficient of variation was of the same rank for most traits. The variation of body measurements was low for both breeds. For both breeds the body scores of the cows with a higher final score were significantly higher, therefore we may conclude that body score has an emphasis on the final score. Cows with a higher final score had a bigger live weight and body measurements compared with the cows of lower score. Linear scores logically correspond to the final score, therefore the methods used in this study may also be used in the evaluation of linear traits of Estonian cattle breeds. Comparison of breeds showed a significant difference in linear scores and final scores. Most of the linear scores and final scores were higher in the Estonian Black and white breed except udder ligament and teat length. All body measurements were significantly bigger on Estonian Black and White cattle compared with the Estonian Red cattle. There were no significant differences between breeds on body scores. Therefore the difference between breeds was not caused by the body scores