The Ayrshire Breeders' Association is pleased to offer the dairy
industry's most cost-effective functional type classification program.
Cattle are evaluated on a standard linear scale for each individual
functional trait. The trait scores are then calculated to arrive at an
overall classification score and breed age average summary. Valuable
comparisons can be made through a variety of summarizing reports,
including genetic evaluation of each individual cow with her herdmates
as well as with the entire breed. In addition, comparison of sires,
based on their daughters' evaluations, is a tremendous resource for
measuring genetic transmitting abilities for functional traits.
Ayrshire classification services are conducted by the trained
evaluators of Select Sires, Inc. of Plain City, Ohio. Breeders may
arrange a classification date at any time by calling (614) 873-4683.
The program has two different options for arriving at final score:
computer generated final score and a final score assigned cow-side by
the evaluator. Classification fees for computer generated final scores
are $7 per animal with a minimum herd fee of $70. Breeders who select
the cow-side option pay an $11 per animal fee or a minimum herd fee of
$110.
Classification fees for computer generated final scores are included
in the annual REWARDS Program. Participants in the REWARDS Program may
classify all animals in their herds twice each year with no additional
charges for this method. They may pay the difference to take advantage
of the cow-side final score option.