Evaluating Dairy Cow Characteristics

The video tutorial from the Tri-State Dairy Expo's workshop, led by Iowa State University's dairy judging team, explains how to judge dairy cattle using the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association's unified scorecard. The scorecard includes four categories: udder, dairy strength, rear feet and legs, and frame. Each category is broken down into specific traits to evaluate, such as udder depth, teat placement, rib spacing, and leg movement. The tutorial provides detailed descriptions of the ideal characteristics for each category, helping viewers understand how to assess and compare dairy cattle effectively.

What percentage of the PDCA scorecard is dedicated to the udder category?

• 20%

• 15%

• 40%

• 25%

Which characteristic is NOT evaluated when judging a cow's udder?

• Udder cleft

• Tail length

• Teat placement

• Udder depth

What is the ideal length for a cow's teat according to the workshop?

• 2.25 inches

• 3 inches

• 2 inches

• 1 inch

Which of the following is NOT a component of dairy strength?

• Thighs

• Chest

• Tail

• Ribs

What is the desired appearance of a cow's ribs for optimal dairy strength?

• Wide and flat

• Narrow and deep

• Short and round

• Thick and curved

When evaluating rear feet and legs, what is the ideal movement for a cow?

• Heavy and sluggish

• Erratic and fast

• Fluent and graceful

• Stiff and slow

What should be the position of a cow's hocks for an ideal rear feet and legs evaluation?

• Flexible and free from swelling

• Bent and swollen

• Stiff and angled

• Rigid and straight

Which part of the cow's frame should be centrally located according to the ideal frame evaluation?

• Hip bones

• Thurl

• Pin bones

• Tail head

What is the desired characteristic of a cow's back and loin area?

• Narrow and flexible

• Bent and weak

• Straight and strong

• Curved and soft

Which of the following is NOT a breed characteristic evaluated in the frame category?

• Tail length

• Balance

• Feminine appearance

• Overall style