I. PURPOSE
This event provides an interest and information in dairy cattle that would serve well in an industry position or in management of a modern dairy herd. Students will receive experience in the evaluation of dairy cattle type, production records and dairy herd management. All of which are very important in the industry.
II. EVENT FORMAT A. Team Make-up
Three or four individuals per school form a team. All members will be scored and the top three scores will count towards the team total.
B. Dairy Management Exercise (Written Exam- 75 points)
1. 25 multiple choice questions with each question worth 3 points each will be selected from a file of 350 questions from Texas FFA website at www.texasffa.org on the on the Dairy Cattle CDE page linked from the CDE page.
2. Exam will be taken during two group rotation periods. C. Pedigree Class (50 points)
1. One class ranked as to indication of the animal's ability to transmit superior production and type traits to offspring.
2. Other factors considered are completeness, accuracy, and level of performance and profitability.
3. Official judge shall provide scenario. D. Linear Evaluation (60 points)
1. Holstein cows evaluated on 15 traits on "Holstein Association Linear Descriptive Traits Worksheet"
2. Correct evaluation per cow is worth 30 points.
3. Two points will be awarded for each trait scored within four points of the official judges’ score.
4. One point will be awarded for each trait scored within five to six points of the official judges’ score.
5. Linear worksheet will be provided. E. Evaluation and Selection (300 points)
1. Contestants evaluate six classes of four animals each.
2. Each class is worth 50 points.
3. Students are not permitted to handle animals.
4. Student will be able to view the animals from front, side, rear. (Close-up viewing may not always be possible.)
5. Three of these classes will be cows; the other classes may be heifers.
6. Breeds judged are typically Holstein or Jersey; occasionally Brown Swiss. F. Questions (50 points)
1. There will five written questions pertaining to a class of breeding heifers, worth five point each
2. There will be five written questions pertaining to a class of cows, worth
five points each
3. Questions selected will apply to the criteria included in the Unified Dairy Cattle scorecard.
III. SCORING
Dairy Management Exam………….75
Pedigree Class……………………...50
Linear Evaluation…………………...60
Evaluation and Selection…………300
Questions ……………………………50
Total Points Individual …………………………………535 points
Total Points Team ………………………………………1605points