Table1. Conformation traits in Interbull genetic evaluations for Holstein as defined by the World Holstein Friesian Federation (WHFF); other possible trait definition also included

Trait

WHFF trait definition

Other possible definition

1. Stature

Height of the rump between hips

wither height

2. Chest width

width of the fore end of the cow, distance between the fore legs;front view

strength

3. Body Depth

depth of the last rib; deepest point of the body; side view; two dimensional

depth of chest

4. Angularity

angularity is not a single linear trait and cannot be measured; it is an essential trait to describe the perceived milk production; the extreme is a cow that shows openness and angle of the ribs, flatness of bone, sharp
shouldered, long neck, clean head and lack of excess fleshing on hips and pins

dairy character; dairy form

5. Rump Angle

angle of the rump from hips to pins; side
view

6. Rump Width

distance between pins

distance between hips/thurls

7. Rear Leg set

angle of the hock in the rear leg; side view

8. Rear Leg Rear View

angle of toe out of the rear feet

9. Foot Angle*

angle between ground and front of the rear
foot; side view

foot diagonal;
heel depth

10. Fore Udder

strength and quality of attachment between
body and fore udder; side view

11. Rear Udder Height

distance between vulva and milk secreting
tissue; in relation to the height of the animal

distance between
pin bone and milk
secreting tissue

12. Udder Support

cleft of udder; emphasis to the bottom of
udder

central ligament;
median
suspensory

13. Udder Depth

distance between hock and bottom of udder

14. Teat Placement

placement of front teats; front view

15. Teat Length

length of front teats; side view

16. Overall Conformation

final score; final class

17. Overall udder score

18. Overall feet&leg score