Relationships Between Linear Descriptive Type Traits and Body Measurements

Holstein cows (297) in five Virginia Institutional Breeding Project herds were evaluated subjectively by a linear scoring system and were measured objectively for related physical components of conformation. Repeatabilities for physical traits ranged from 45% (rear leg angle) to 90% (stature) with most traits exceeding 70%. Subjectively scored linear traits were generally skewed negatively with few cows scored in the lower 40% of scores for rump, side view (slope), rear legs, side view (set), strength of body, and dairy character.