I place this class of Guernsey cows B-D-A-C. In a very close placing, B places over D for the advantage in the udder. B has a more youthful appearing udder, carrying her udder much higher above the hocks. B also has a higher and wider rear udder attachment. Final point in the udder, B has a smaller, more desirable teat size. Furthermore, B is a more angular individual. However, I do admit that D has stronger pasterns and more overall width through the rump.
It is the clear-cut advantage in feet and legs that placed D over A. D has much less set to the hock with stronger, less puffy pasterns. D is a longer cow from end to end than A, in addition to being more nearly level from hocks to pins with a wider set of pins. Final point in D’s favor, she has more depth and openness to both fore and rear rib. I must admire that A carries her udder higher above the hock with a wider rear udder attachment.
In a logical bottom placing, A places over C for the advantage in the front end. A has more width and expansion of the chest floor resulting in her front feet being placed more squarely to the ground. Moreover, A has more spring and depth to the rib. To tip the scales even further, A has less tilt to the udder floor and has a longer fore udder that blends more smoothly into the body wall. C is the most angular cow in the class, but she lacks the quality of udder to place any higher.
About the Judge . . . Karen Johnson
Wilmar, Minn.
