I placed this tremendous class of Ayrshire aged cows A B D C. Two well-balanced cows with outstanding mammary systems head this class with A's advantage in cleanness throughout placing her over B. In this close top pair, A is longer and leaner in her neck, sharper over her withers and topline, and more incurving in her thighs. A displays more extension in her barrel and is wider in her hooks and pins than the white cow. Finally, A is higher in her rear udder attachment. I recognize that B stands straighter on her rear legs from both side and rear views and is smoother blending through her shoulders.
In the middle pair, B uses her correct udder and powerful frame to place over D in a logical placing. B is smoother and less quartered about her udder floor, has a more moderate fore udder length and displays more uniform width in her rear quarters. B is stronger through her front end, much deeper in her chest and exhibits a bolder spring of rib. Finally, B is more attractive about her head, higher in her chine and more level from hooks to pins. I concede that D is a cleaner-cut cow, especially through her rump and thighs.
In the final pair, D uses her dairy frame to place over C. D has a milkier appearance and displays more openness, depth and sweep to her rear rib. She complements this openness with a wider rear udder with more overall udder capacity and apparent udder quality. D also stands more squarely on both her front and rear legs and is lower in her pins. I recognize that C is longer in her neck, higher in her chine and smoother across her udder floor.
Although I appreciate C's overall length and blending throughout, she lacks the depth of rear rib, and quality and capacity of udder needed to merit a higher placing in this excellent class.
DALE OLVERState College, Pa.
Olver placed the AYRSHIRES. He is an instructor of dairy and animal science at the Pennsylvania State University. After graduating from Penn State, Olver served as a progeny analyst for Atlantic Breeders Co-op for 10 years. In 1989, he returned to his alma mater to teach undergraduate courses, advise the dairy club, oversee the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show and coach the dairy cattle judging team. In 2007 and 2012, his teams were crowned national champions. Olver has been honored by the American Dairy Science Association with its Youth Development and Teaching Awards. He also served as National Dairy Shrine President.
