About Classification
The Ayrshire Society's Type Classification Scheme helps farmers achieve cows of good conformation. Individual type traits are assessed by the classifier and a score is given for Body, Dairy, Mobility and Mammary System before a final score is awarded. Specific strengths and weaknesses are highlighted allowing improved corrective breeding decisions to be made.
The key benefits of superior graded animals is that they attract higher values than their counterparts. Most importantly from the classification scores and linear evaluations, the figures are calculated to provide the bull proofs, type merit (for sires) and type index for cows.
Classification is the tool that allows breeding decisions to be made within herds and identifies the sires of the next generation, but it depends totally on member participation to achieve these results.
Please click here for Ayrshire Classification Rules.
A PDF of explanation and visual aid is available at the bottom of this page,
Type Classification Service Fees (As from 1st April 2024)
- For visits where 1 – 15 inspections are carried put, the fee (minimum charge) will be £137.98
- For visits where 16 to 100 inspections are carried out the fee will be £9.21 per animal
- From the 101st animal inspected up to the 150th, the headage fee will reduce to £5.61 per animal
- From the 151st and further animal(s) inspected the headage fee will reduce to £4.58 per animal
- Each breeding Bull classification carried out in conjunction with female classifications, £21.00 per bull
- For a Special bull visit, where a single breeding bull alone is classified, the fee is £137.98
- A Classification Special Visit (defined as a non-scheduled visit outside the regular cycle agreed for that herd) will be £270.00 (to include the first 20 inspections, thereafter at the above headage rates)
- Cancellation of a scheduled visit with less than 3 days’ notice will incur a charge of £137.98
All the prices listed above are subject to VAT at the standard rate.
For herds using the “Complete” service the TCS element of the monthly subscription fees are available from your CIS manager.
