Programs/Services

A printable list of all our services & corresponding forms can be found here.

Each dairy breed has established breed standards for type. Classification is the means of measuring how close an animal comes to the ideal. Like all things, classification has evolved over the years as breed goals and the environment in which the cow lives change.

Classification is performed by a small group of well-trained individuals who meet on a regular basis to ensure the quality and uniformity of the program.

Classifying has two primary purposes—breeding and marketing.

• As a breeding tool, the breeder can look at the linear scores to see where his cow needs improvement and select matings accordingly. The linear scores from each daughter goes into the UDSA sire summary information and describe the type traits of a bull’s offspring.
• As a marketing tool, the breakdowns and final score appear on pedigrees and in advertising. The final score is used the most to promote the animal and her offspring with the mammary breakdown score the second most used classification score in advertising.
• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  American Milking Shorthorn Society & Holstein Association USA Partner For A Multi-Breed Classification Program

Classification Links

• Classification Application
• Rules
• Linear Type Traits

2023 Classification Schedule | View

Each year we produce a Bull Book that features all collected bulls, in some form, available to maximize the genetic diversity and potential in your herd. We printed our first issue in 2015 and it was a resounding success. All bulls must be registered with the AMSS (GE, GR, G1, G12, EXP or Full Herdbook), have a proper NAAB code, be DNA tested, and have available semen. The Bull Book will have a variety of different marketing opportunities for you to promote your genetics. The size of a page will be approximately 4.25 X 5.5 inches. The cost for advertising will be as follows: 1 Bull = $110, 2 or more Bulls $85 per page. See the links below for more information.

Bulls & Semen Links

• 2022 Bull Book
• Bull Book Application
• NAAB Enrollment Form
• Available Bull Semen Directory

AMSS in partnership with ST Genetics offer a genomic testing program to its membership. The genomic testing will go toward building the Milking Shorthorn base. The test results will include the genomic breeding values for production, linear and health traits, as well as, Kappa Casein, Beta Casein, Beta Lactoglobulin, BLAD, Fishy, DUMPS, Dominant Red, Citrullinemia, SDM, SMA, CVM, Brachy, HCD, and finally all haplotypes found in other breeds.

Review how to take an adequate DNA sample (blood, tissue, or hair) here.

One goal of building the Milking Shorthorn Genomic base is to provide parentage verification, but that ability is limited, until we get more animals tested. For the time being, DNA testing is still required for Parentage Verification.

Testing for Polled is not offered on this test. UC Davis offers Beta Casein and Polled testing here.

DNA & Genomic Links

• Genomic Testing
• DNA Request Form
• Female Beta Casein Testing
• Bull Beta Casein Testing
• HCD Testing for Private Collection
• CVM Press Release
• HCD and CVM Information

All award applications are due by April 15. A list and description of all awards can be viewed here. Entry forms are below and can be requested from the AMSS office as well.

Award Links

• Willard E. Gerner Meritorious Brood Cow
• Citizen of the Year
• Cow of the Year
• Dual Purpose Breeder of the Year
• Gold Star Dam
• Hardy Cow
• Harry Clampitt Young Breeder
• Milk Quality Herd
• Red, White, and Roan Club

The All-American Program recognizes the outstanding animals exhibited at state, regional, and national shows during the calendar year. Please view the links below for more information and to apply.

AA & Futurity Links

• All-American Process
• AA Qualifying Shows
• AA Entry Form
• AA Show Results Submission Form
• AMSS Futurity Entry Form
• AMSS Futurity – Google Doc Entry Form