How Does aAa® Work?

Better Form Leads to Better Function

A cow’s form determines how well and how long she can function. Costly and time-consuming problems with udder, rump, legs, feet, etc. can shorten a cow’s productive life. Problems in one area can affect other areas, for example when a close pelvis squeezes the udder downward or when a narrow frame causes uneven hoof wear. aAa® analyzers study all the parts of a cow, determine the causes of functional problems, and show breeders how to prevent the same problems from occurring in the next generation.

The Form of a Good Dairy Cow

labeled illustration of cow showing parts
HeadFeminine, medium length, wide muzzle, strong jaw, open nostrils, bright eyes
NeckLong, lean
ForelegsStraight, long, strong, wide apart, squarely set
ChestWell sprung, long fore ribs, wide chest floor
LoinStrong, wide, nearly level
RibsWide, flat, long, well-sprung
FlankRefined, arched, deep
Fore UdderStrong attachment, moderate length, pliable, elastic
Rear UdderModerate depth, symmetrical, high & wide rear attachment
TeatsPlumb, squarely placed, well apart, of convenient form, length & size
HipsWide apart, level with back
ThurlsWide apart, close to center, between hip & pin bones
PinsWide apart, well-defined, slightly lower than hips
TailheadSet neatly above, and between pin bones
HocksCleanly molded, well-defined tendons, large, flat & flinty bone
PasternsStrong, springy, large, medium length
FeetShort, well-rounded, even, uniform, deep heel, level sole

The Six aAa® Numbers

illustration of cow type one

1 - Dairy

More milk for size. Fast milk letdown. Ample will to milk.

illustration of cow type two

2 - Tall

Faster growth. High, elastic udder for convenient handling & milking.

illustration of cow type three

3 - Open

Easy moving. Longer breeding life. Room for udder & calving.

illustration of cow type four

4 - Strong

Larger mature size. Room for heart & lungs. Healthy udder, feet & legs.

illustration of cow type five

5 - Smooth

Less injury to teats & legs. Less awkward. Better appetite & capacity.

illustration of cow type six

6 - Style

Attentive character. More durable bones. Less hoof trimming.

Each of the six aAa® numbers describes desirable qualities of form and function. It is not possible for an animal to be “too Dairy” or “too Tall”. You cannot have too much of a good thing! But often, when an animal is extreme in one way, she is also extreme in other, undesirable ways. For example, a cow that is extremely Tall (a quality) may also be extremely narrow (a problem). The best functioning cows are free from extremes and have a balance of aAa® number qualities. All six of the aAa® number qualities are needed together for optimal functioning.

How Do I Use aAa® In My Herd?

illustration of female cow head looking right
drawing of male bull head
illustration of female cow head and male bull head

A cow or heifer has 3 aAa® numbers, written from left to right in the order she needs them, starting with the quality she needs the most.

A bull may have 3 or 6 aAa® numbers,  written from left to right in the order he possesses them, starting with the quality he possesses the most.

Match the aAa® numbers of the cow and bull, using the same high quality bulls you would already use that meet your herd's breeding goals.

How Do I Use aAa® In My Herd?

illustration of female cow head looking right

A cow or heifer has 3 aAa® numbers, written from left to right in the order she needs them, starting with the quality she needs the most.

drawing of male bull head

A bull may have 3 or 6 aAa® numbers,  written from left to right in the order he possesses them, starting with the quality he possesses the most.

illustration of female cow head and male bull head

Match the aAa® numbers of the cow and bull, using the same high quality bulls you would already use that meet your herd's breeding goals.

aAa® Mating Examples:

illustration of female cow head looking right

516

white plus sign over green circle
drawing of male bull head

516

white equals sign on green circle

100% aAa®

Match

BEST MATCH

illustration of female cow head looking right

516

white plus sign over green circle
drawing of male bull head

513642

white equals sign on green circle

85% aAa®

Match

BETTER MATCH

illustration of female cow head looking right

516

white plus sign over green circle
drawing of male bull head

156

white equals sign on green circle

80% aAa®

Match

BETTER MATCH

illustration of female cow head looking right

516

white plus sign over green circle
drawing of male bull head

615243

white equals sign on green circle

60% aAa®

Match

GOOD MATCH

illustration of female cow head looking right

516

white plus sign over green circle
drawing of male bull head

162534

white equals sign on green circle

50% aAa®

Match

NOT

RECOMMENDED

equations chart showing matches of females and males

All parts of a dairy cow are connected and function together as a unit. aAa® analyzers study the relationship of parts, identify problems of form and function, and ask, “What is the cause of this cow’s problems? What qualities does she bring to a mating, and what qualities does the bull need to bring in order to produce a daughter who is as good as, or better than, her dam?”.  This analysis process is what makes aAa® Animal Analysis different from any other dairy cattle breeding guide or mating program.