User Guide – Conformation

The Conformation section in IdeasFarm allows evaluating and recording the morphological and management characteristics of each animal, integrating this information into the herd's overall score and the IFI Index.

Main Conformation Screen

1. Overall Score Radar
   • Shows a comparative chart of the animal's evaluation against the herd average.
   • Evaluated categories: Production, Milk Quality, Fertility, Reproductive Health, Linear, Body Condition, Management, and Health.
2. Results Panel
   • % of data available.
   • ZScore and difference from the average.
   • Herd average.
3. Detail Sections
   • Management: temperament, adaptability, overall opinion, and milking speed.
   • Linear Conformation: detailed scoring of physical structures.
   • Pedigree: ancestry and descendants of the animal, automatically linked to its record.

Linear Conformation Form

Recording Linear Conformation is done through a graphical form divided into 4 main blocks. Each characteristic is evaluated on a visual scale from 1 to 9, representing extreme conditions and the intermediate range.

🔹 Rump

• Pelvic Angle: inclination of the pelvis (raised to dropped). Moderate rump favors easier calving.
• Pin Bone Separation: distance between hip bones (narrow to wide). Wider separation facilitates calving.
• Back Strength: firmness of the dorsal line (weak to strong). Associated with greater longevity.

🔹 Mammary System

• Udder Depth: relation to hocks. Higher udders prolong longevity.
• Udder Texture: firmness and tissue quality (fleshy to pendulous). Firm and soft is desirable.
• Central Ligament: central support (weak to strong). Strong = compact udder.
• Front Attachment: attachment to the abdomen (weak to strong). Firm attachments increase lifespan.
• Front Teat Placement: position (external to internal). Central placement facilitates machine milking.
• Rear Attachment Height: rear attachment (low to high). Higher = more udder capacity.
• Rear Attachment Width: distance between sides (narrow to wide). Wide = greater milk capacity.
• Rear Teat Placement: position (external to internal). Centered is ideal for milking.
• Teat Length: short to long. Medium sizes preferred.

🔹 Legs and Hooves

• Hoof Angle: slope (flat to steep). Intermediate avoids injuries.
• Bone Quality: robustness (coarse to refined). Fine and strong bones = better mobility.
• Rear Legs Side View: lateral angle (straight to curved). Intermediate favors movement.
• Locomotion: gait quality (poor to good). Good locomotion indicates hoof health.

🔹 Dairy Strength

• Height: low to high.
• Chest Width: narrow to wide. Wider = better respiratory and digestive capacity.
• Body Depth: shallow to deep. Proper depth favors forage intake.
• Angular Form: less angular to very angular. More angular = higher milk production potential.

⚠️ Tip: Hovering over each icon, IdeasFarm displays the technical description to correctly interpret the characteristic before scoring.

Management Form

This form allows recording:

• Temperament: scale from 1 to 5 (docile to restless).
• Adaptability: ease of integration to different conditions.
• Overall Opinion: subjective evaluation of the animal.
• Milking Speed: recorded in minutes and seconds.

Images can also be attached, and pedigree information can be completed.

Results and Review

• Each record is stored in the animal's history.
• The results automatically feed into the overall IFI score.
• Comparisons between the animal and herd average are displayed.

✅ Usage Recommendations

• Perform evaluations in the same period for all animals in the group.
• Always use the 1 to 9 scale, using the illustrations for accuracy.
• Ensure the pedigree is complete, as linear conformation is highly valuable in genetic improvement programs.