The Universal Cattle Docility Scale or “UCDS” was created based on the need to have a uniform rating system to portray the docility of the cattle being traded.  In 2019 we created and implemented this system based on a program formerly known as BreedPlan. BreedPlan was developed for the commercial Angus cattle industry and has been used with much success for decades. While still in use, BreedPlan is expanded into a broader scope of cattle genetics. UCDS focuses solely on the temperament of the cattle.

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Blended Ratings

Rating an animal may not be as simple as applying a single description. Some cows may fall into 2 or more of the rating categories. In this case a blended rating is used to best portray the personality of the cow.

Half Score

Use of a ½ score is acceptable when the animal is described by two consecutive rating descriptions in the UCDS. The half score is used to show a more accurate picture of the cow’s docility. 

 Example: 1.5 - A cow that is typically calm and accepts human contact untethered, but shows nervousness and resistance in the crush

Average Score

 Use of an average score is used when the cow’s behavior is described by 2 or more rating descriptions that may or may not be in consecutive order on the UCDS. The rating is determined by taking the average of the applicable descriptions and applying a whole number preceded by the word “Average” or the abbreviation “AV”.

Example: Average 3 or AV3  – A cow who is will come to feed with a human within 2’ but attempts to jump a fence in an enclosure of under 20’ when human presence is in the same space.

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