Effect of Lactation Order on Morphological Traits of Teat and Udder in Murrah Buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lactation order on morphological traits of teat and udder in Murrah buffaloes. A total of 59 buffaloes were selected for the study which were milked twice daily (morning and evening) by hand milking method. From date of calving to 7th month of lactation, the udder morphological traits viz. teat length, teat diameter, distance between teats, udder dimension, udder depth and height of udder from the ground were recorded fortnightly by using measuring tape and vernier calliper. The teat length (cm) of left fore quarter in 7th lactation order was significantly (p<0.05) higher (9.43 ± 0.19) than first (6.77 ± 0.11), second (7.93 ± 0.07) and third (7.91 ± 0.17) lactation orders. The teat diameter (cm) of left fore quarter in 1st lactation order was significantly (p<0.05) lower than all other lactation orders. The distance between right fore and left fore teats in 5th lactation order was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 8th lactation order. Further, the udder depth rear in 9th lactation order (20.05 ± 0.27) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 8th lactation order (17.11 ± 0.32). The height of udder base from the ground was significantly higher in first lactation order than subsequent parity except for 2nd lactation order. It was concluded that udder morphological traits of Murrah buffaloes varied from lactation to lactation order as the age advanced which could be deciding factors for selection of precious dairy animals to maximize the profitability at farm.