Abstract
Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the effect of udder morphological characteristics on milk yield in zebu cows of Cameroon.Materials and Methods:The diameter and height of the udder, length and diameter of the teat, and the milk yield were measured in 29 Djafun (Red Mbororo) and 19 Aku (White Fulani) cows in Louggueré zootechnical station in the North region of Cameroon.Results:Overall, strong positive correlation (rp=0.60) between the diameter (240.21±28.58 mm) and height (131.12±23.64 mm) of udders (p<0.001) and between length (39.51±6.44 mm) and diameter (19.85±3.08 mm) of teats (rp=0.78) were found in the zebu cows. Udder morphologic characteristics varied significantly (p<0.005) according to breed, lactation stage and parity, and height at whiters. There was significant (p<0.001) correlations between udder diameter (rp=0.541) and height (rp=0.549) with milk yield.Conclusion:This study ascertained udder morphological characteristics values in local zebu cows, and showed that udder size is strong and positively correlated to milk yield. The findings are useful in genetic improvement programs of zebu cows.
Highlights
Milk is important as foodstuff for human consumption and in world food security programs
The findings are useful in genetic improvement programs of zebu cows
The udder mean depth was above 240 mm, while mean udder height, length, and teat diameter were more than 131, 39, and 19 mm, respectively
Summary
Milk is important as foodstuff for human consumption and in world food security programs. There is annual individual milk consumption in Cameroon is 14.5 kg, which is less than the recommended amount of 22 kg [2]. There is gross shortage between milk production and consumption. Reports have showed positive correlations between udder characteristics and milk production in Tunisia [3] and India [4,5]. While Ayadi et al [6] reported that daily milk production is positively correlated to distance between teats The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated
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