Influence of Legs and Udder Evaluation on Longevity and Selected Milk Production Parameters in Czech Fleckvieh and Montbeliarde Cattle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of udder and legs formation on longevity traits (average lactation at culling, lifelong production) and milk production (maximum amount of milk per lactation, fat content in % and kg, protein content in % and kg) in Czech Fleckvieh, Montbeliarde and their crossbreds. Total 2725 culled Czech Fleckvieh, Montbeliarde cows, and their crossbreeds from two farms were put into dataset. Statistical analysis was performed by SAS 9.3 program. The model equation contained effect of breed, housing, legs formation, and udder formation. The groups for legs (<74.61 points, 74.61 – 81.90 points, >81.90 points) and udder (<76.94 points, 76.94 – 81.75 points, >81.75 points) formation were created according arithmetic means and standard deviation. The best results for longevity were in legs formation parameters achieved in group <74.61 points. On the other hand, the best results for milk yield parameters were in legs formation achieved in group >81.90 points. In evaluation udder formation groups were the best and significant (P < 0.05 – 0.01) results for longevity and milk production achieved in group >81.75 points. Only parameters fat and protein percentages were better in group <76.94 points according udder formation. Generally, we can conclude that udder formation was more important than legs formation. From the results we can also conclude that cows with correct exterior do achieve higher longevity and milk production. This confirmed the importance of choosing cows for breeding purposes not only with high potential for milk production, but also for correct exterior parameters and formation.