Linear score of udder dimension and structural traits in White Fulani cattle

Abstract

Linear descriptive scoring system is commonly used especially in cattle where number of analyses has been performed for selection purposes. The linear scoring of udder and structural traits of 700 White Fulani cattle of average age of 3 - 4 years was conducted in this study. These traits were subjectively scored through visual appraisal. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Result revealed that White Fulani cattle possess intermediate flank depth (6.40± 1.46); rump height (6.74± 1.31); rump length (5.94±1.23) and rump angle (5.26±1.29) but rump width (4.77 ±1.60) of the cattle was short and there were intermediate rear udder height (5.30±1.74), fore udder attachment (5.78±1.54), front teat placement (5.60±1.26), rear teat placement (5.40±1.34), teat length (5.01±1.95), teat placement side view (5.00±1.28) and udder balance (5.40±1.54), while, the cattle had short udder depth (4.90±1.95) and thickness of teat (4.93±1.83). Result further revealed that there was low or no correlation between udder type traits and structural traitsof the cattle. There was no or low correlation among udder traits except the moderate correlation between front teat placement and rear teat placement; moderate correlation between teat length and teat thickness. It was concluded that white Fulani cattle possess medium body and udder structure and no or low correlation between udder dimension traits of the cattle and their structural traits which may be suitable selection markers to improve White Fulani cattle milking ability particularly among pastoralists.