Study on udder morphology and its relationship with production parameters in local goats of Rohilkhand region of India

Abstract

An attempt was made here to study udder morphology and establish its relationship with milk production in 25 local goats of Rohilkhand region. Udder morphological traits recorded were udder length, udder row width, udder column width, udder depth, udder circumference, teat length, teat diameter, teat circumference, teat height from ground, distance between teats and udder volume. Total milk produced during 90 days was measured and average daily milk yield was calculated. Body weight was also recorded. The udder volume in primiparous and multiparous goats was 516.54± 74.52 and 940.76± 46.47 ml, respectively which differ significantly (P< 0.05). The values of all udder morphological parameters were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in multiparous than primiparous goat except Teat height from ground, where it is vice versa. Average daily milk yield was positive and significantly (P< 0.01) correlated with all udder morphological traits except for teat height from ground (THG) as correlation was found negative. All udder morphological traits had positive and significant (P< 0.05) correlation with doe's body weight at different intervals. It was concluded from this study that mammary system of this local goat is comparable with any other dual purpose Indian goat breed.