Rear Teat Research Articles

A computer algorithm for scoring cow teats based on udder images

ABSTRACT In this work, we aimed to develop a computer algorithm for detecting and scoring cow teats according to udder images. In addition, by assessing three teat traits, i.e. the length, thickness, and placements, we scored them according to international standards. By applying the algorithm to 71 cows, we were able to detect all four teats in 62 of 71 (85%) cow udder images, and differentiate the front and rear teats in 56 of 62 (92%) udder images. Based on the three teat traits, we scored the teats of 56 cows. The final teat score was given by averaging the three scores for each cow. We discuss the limitations of the algorithm, and also the issues with teat conformation and image-taking itself, e.g. teats not facing perpendicular to the camera. In conclusion, we have developed the first computerised teat scoring system based on cow udder images. Further improvements require tuning parameters of the workflow and the image-taking process.

Genetic parameters for udder conformation traits derived from Cartesian coordinates generated by robotic milking systems in North American Holstein cattle

Udder conformation is directly related to milk yield, cow health, workability, and welfare. Automatic milking systems (AMS, also known as milking robots) have become popular worldwide, and the number of dairy farms adopting these systems has increased considerably over the past years. In each milking visit, AMS record the location of the 4 teats as Cartesian coordinates in an xyz plan, which can then be used to derive udder conformation traits. Because AMS generate a large amount of data for individual cows per milking visit, they can contribute to an accurate assessment of important traits such as udder conformation without the addition of human classifier errors (in subjective scoring systems). Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to estimate genomic-based genetic parameters for udder conformation traits derived from AMS records in North American Holstein cattle and to assess the genetic correlation between the derived traits for evaluating the feasibility of multitrait genomic selection for breeding cows that are more suitable for milking in AMS. The Cartesian teat coordinates measured during each milking visit were collected by 36 milking robots in 4,480 Holstein cows from 2017 to 2021, resulting in 5,317,488 records. A total of 4,118 of these Holstein cows were also genotyped for 57,600 SNPs. Five udder conformation traits were derived: udder balance (UB, mm), udder depth (UD, mm), front teat distance (FTD, mm), rear teat distance (RTD, mm), and distance front-rear (DFR, mm). In addition, 2 traits directly related to cow productivity in the system were added to the study: daily milk yield (DY) and milk electroconductivity (EC; as an indicator of mastitis). Variance components and genetic parameters for UB, UD, FTD, RTD, DFR, DY, and EC were estimated based on repeatability animal models. The estimates of heritability (± SE) for UB, UD, FTD, RTD, DFR, DY, and EC were 0.41 ± 0.02, 0.79 ± 0.01, 0.53 ± 0.02, 0.40 ± 0.02, 0.65 ± 0.02, 0.20 ± 0.02, and 0.46 ± 0.02, respectively. The repeatability estimates (± SE) for UB, UD, FTD, RTD, and DFR were 0.82 ± 0.01, 0.93 ± 0.01, 0.87 ± 0.01, 0.83 ± 0.01, and 0.88 ± 0.01, respectively. The strongest genetic correlations were observed between FTD and RTD (0.54 ± 0.03), UD and DFR (-0.47 ± 0.03), DFR and FTD (0.32 ± 0.03), and UD and FTD (-0.31 ± 0.03). These results suggest that udder conformation traits derived from Cartesian coordinates from AMS are moderately to highly heritable. Furthermore, the moderate genetic correlations between these traits should be considered when developing selection subindexes. The most relevant genetic correlations between traits related to cow milk productivity and udder conformation traits were between UD and EC (-0.25 ± 0.03) and between DFR and DY (0.30 ± 0.04), in which both genetic correlations are favorable. These findings will contribute to the design of genomic selection schemes for improving udder conformation in North American Holstein cattle, especially in precision dairy farms.

Enhancing Genomic Prediction Accuracy for Body Conformation Traits in Korean Holstein Cattle.

The Holstein breed is the mainstay of dairy production in Korea. In this study, we evaluated the genomic prediction accuracy for body conformation traits in Korean Holstein cattle, using a range of π levels (0.75, 0.90, 0.99, and 0.995) in Bayesian methods (BayesB and BayesC). Focusing on 24 traits, we analyzed the impact of different π levels on prediction accuracy. We observed a general increase in accuracy at higher levels for specific traits, with variations depending on the Bayesian method applied. Notably, the highest accuracy was achieved for rear teat angle when using deregressed estimated breeding values including parent average as a response variable. We further demonstrated that incorporating parent average into deregressed estimated breeding values enhances genomic prediction accuracy, showcasing the effectiveness of the model in integrating both offspring and parental genetic information. Additionally, we identified 18 significant window regions through genome-wide association studies, which are crucial for future fine mapping and discovery of causal mutations. These findings provide valuable insights into the efficiency of genomic selection for body conformation traits in Korean Holstein cattle and highlight the potential for advancements in the prediction accuracy using larger datasets and more sophisticated genomic models.

Body conformation traits in early-lactation associated with clinical mastitis and lameness in lactating Chinese holstein cows

BackgroundComprehending the correlation between body conformation traits of cows at the early stages of lactation and prevalent lactation diseases might facilitate the execution of selection and feeding strategies that prioritize cow health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body conformation traits on the incidence of clinical mastitis and lameness in Chinese Holstein cows. From a pasture herd of 1472 early lactating Chinese Holstein cows, we evaluated 20 body conformation traits. During lactation, this pasture herd was visited weekly to gather clinical mastitis and lameness data. A nine-point scale was used to determine the conformation traits of cows to clarify their linear characters, including frame capacity, rump (RU), feet and leg (FL), mammary system (MS), and dairy character. A longitudinal binary disease (0 = healthy; 1 = diseased) data structure was created by allocating disease records to adjacent official test dates. The impact of body conformation traits on the risk of developing diseases (clinical mastitis and lameness) was analyzed using the logistic regression models.ResultsCompared to cows with low total scores (75–79 points), those with high total scores (80–85 points) of body conformation traits had a significantly lower risk of mastitis (P < 0.001). The disease status (0 or 1: binary variable) of clinical mastitis in lactating cows was significantly impacted negatively by age (P < 0.05). The fore udder attachment (FUA), angularity, rear attachment height (RAH), and rear teat placement (RTP) were all significantly associated with clinical mastitis during lactation (P < 0.05). The rear leg-rear view (RLRV) was significantly correlated with correlated considerably (P < 0.05) with lameness during lactation. An ideal score of four points on the lameness risk dimension of the RLRV may indicate a low risk of lameness. Since the risk of mastitis decreased as this trait score increased, the RTP may be an ideal marker for mastitis risk.ConclusionsAccording to the study, clinical mastitis and lameness risks in cows can be estimated using their body conformation traits. Cows with more centrally located rear teats have a lower risk of mastitis. These results may help dairy farmers identify cows at high risk of disease early in lactation and aid in breeding for disease resistance in cows.

Teat morphology across five buffalo breeds: a multi-country collaborative study.

The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a species of worldwide importance, raised to produce milk, meat, and hides, and often used as a working animal in rural contexts with low access to hi-tech solutions. In the present study, 100 lactating buffaloes (50 primiparous and 50 pluriparous) of five popular breeds were recruited to characterize and compare teat morphology. In particular, the focus was put on the Nili Ravi, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Bulgarian Murrah, and Azeri buffaloes raised in Pakistan, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Iran, respectively. In all countries, a longitudinal cross-section ultrasound was obtained before the milking to measure teat parameters at individual level: overall, teat canal length (TCL) averaged 24.13mm, teat diameter (TD) 30.46mm, cisternal diameter (CD) 17.80mm, and teat wall (TW) 7.12mm. The most variable trait across breeds was TCL which was positively correlated with CD and TD and negatively with TW, regardless of the teat position (front/rear or left/right). A strong negative correlation was found between TW and CD (- 0.43). The analysis of variance revealed that the fixed effect of breed significantly affected all the traits except TD. In fact, Bulgarian Murrah, Azeri, and Egyptian buffaloes presented the greatest estimate of TCL, whereas NR the smallest (14.70mm). The TW was maximum in Nili Ravi, Egyptian, and Mediterranean buffaloes, with estimates equal to 8.19, 7.59, and 8.74mm, respectively. Nili Ravi also showed the greatest TL (82.39mm). In terms of CD, the lowest least square mean was that of Mediterranean buffaloes (12.14mm). Primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes differed in terms of TD, TW, and TL, with older animals presenting the highest least square mean. In terms of position, instead, significant differences were observed for TD, CD, and TL when comparing front and rear teats, as left and right teats did not differ. Teat anatomy includes a set of heritable morphological features and is therefore breed-dependent. Differences presented in this study could be attributed to the divergent breeding objective and selective pressure across the five breeds; e.g., in some cases such as Mediterranean buffalo, selection for decades was oriented to improve milk production and milkability and achieve optimal conformation for mechanical milking. A better understanding of the mammary gland anatomical descriptors can be informative of the history of a breed and could provide useful insights to guide possible selection.

Heritability and correlative variability of the conformation linear traits of first-born cows of black-and-white cattle with milk yield

An in-depth analysis the publications of domestic and foreign authors was carried out in the aspect of research on the heritability of linear traits of the conformation type and their correlative variability with milk productivity.The research authors established that the level of existing variability in the heredity of linear traits depends on many genotypic and paratypic factors. However, they argue that despite the variability of traits heritability of dairy cows conformation, their level is generally sufficient for effective selection by linear type traits. Studies on the correlation between linear traits of type and milk productivity of cows of various breeds around the world have shown a high level of this relationship. This testifies about the effectiveness of indirect selection of dairy cattle by type, which will allow obtaining not only constitutionally strong and healthy animals, but also with high milk productivity.The population-genetic aspect of determining the heritability and correlative variability of linear traits with milking of first-born Holstein cows of domestic selection and Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy in the private enterprise "Burynske" of the Podlisniv branch of the Stepaniv territorial community in Sumy district was described. The magnitudes and reliability of the heritability coefficients of group linear traits indicate that they are controlled by the genotype of animals by 24.5-42.2 % in first-born cows of the Holstein breed, and by 26.6-40.1 % in female cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed. The final score by type of 48.2 and 45.4 %, respectively, ensures the efficiency selection of cows by genotype. Variability of descriptive traits of Holstein cows ranges from insignificant and unreliable (h2=0.084; location of front teats) to high and reliable (h2=0.484; angularity). In females of the same age of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed, the variability varies from 0.077 (location of rear teats) to 0.422 (angularity).In Holstein and Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cows, the most reliable relationship was found between the characteristics of the dairy type (0.428 and 0.387), body (0.446 and 0.439), udder (0.486 and 0.478) and, especially, the final type score (0.492 and 0.488), which gives reason to assert about the effectiveness of selection based on these traits.The highest level of reliable positive correlation with the amount of milk yield for the first lactation was found according to the scores of descriptive traits of Holstein and Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breeds, respectively: height (r=0.363 and 0.322), body depth (r=0.468 and 0.484), angularity (r=0.477 and 0.466), back width (r=0.366 and 0.322), posture of pelvic limbs (r=0.369 and 374), attachment of front (r=0.482 and 0.426) and rear (r=0.371 and 0.351) udder parts, central ligament (r=0.364 and 0.375) and locomotion (r=0.363 and 0.322) at Р&lt;0.001. Key words: Holstein, UkrainianBlack-and-Whitedairy, lineartypeevaluation, conformation, milkyield, first-borncows.

Effects of pre-dipping and post-dipping protocol on the incidence of bovine mastitis

Part of the mammary gland microbial infections are imperceptible to the milker. The prevention through hygienic-sanitary measures is thought as an efficient strategy to avoid mastitis. Evaluating whether the adoption of pre-dipping and post-dipping hygienic managements have significant effects with the use of the black background mug and California Mastitis Tests, individualized by post-dipping. The properties have the same breed, similar food management and common location, both in the rural area of Teresina. The only difference between them is the performance or not of the handlings that include pre-dipping and post-dipping. So, performing the minimum protocols or not caused the treatments to have a completely randomized delineation. Statistical analysis was obtained through the use of the packages “dplyr”, “rstatix” and “ggplot2”, available in Software R (2022). The compliance verification of the least squares method in relation to the normal distribution of data was performed through the Shapiro Wilk test, using the “byf.shapiro” procedure of the “RVAdeMemoire” package. Data did not present normal or Gausean distribution, so non-parametric statistics were resorted. To discriminate the difference, the post-hoc test by Dunn's test with p-value adjustment by Bomferroni's method. It was noted that the right rear teat presented milk without changes in lumps, color, and others in farm “A”, that the pre-dipping and post-dipping were performed.

The mouthpiece chamber vacuum pattern indicates the cessation of milk flow and suits as an indicator to reduce teat end vacuum at a quarter level

We investigated the suitability of the quarter mouthpiece chamber vacuum (MPCV) as an indicator for cessation of quarter milk flow to potentially adjust the teat end vacuum at a quarter level. We tested the hypothesis that a MPCV increase is a clear indicator of quarter milk flow cessation. In addition, we tested if a quarter-individual vacuum reduction at MPCV increase reduces the mechanical effect on the teat. Ten dairy cows were milked twice daily with a quarter-specific vacuum supply with continuously high (51 kPa; TRT51) or low vacuum setting (41 kPa; TRT41), or high vacuum setting combined with a quarter-specific vacuum reduction by 10 kPa immediately after the quarter-specific MPCV increase (TRT51/41). Whole udder milk flow was continuously recorded. Each treatment was repeated at 4 subsequent milkings. The high vacuum settings (TRT51; TRT51/41) reached higher values in peak flow rate and average milk flow and consequently shorter machine-on time. The time from start of milking until the steep increase of the MPCV was shorter in front than rear quarters, and hence the time from start of MPCV increase until end of milking was longer in front than rear teats. Teat condition of the right front teats was measured for teat wall diameter by ultrasound and teat tissue thickness by cutimeter at 5 and 20 min after each experimental milking. The teat measurements were taken at the teat tip (distal barrel) and 2 cm above the teat tip (proximal barrel). The proximal teat wall diameter tended to be higher in TRT51 than in TRT41, both 5 and 20 min after milking. The distal teat wall diameter at 5 min was greater in TRT51 than in TRT41. In TRT51/41 the teat wall diameter at both locations was intermediate, not significantly different from either TRT51 or TRT41. The distal teat tissue thickness was greater in TRT51 than in TRT41, and tended to be greater in TRT51/41 than in TRT41 at 5 min. The proximal teat tissue thickness at 5 min was higher in TRT51 and TRT51/41 than in TRT41. The teat tissue thickness decreased from 5 to 20 min only in the proximal barrel. The quarter-individual MPCV increase appears to be a suitable indicator of the cessation of milk flow. The lack of a significant reduction of mechanical effect on the teat by a reduced vacuum of 41 kPa indicates that the vacuum level chosen may be still too high under conditions of a separate vacuum supply for each quarter, which prevents a vacuum drop caused by the whole udder milk flow.

Assessment of body conformation traits and their relationship with production performance of Sahiwal cows

Linear type scoring is key component in decision making process in the herd, as it focusses on the selection of animals with higher productive potential based on their body conformation/linear traits. The present study was carried out on 150 lactating Sahiwal cattle of first to fifth parity. Measurements on linear type traits were recorded 1 h before the evening milking at three different stages of lactation. The average score point of objective linear type traits was stature 5.77±0.08, chest width 4.59±0.10, body depth 5.24±0.10, rump width 5.56±0.09, rump angle 4.48±0.08, rear legs sets 4.81±0.12, foot angle 4.84±0.10, fore udder attachment 4.85±0.11, rear udder height 5.52±0.10, udder depth 5.31±0.08, rear udder width 4.27±0.09, central ligament 4.01±0.09, fore teat length 3.49±0.10, rear teat length 3.94±0.09, teat circumference 4.20±0.11, teat diameter 4.16±0.10 and udder balance 5.25±0.11. On the other hand, average score point of subjective linear type traits (1-9 scale) was angularity 4.69±0.09, rear leg rear view 5.05±0.06, body condition score 6.53±0.08, locomotion 4.88±0.06, fore teat placement 4.41±0.07 and rear teat placement 6.28±0.08. Most of the body conformation traits in Sahiwal cattle were falling under intermediate category and of desirable type. However, some traits like stature, chest width, body depth, rump width, angularity, central ligament, rear udder height, rear udder width and fore udder attachment expressed scope for further improvement.

Relationship between Milk Yield and Udder Morphology Traits in White Fulani Cows

The study examined the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits in White Fulani cows. Fifty-eight apparently healthy cows in early lactation at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th parity were used in the study. The data obtained from the cows were test day milk yield (TDMY) from single milking and udder morphology traits comprising udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth (UD), fore teat length (FTL), rear teat length (RTL), fore teat diameter (FTD), and rear teat diameter (RTD). There was no significant effect of parity on TDMY or the udder morphology traits. Phenotypic correlations between TDMY, UL, UW, and UD were positive and significant. Notably, phenotypic correlations between UL and TDMY at different parities were the strongest. Teat measurements had no significant correlation with TDMY. Stepwise and principal component regressions were implemented to assess the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits. Interestingly, UL was the only trait that entered the reduced models. The results suggest a probable genetic correlation between milk yield and udder length. Therefore, since udder conformation traits are heritable, when selecting for udder length in White Fulani cows, a correlated response in milk yield is expected.

Genetic Parameters for Functional Longevity, Type Traits, and Production in the Serbian Holstein.

In this study, the authors focused on the evaluation of the genetic parameters of longevity, milk yield traits, and type traits in dairy cattle populations in the Republic of Serbia. The total dataset used consisted of production records and pedigree data for 32,512 Holstein cows that calved from 1981 to 2015. The animal model was applied to determine the variance and covariance components and genetic parameters of the analyzed traits by applying the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach and using the programs VCE6 and PEST. The heritability of longevity traits was estimated using the Survival Kit V6.0 software package. Variance and covariance were estimated for five production traits: milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), milk fat content (MC), and protein content (PC), and three longevity traits: length of productive life (LPL), lifetime milk yield (LMY), and the number of lactations achieved (NL) as well as for 18 standard type traits. Heritabilities for the milk, fat, and protein yield traits were 0.20 (MY), 0.15 (FY), and 0.19 (PY), respectively. The estimated coefficients of heritability for the longevity traits were higher when using the Weibull proportional hazards model compared to the traditional linear methods and ranged from 0.08 for NL to 0.10 for LPL. Heritability values for the type traits varied from a low of 0.10 (RLSsv-rear legs set-side view) to medium values of 0.32 (ST-stature). Genetic correlations were found between MY and the following longevity traits: LPL, LMY, and NL with values of -0.18, -0.11, and -0.09, respectively. Genetic correlations were found between MY and a number of linear type traits and varied from 0.02 (between MY and RUH-rear udder height) to 0.28 (between MY and FUA-fore udder attachment). Genetic correlations between the 18 investigated type traits ranged from -0.33 between TL (top line) and RTP (rear teats position) to 0.71 between AN (angularity) and RUH (rear udder height). Genetic correlations between most linear type traits and longevity traits (LPL, LMY, and NL) were generally negative and very low. The highest positive genetic correlation was found between UD and LPL (rxy = 0.38).

Udder, teat, and milk vein measurements of Indian dromedary camel and its relationship with milkability traits.

The economic viability of the camel in the current scenario can be ensured by improving its dairy potential. The study on the udder and teat characteristics of dromedary camel and understanding its relationship with milk yield and milkability can be of great value in establishing camel as a dairy animal. The present study was conducted on 45 lactating she-camels of four Indian camel breeds, viz., Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi, and Mewari, stationed at ICAR-NRCC Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The udder, teat, and milk vein measurements traits, factors affecting these traits and their relationship with milkability traits, were studied in hand-milked Indian dromedary camel. The means ± S.E. of teat lengths (TL), namely, left fore (LF), left rear (LR), right fore (RF), and right rear (RR), were observed as 52.21 ± 1.66, 58.52 ± 2.11, 50.13 ± 1.74, and 54.37 ± 1.82mm, respectively. The means ± S.E. of teat diameter (TD), namely, left fore, left rear, right fore, and right rear teat diameters, were observed as 42.44 ± 1.60, 46.01 ± 1.68, 39.29 ± 1.31, and 45.20 ± 1.56mm, respectively. The means ± S.E for udder depth, udder length, udder height from the ground, milk vein diameter, and milk vein length were observed as 25.44 ± 0.42, 37.29 ± 0.80, 114.80 ± 0.80, 2.02 ± 0.08, and 88.70 ± 0.96cm, respectively. Udder and milk vein measurements did not differ significantly between breeds. Kachchhi breed has largest teat length and diameter. The breed differences were significant (p ≤ 0.05) for TL-LF, TL-RF, and TD-RR only. The effect of parity was non-significant on udder, teat, and milk vein measurement traits except TD-RR (p ≤ 0.05); however, second parity animals had higher values for all the studied traits except udder height from ground. Positive and highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) correlation of milk yield was observed with the majority of udder, teat, and milk vein measurements, milking time, and milk flow rate, while a negative correlation was found with udder height from ground and milk let-down time. It can be concluded that udder characteristics are influenced by various genetic and non-genetic factors and its relationship with milk yield and milkability can be used for selection and dairy management purposes.

Relationships between body- and udder-related type traits with somatic cell counts and potential use for an early selection method for water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Water buffalo milk is a reliable source of high-quality nutrients; however, the susceptibility of mastitis in buffaloes must be taken into consideration. An animal with somatic cell count (SCC) of greater than 250,000 cells/mL is reported to be likely to have mastitis which has serious adverse effects on animal health, reproduction, milk yield, and milk quality. Type traits (TTs) of water buffalo can affect SCC in animal milk to some extent, but few reports on the correlation between SCC and TTs are available. In this study, a total of 1908 records collected from 678 water buffaloes were investigated. The general linear model was used to identify factors associated with phenotypic variation of the somatic cell score (SCS) trait, including parity, lactation length, calving year, and calving season as fixed effects. Using PROC CORR analysis method, taking calving year and lactation length as covariates, the correlation co-efficient between TT and SCS was obtained. Our results showed that correlation co-efficients between the 45 TTs with SCS ranged from 0.003 to 0.443 (degree of correlation). The correlation between udder traits and SCS was greater than that between body structure traits and SCS. Among udder traits, distance between teats (including front and rear teat distance [r = 0.308], front teat distance [r = 0.211], and teat crossing distance [r = 0.412]) and teat circumference (r = 0.443) had the highest correlation with SCS, followed by the leg traits including rear leg height (r = -0.354) and hock bend angle (r = -0.170). Animal with high rear legs (>48 cm) and short teat crossing distance (<17 cm), and narrow teat circumference (<11 cm) exhibited low SCS. Using four nonlinear models (Von Bertalanffy, Brody, Logistic, and Gompertz), the optimal growth curves of the TTs highly correlated with the SCS (rear leg height and teat crossing distance) were fitted, and the correction co-efficients of these two TTs rear leg height and teat crossing distance of animal from young age (2 mo old) to first lactation (35 mo old) were attained for establishment of early selection method for water buffaloes with low SCS. This study provides theoretical support for early selection of low-SCS water buffaloes and lays a foundation for improving milk quality and promoting healthy development of water buffalo's dairy industry.

Unravelling the relationship between udder morphometric traits and milkproduction, composition and clinical mastitis in Karan Fries cattle via principalcomponent analysis

The present study was aimed at reduction in dimensionality using principal component analysis of 16 linear udder type traits and to identify those components having strongest relationship with milk production traits and clinical mastitis in Karan Fries cattle. Kaiser statistic for sampling adequacy with a lower limit of 0.50, and Bartlett’s sphericity test was used to determine the adequacy of variables for use in factor analysis. Components were chosen based on auto values greater than one and scree test. The relationship of these principal components with milk production traits was analysed using the general linear model and effect of the components on the incidence of clinical mastitis were analysed through binomial logistic regression model. The general mean value of KMO was obtained as 0.695, indicated the existence of true factors. Five principal components were extracted using Kaiser Rule criterion contributing 70.11% of the cumulative variance between the linearudder type traits. The communality ranged from 0.277 (udder balance) to 0.879 (distance between rear teats) for all these 16different udder type traits. The relation between principal component 1 and 305-day milk yield was positive and significant with a non-significant effect for 305-day milk-fat (305 DF), milk-protein (305 DP) and Solids not fat yield (305 DSNF). The principal component 1 was also found to have a significant effect on incidence of clinical mastitis. Results of PCA suggest that the use of orthogonal synthetic variables principal component one(PC1), two (PC2) and three (PC3) provided a means of reduction in the number of linear udder type traits to be recorded in Karan Fries cattle which could explain the whole udder biometric traits. The PC1 can be used in breeding programmes as a means to explain the mammary system for better milk production with lesser incidence of clinical mastitis in Karan Fries dairy cows.

Comprehensive genetic analysis of linear type traits for characterization of the Sahiwal cattle in an organized herd

Sahiwal is one of the most important dairy cattle breeds of the Indian subcontinent. A holistic and balanced approach to selection and breeding strategies must be adopted to bring about desirable genetic improvement in livestock, including indigenous cattle. The inclusion of linear type traits for dairy cattle selection in any breed improvement program has not been carried out in India so far. Therefore, this study was taken up to characterize Sahiwal cattle, on the basis of linear type traits. Data was collected on adult Sahiwal cows up to their 10thparity, maintained at Institute herd of Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana from 2006-2021. Data were analysed using Least Squares Maximum Likelihood (LSMLMW), considering a sire model for the present study. Parity, season and period of calving were taken as fixed effect and age at first calving as covariable. Sire or animal was considered as random variable. Least squares means of objective linear type traits viz., stature was 125.97±0.68 cm, body length 136.58±1.01 cm, chest girth 173.04±1.14 cm, body depth203.40± 1.39 cm, rump angle 14.50±0.39 cm, rump width 20.62±0.28cm, udder depth 20.87±0.41 cm, rear udder height 18.38±0.33 cm, and teat length 6.16±0.24 cm. On the other hand, least square mean scores of subjective linear type traits (1-9 scale) viz. fore teat placement was 6.32±0.46, rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35,rear leg side view was 6.26±0.26, rear leg rear view was 6.28±0.27score, foot angle 6.86±0.27, angularity 34.97±0.50-degree, central ligament 6.55± 0.39, fore udder attachment 5.91±0.32, fore teat placement 6.32±0.46, and rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35. Parity had a significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on fore udder attachment and central ligament and teat length in Sahiwal cattle. Season of calving had the significant (p&lt; 0.05) effect, observed in case of udder depth in Sahiwal cattle. Period of calving had a significant(p&lt;0.05) effect on rump angle, udder depth, teat length, angularity and central ligament in Sahiwal cattle. Based on results of present study, it was observed that Sahiwal cattle establishes a balance between the scoring pattern of linear type traits, as the balance scoring of animals was desirable for better sustainability and production performance of a dairy cattle, on a longer run. Moreover, linear type traits have a better scope in selection process and genetic improvement programs that can be utilized as balanced and comprehensive approach for indigenous dairy cattle.

Differences of Colostrum Production in Fore and Rear Teat of FHC Dairy Cows

This research aims to comprehend the different colostrum production between the fore and rear teats of FHC dairy cows. The method used was a case study by observing and collecting data at a farm by purposive sampling. The materials used in this study were 41 postpartum FHC dairy cows that produce colostrum on days 1-4 with a lactation period of 1-5. The data were tabulated and analyzed using paired t-test. The results showed that the average production of colostrum on the fore teats were 6.40 ± 5.39 kg/cow/day and the production of colostrum rear the teats were 7.03 ± 5.92 kg/cow/day and the highest average production of colostrum was on 3rd lactation period. The conclusion of the analysis showed that the production of colostrum in the fore and rear teats were highly different because the rear teats are larger than the fore teats.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Body Conformation Traits and Fitness in Czech Holsteins.

The aim of this study was a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on conformation traits using 25,486 genotyped Czech Holsteins, with 35,227 common SNPs for each genotype. Linear trait records were collected between 1995 and 2020. The Interbull information from Multiple Across Country Evaluation (MACE) was included for bulls that mostly had daughter records in a foreign country. When using the Bonferroni correction, the number of SNPs that were either significant or approached the significance threshold was low-dairy capacity composite on BTA4, feet and legs composite BTA21, total score BTA10, stature BTA24, body depth BTA6, angularity BTA20, fore udder attachment BTA10. Without the Bonferroni correction, the total number of significant or near of significance SNPs was 32. The SNPs were localized on BTA1,2,4,5,6,7,8,18,22,25,26,28 for dairy capacity composite, BTA15,21 for feet and legs composite, BTA10 for total score, BTA24 stature, BTA6,23 body depth, BTA20 angularity, BTA2 rump angle, BTA9,10 rear legs rear view, BTA2,19 rear legs side view, BTA10 fore udder attachment, BTA2 udder depth, BTA10 rear udder height, BTA12 central alignment, BTA24 rear teat placement, BTA8,29 rear udder width. The results provide biological information for the improvement of body conformation and fitness in the Holstein population.

Genome wide association study of udder type traits and milk production traits in Gir cattle

This study investigated the association of genome wide association study of udder type traits and milk production traits in Gir cattle. Data for the current study were collected from 635 Gir cows reared by farmers in small-holder conditions, and blood samples were collected for the Genomic study. The data for the phenotypic correlation study on 305 day milk yield and udder type traits were analysed using the statistical software R (v3.4.0), and the genome wide association study was carried out using the PLINK (v1.90b4.4) software. The phenotypic correlation between udder type traits, such as central ligament, rear udder height, rear udder width, teat length, and teat thickness, and 305 day milk yield was low to moderate, but significant (p 0.05) and positive. Some traits, however, were negatively correlated, including fore udder attachment, fore teat placement, rear teat placement, and udder depth. A genome-wide association study using a customised SNP chip (INDUSCHIP1) with 45,024 SNPs distributed on 29 autosomes discovered 838 SNPs that were significantly related to nine udder type traits and 305 day milk yield. The majority of SNPs were under MAF class of 0.3-0.5 from 45,024 SNPs spread over 29 Bos Indicus autosomes. Thus, present study on udder type traits and 305 day milk yield and their GWAS in Gir cattle using INDUSCHIP1 a customised SNP chip has provided the base line data for incorporation of udder type traits in Genomic selection for overall genetic improvement of Gir cattle.

Morphological and functional traits and main disadvantages of the udder in cows of Black-and-White breed

The object of research was the first-calf cows of Black-and-White breed. The groups were formed taking into account the part of blood of Holstein breed. The 1st group included animals with the part of blood than 50 % (an average of 37 % in the group), the 2nd with the part of blood of 50 % and the 3rd more than 50 % (an average of 63 % in the group). An increase in the part of blood in animals in the farm to 63 % had a positive effect on changing the shape of the udder. Thus, in the group of low the part of blood animals there were 78,2 % of cows with a cup-shaped shape and 21,8 % with a rounded one. Among half-blood cows with the cup-shaped udder accounted for 92,2 %, and with the rounded one it was 7,8 %, among the high part of blood it was 94,8 and 5,2 %%, respectively. In terms of udder length and depth measurements, cows with the high part of blood outperformed cows with the low part of blood by 2,5 cm (р &lt; 0,01) and 2,1 cm (р &lt; 0,01), respectively. In terms of udder decline, the difference between these groups of animals was 5,7 abs.% (р &lt; 0,01) in favor of animals with the higher proportion of Holstein breed blood. First-calf cows with half part of blood and the high part of blood of Holstein breed were ahead of their herd mates with the low part of blood in terms of the rate of milk speed out the difference was 0,3 kg/min (р &lt; 0,05) and 0,4 kg/min (р &lt; 0,001), respectively. The most common udder defect (10 %)was narrow rear teats, while in the group with the high part of blood cows its occurrence was the lowest 6,7 %. The sum of the frequencies of udder defects in cows with the high part of blood was 16,7 % versus 23,3 % in the other two groups. We recommend to use purebred Holstein sires for mating with low-blood heifers and cows, and using sires with the part of blood of Holstein breed of 62 to 75 % or breeding “inter se” on heifers and cows with the higher proportion of blood of Holstein breed.

Influence of WDR41 and ANKRD31 gene polymorphism on udder and teat type traits and mastitis in Karan Fries cows

In the present study, the effect of genetic polymorphism of WD-repeat containing protein 41 (WDR41) and Ankyrin repeat domain containing protein 31 (ANKRD31) gene on 17 traits related to udder and teat type and mastitis in 123 Karan Fries cows was studied. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) was used to identify the SNP (410 bp and 475 bp) in PCR amplified product of intron 4 and exon 10 in WDR41 gene. Both of them were polymorphic with Guanine to Adenine transition, and three genotypes namely AA, AG and GG were observed. In ANKRD31 gene, RFLP was used to identify the SNP in 513 bp PCR amplified product of intron 24 and two SNPs were found. We report for the first time that intron 4 and exon 10 of WDR41 gene is significantly associated with udder depth (UD), udder balance (UB), central ligament (CL), teat circumference (TC), SFF and tear diameter (TD), rear udder width (RUW), and mastitis. SNP rs110012582 in intron 24 of ANKRD31 gene is associated significantly with UD, distance between left and right teat (DLR), SFF, and SNP rs473512406 with udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), fore teat length (FTL), rear teat length (RTL), distance between fore and rear teat (DFR), DLR and mastitis. This information can augment future studies to determine the role of WDR41 and ANKRD31 genes as a candidate gene marker with desired udder and teat conformation and mastitis. Thus, it is essential to work for better udder health and prevent the incidence of mastitis in the herd.