Udder Length Research Articles

Characteristics and variability of udder scores of Simmental first calving heifers

Visual assessment and recognition of milk performance traits of cows are preliminary indicators of milk yield, longevity, as well as reproductive abilities of the animal, which is very important from the aspect of economy of milk production. Deficiencies in udder traits lead to poorer production, difficult milking and premature weaning of cows from the herd. The paper examines the frequency of desirable scores for a certain trait in first-calving heifers distinguished by way of keeping (heads reared by individual producers/holdings and heads reared on the farm) and by origin (domestic and imported animals), as well as the influence of these two factors on the observed traits. Five udder traits were analyzed: front udder length, rear udder length, rear udder height, central ligament, and udder depth on a total of 954 first-calving Simmental heifers. Observed by the way of rearing, higher frequency of desirable scores for all udder traits were achieved by cows reared on the farm, while according to the origin of cows, higher frequency of desirable scores for all udder traits was achieved by imported cows compared to domestic cows. The influence of factors of housing/keeping and origin, examined by ?2 test on all examined linear scores (frequency of scores) of udder traits was statistically very highly significant (p?0.001), while the analysis of variance (F test) showed very high significance (p?0.001) of interaction of origin and method of rearing on the traits of the central ligament and the udder depth, and significance (p?0.05) on the height of the rear udder, however, no statistical significance (p>0.05) of this interaction was established on other linear scores of udder traits (length of the front and rear udder).

Correlation of udder shape, size and udder size of Bushuev breed of cows with milk yield

This article examines the relationship between the shape, size and size of the udder and udder of Bushuev cows on different categories of farms and their milk yield. It was determined that the milk yield of cows belonging to the form of bowl-shaped udder in all farms was higher from 720.9 kg to 641.8 kg than their peers belonging to the form of round udder. In comparison, the udder of cows with a cup-shaped udder was 3.3 cm to 2.2 cm wider, the udder length was 9.1 cm to 7.8 cm longer, and the udder circumference was 6.3 to 8.7 cm bigger, the udder depth was 1.6 cm to 2.7 cm longer, and the nipple diameter was higher 0.06 cm to 0.35 cm, than the udder of cow belonging to a round udder. It was found that the daily milk yield in bowl-shaped udder cows was 29.3% to 25.4% higher than in their round udder-like counterparts.

Продуктивные качества первотелок красно-пестрой и симментальской пород за период раздоя и взаимосвязь у них селекционируемых признаков в условиях Забайкальского края

The results of the study of milk production and morphophysiological properties of the uterus of heifers of the red-and-white breed for 100 days of lactation in comparison with the heifers of the Simmental breed are presented. For 100 days of lactation from heifers of the red-motley breed, 2096 kg of milk each were obtained, with a fat content of 3,9 and a protein of 2,9%, from simmental fat, respectively, 1363,2 kg, with a fat content of 3,7 milk and protein of 2,9% First heifers of the red-motley breed exceeded their peers in milk production by 732,8 kg (34,9%) with a highly reliable statistical difference (B3 ≥ 0.999). Reliability (td=1,6) at zero threshold (Bo> 0,90) was also noted for fat content in milk. The protein content in milk in first-calf cows of both groups was at the same level – 2,9%. It has been established that the morphological features and functional properties of the udder are fairly consistently inherited by the offspring. Therefore, by selection and selection, it is possible to obtain animals with bath-like and cup-shaped forms of the udder, uniform development of quarters, with full milk yield. The shape of the udder is one of the main breeding traits characterizing the suitability of cows for machine milking, which is most closely associated with productivity. In our studies, all the first heifers of the red-and-white breed had a bath-like and cup-shaped udder (65 and 35%). Simmental first heifers were inferior, in them 78% of the animals had a bath-like and bowl shape and 22% were round. When measuring the udder, it was established that the first-hens of the red-and-white breed had a wider, deeper udder with a large girth. Their udder was longer than that of the Simmental ones, by 1,4 cm, wider by 1,5, deeper by 1,7, and more by girth by 3,6 cm. The functional properties of the udder of heifers of the red-and-white breed were significantly better than those of the Simmental. One-time milk yield from them was higher by 5,7 kg and amounted to 10,8 milk. The lactation rate was also higher in the red-and-white first-calfs, and it was 1,794 kg / min. In the red-and-white heifers, a high positive correlation was observed between the milk yield and body weight – 0,76, among the Simmental ones – 0,22, and between the milk yield and the fat and protein content in milk, the negative correlation in both groups of animals. For measurements of the udder (length, width, and girth) and milk yield for 100 days of lactation, a positive correlation was found for both red-and-white and simmental healers.

Relationship between Morphometric and Milk Production Characters in Ongole Cattle

Background: Selecting dairy type Ongole cows based on their phenotypic characters like coat colour, stature, external appearance which are being poorly correlated to milk production and reproduction is a common practice in Andhra Pradesh. In absence of the production records, predicting the association between milk yield and morphometry forms a potential tool for selection of dairy type Ongole cattle. Methods: The data on morphometric characters and milk production was recorded on 211 elite lactating Ongole cows in the breeding tract of Andhra Pradesh and correlation and regression coefficients were estimated. Result: The lactation milk yield and lactation length were positively (P less than 0.01) correlated with udder area, udder length, face length and cephalic index and negatively correlated with skin fold thickness and tail length. The regression coefficients of udder area, skin fold thickness, face length and tail length for lactation milk yield and lactation length were found to be significant (P less than0.01). The present study concluded that the udder area, skin fold thickness, face length and tail length may be given more weightage in selection of dairy type Ongole cows.

Effect of pre-partum management on udder and teat development, temperament score, milking traits, milk yield and composition in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes

To investigate the effect of pre-partum heifer management on udder and teat development, temperament score, milking traits, milk yield and composition, 12 primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes from ICAR-CIRB, Nabha Buffalo Farm were enrolled. All experimental heifers were uniformly divided into 2 groups (6 in each group) based on their duration of pregnancy, dam’s milk yield and body weight. The udders of first group heifers were neither massaged nor they were taken into milking parlour and were considered as control (T0). The udders of other group were massaged for 5–10 min at alternate days since 30 days pre-partum and were considered as treatment (T1) group. The udder/teat biometry, temperament score, milking traits and milk composition of experimental buffaloes were recorded. The T1 group heifers had significantly higher absolute change in udder length, width and depth than control. Though the level of change in teat diameter was significant, it was much more prominent in fore-teats than rear. The massaged group become docile earlier than non-massaged. The milk let-down time was quicker in treatment group than control. The test day milk yield was comparatively higher but the difference was not significant. The milk composition did not vary significantly between T1 and control. It can be concluded that in primiparous Nili- Ravi buffaloes, udder/teat massaging and pre-partum exposure into milking parlour not only helped to develop udder/teat capacity but also reduced fear during milking operations resulting into quick milk let-down/milk flowrate and favoured management during early lactation.

Estimation of genetic parameters for chosen udder traits of different dairy ewes

Morphology of udder in ewes in one experimental herd was examined on the basis of linear evaluation (7 traits; 9 points scale; 1145 data for each trait) and exact measurements of udder (6 parameters; 1055 measurements at each trait) were taken. Estimation of covariance components and genetic parameters were done using REML and BLUP-AM (VCE 4.0 package) for 7 traits (linear evaluation) or 6 traits (udder measurements) . Heritability coefficients for individual traits of linear evaluation varied from 0.090–0.294. Heritability coefficient (h2) for teat position was 0.242, 0.275 for teat size , and 0.294 for cistern depth, which is related to teat position. The highest value of genetic correlation (rg=0.980) was found between cistern depth and teat position. Negative genetic correlation was detected between teat position and teat size (–0.381), and teat position and udder cleft (–0.404). Heritability coefficients and genetic correlations of exact measurements of udder were comparable with traits of linear evaluation. For the parameter, udder length and rear udder depth, the detected band-measures were h2 = 0.219 or 0.223. Highest h2 was found for cistern depth (0.480), teat length (0.358) and teat angle (0.290) similar to linear evaluation.

MILK PRODUCTION AND BODY WEIGHT AT WEANING AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH BODY AND UDDER MEASUREMENTS IN MERIZ GOATS

To investigate the correlation coefficients among the anatomical body structure and udder characteristics with each of body weight and milk production, 54 lactating Meriz does were randomly selected, kidded within 2 weeks in March, 2018. At weaning body weight as well as 6 body measurements and 8 udder and teat measurements were recorded. Also, Milk yield was recorded at weekly intervals till the does are dried-off. Results revealed moderate positive correlations between body measurements and milk production, while highest correlations were observed between udder measurements and milk production. Also, there was a strong positive correlation between body weight and body measurements. Four components were found meaningful; the first component was labeled as the ‘teat dimensions’ factor, ‘udder dimensions’ factor is a second component and the combination of the third and fourth component was interpreted as the ‘body dimensions’ factor. Therefore, the best predictors for body weight was rump height, heart girth and body length. Also, udder length, udder width, distance between teats and teat dimension were best predictors for milk production.

Morphometric characterization of Black Bengal Goat under farming condition in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to characterize of Black Bengal Goat (BBG) under farming condition. Data on the different parameters were collected during July 2006 to June 2013 at BLRI goat research farm. A total of 299 animals of different ages from birth to 36 months of both sexes were included. All type of measurements were taken when goats standing freely. All measurements were taken in metric unit. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 17.0 statistical computer program. In BLRI goat herd, four different types of coat color were observed in BBG i.e. Black, Black and white, Black and brown and completely white. Body length is higher in males than that of females for all generation and age group. Male goats had higher heart girth than that of female goats irrespective of age and generations. Average adult (>24 months age) body weight of male and female goats as 29.9±1.76 and 23.6±0.81 kg, respectively. Wither height was higher in adult males than females for same age. Left and right horn length in both sexes ranged from 3.6 to 13.2 cm. Female goats had higher ear length than male goats. Tail length of Black Bengal goats ranged from 8.0±0.52 to 11.1±0.43 cm and tail breadth ranged from 2.1±0.10 to 3.6±0.43 cm for different age and sex group. Average male foreleg length in >24 months of age possessed higher than that of female. Average udder length and breadth of BBGs were 7.5±0.24, 11.7±0.44 and 14.3±0.46 and 5.9±0.16, 7.4±0.28 and 7.8±0.23 cm, respectively for age groups 6-12, 12-24 and >24 months of age. The average testis length and breadth in adult males were 9.1±0.18, 7.5±0.48 and 9.8±0.49 and 6.8±0.13, 5.2±0.27 and 6.3±0.32, cm respectively for 6-12, 12-24 and >24 months of ages groups.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2018, 4(1): 95-104

UDDER MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF UKRAINIAN BLACK-AND-WHITE DAIRY BREED UNDER ABSORBING CROSSBREEDING

UDDER MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF UKRAINIAN BLACK-AND-WHITE DAIRY BREED UNDER ABSORBING CROSSBREEDING

English

Breed improvement and conservation are optimally achieved when the available genetic resources are characterised and strategies developed to achieve the goals. This study aimed at investigating the management practices, performance and morphological features of the indigenous cattle ecotypes in Rwanda on 250 cattle farming households. A total of 20 measurements taken on 305 female and 45 male cattle were: body length (BL), height at withers (HW), leg height (LH), heart girth (HG), body weight (BW), tail length (TL), dewlap length (DL), dewlap width (DW), rump width (RW), ear length (EL), muzzle circumference (MC), horn length (HL), distance between horns (HS), hump length (HuL), hump width (HuW), navel depth (ND), udder length (UL), udder depth (UD), teat length (TL), and body condition score (BCS). Morphometric data was analysed by ecotype for each sex and age category since there were non-significant differences in geographical location. Results show that Rwanda has five types of indigenous cattle namely: Inyambo, Inkuku, Inkoromaijo, Inkungu and Bashi. The livestock system mostly used was extensive and household income was mainly from livestock. For Inyambo cattle, the popular ecotype, age at sexual maturity was 27.44±1.04 months for males and 28.76±1.02 months for female cows. Age at first calving was 33.8±0.83 months whereas calving interval was 13.60±0.45 months. Lactation length was found to be 6.84±0.29 months. The mean daily milk was 3.58±0.19 litres and the pre weaning calf survivability was 90±6.5%. Positive and high correlations were observed between BW, HG, HW, HuL, BL and HL. Indigenous cattle population of Rwanda are not homogenous by their morphological features and other productive traits, and therefore conservation will have to target the different ecotypes and this should be done with direct engagement of their keepers. Key words: Ankole, indigenous cattle, Inyambo, phenotypes, reproductive performance.

Correlation Between Udder Traits With Breed, Live Weight, Age and Parity in Respect to Milk Production of Indigenous Goats in Adamawa State, North-eastern Nigeria

The objective of the study is to correlate between udder traits with breed, live weight, age and parity in respect to milk production of indigenous goats in Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria. Thirteen households were randomly selected for the study from which 55 semi-intensively managed indigenous goats comprising of 13 Sahel, 20 Sokoto Red and 22 Non-descript Does within the age limits of 1, 2, 3 and 4 years and parities of 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Age, parity, live weight (Lwt) and udder parameters, like: teat floor (TF), teat angle (TA), udder length (UL), udder volume (UV) and teat length (TL) were measured. The Sahel does have higher values of Lwt, TF, TA, UL, UV, and TL respectively. The three breeds did not differ significantly in TA. The difference between Sokoto Red and Non-descriptive goat was only in TF distances. Sokoto Red goats had significantly higher (P < 0.05) value of TF than Non-descript goats. All other udder traits increased numerically with advance in age except for TA. There was a significant (P < 0.05) effect of parity on Lwt, TF, and UV. The values of all the parameters measured increased with increase in parity, except TA that was highest in does in their first parity. There was significant (P < 0.01) age x breed interaction effect on all parameters investigated except TA. The Sahel does exhibited higher superiority in all the parameters measured over other breeds at various ages except in does aged ≥ 4 years. The Sahel does across all age groups compared with the other two breeds have the highest values of TF, TL UL and UV. The results of breed x age and breed x parity interactions showed significant effect only in TF distances which is an indication of growth in relation to skeletal development among all the breeds and in some age and parity groups. Lwt has high relationship with TF, TL, UV, age and parity. Similarly, parity had high relationship with all the parameters except for breed and UL. The values of udder traits of Sahel goats were higher (P < 0.05) than other breeds which may be due to superiority of the Sahel goats for milk production. Hence, it could be concluded that Sahel goat could have better milk production potentials than Red Sokoto and Non-descriptive goats in in this north-eastern Nigeria. This could form a basis for selection and breeding decision for milk production.

Productive and reproductive performances of Brown Bengal goat (Hilly goat) at research farm level

A nucleus-breeding flock of selected Brown Bengal goat was established in the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Regional Station, Naikhongchari, Bandarban, with the objective of characterization, conservation and improvement of the breed. A total of 69 does of different generations (Foundation = 07, Generation one = 32, Generation two = 23 and Generation three = 07.) and 07 bucks (All were first generation) were used to study the genetic parameters of Brown Bengal goat on productive and reproductive traits. The studied Animals were bred naturally. Goats were reared under semi-intensive management system in which goats were browsing in nature and allowed to graze in field as well as mounting in hills. All goats were housed in a plastic made floor house and allowed to graze 6-8 hours in a day and concentrate was offered twice daily during morning and evening at the rate of 1% of their body weight per day. The adult body weight of hilly goat was 20.95 kg. The phenotypic characteristics like the face, horn, ear and udder length were 15.56, 7.18, 12.19 and 12.67 cm respectively. On the other hand the hearth girth, front leg, hind leg and body length were 61.51, 46.8, 49.48 and 55.24 cm respectively. The gestation length, kidding to first heat, kidding to conception and kidding interval were 148.52 ± 1.06, 33.48 ± 2.85, 33.40 ± 1.98 and 176.86 ± 1.98 days, respectively. According to parity the GL, AFH, KC and KI were not followed trends up to 3rd parity but kid birth weight was increasing trends with increasing parity up to fifth. The birth weight of male kid (1.25 ± 0.25 kg) was higher than that of female kid (1.13± 0.27 kg). The highest birth weight (1.24±0.02 kg) was found in single birth. According to litter size the birth weight of single kid (1.24 ± 0.01 kg) stood first followed by twine (1.20 ± 0.01), triplet (1.1±0.03 kg) and quadruplet kids (0.93±0.08 kg). . The productive and reproductive performances of brown Bengal goat were not affected by parity. Birth weights of kids were significantly varied with birth type.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2016, 2(3): 477-482

Relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Aim:This study was conducted to find out the relationship of prepartum udder and teat measurements with subsequent milk production traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.Materials and Methods:A total of 12 Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers were selected from Buffalo Farm, Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Regional Station- Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, Patiala, Punjab. The udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth, teat length (TL), teat diameter (TD), and teat distances were measured at fortnightly interval from 60 days prepartum until calving. After calving, 60 days total milk yield (TDMY), peak yield (PY), and days taken to attain PY (DPY) were also recorded. The correlation coefficients of various prepartum udder and teat measurements since 60 days prepartum to calving with 60 days TDMY, PY, and DPY were calculated to find out the relationship between the traits in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.Results:The result envisaged that all udder and teat measurements were increased gradually toward the date of calving in primiparous buffaloes. The UL, UW, left fore (LF) and right rear (RR)TL, RRTD, and the distance between LF to left rear (LR) teat were positively correlated with 60 days TDMY. The UL and UW depicted positive but nonsignificant correlation with PY. Fore TLs showed positive correlation where as TDs and teat distances had a negative correlation with the DPY in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.Conclusion:It was concluded that milk production performance could be assessed on the basis of prepartum udder and teat measurements in primiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Characterization of Gangatiri cattle breed inGangatic plains of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

The present research work for characterization of Gangatiri cattle was conducted on a herd maintained at Mirzapur district of Uttar Pardesh. This dual-purpose indigenous cattle breed is found mainly in Varanasi, Chandauli, Ghazipur and Ballia distric of eastern Utter Pradesh and adjacent areas of Bihar state of India., Medium sized dewlap, small brisket, sharp and smooth shoulder with medium legs was present in most of the animals. Medium sized bowl shaped udder with cylindrical shaped medium sized teats and prominent, crooked and branched milk veins were the other characteristic features of the herd. The overall least squares’ means for Ischium width of Rump (ISWR), Top line (TPL), Udder length (UL), Udder diameter (UD), Teat length (TtL), Udder circumference (UC), Distance between fore to fore (DFF) and rear to rear teats (DRR) were 20.79±0.57, 144.64±1.67, 26.17±1.21, 11.03±1.40, 5.33±0.31, 68.84±3.89, 6.03±0.50 and 4.93±0.21 cm, respectively.

Effect of parity on changes in udder traits, milk yield and composition of West African dwarf sheep during lactation

Twelve West African Dwarf sheep, comprising four ewes in each of the Parities 1, 2 and 3, were used to determine the effect of parity on udder traits during lactation, milk yield and composition. Udder length, udder width, udder circumference, udder volume, teat length, teat width, teat circumference, distance between the teats and teat height from the ground of sheep were measured in centimetres (cm) weekly for 12 weeks of lactation, commencing from Day 4 postpartum. Parity highly influenced (P &lt; 0.05) udder traits, except udder volume (P &gt; 0.05). The udder length, width and circumference were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in Parity-3 ewes than Parity-1 and -2 ewes. A similar trend was shown for teat length, width and circumference. Parity had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on udder volume, but significantly (P &gt; 0.05) affected distance between the teats and teat height from the ground. With the exception of udder volume, all traits peaked by the 3rd week of lactation, and gradually declined thereafter. Milk yield and milk weight peaked by the 3rd week postpartum and these were higher for ewes in Parity 3. Milk yield and milk weight declined faster in ewes in Parities 1 and 2 than they did in Parity-3 ewes (P &lt; 0.05) as lactation length increased. In regard to milk composition, moisture, protein and fat, but not total solid, solid-not-fat and lactose, were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in Parity-3 ewes both at peak milk yield (3rd week of lactation) and end of lactation. From these findings, we conclude that parity type plays a significant role in influencing udder traits, milk yield and milk quality in ewes.

Relationship between udder characteristics and each of reproductive performance and milk production and milk composition in Zaraibi and Damascus dairy goats.

ABSTRACTThirty-two Damascus goats and forty-one Zaraibi goats used to study the relationship between udder measurements and each of reproductive performance and milk yield and composition.Udder circumference positively (P <0.05) affected milk yield of both Damascus and Zaraibi does. The contents of fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids in milk decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder circumference of Damascus does, while, they increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder circumference of Zaraibi does. Meanwhile, weaning weight and growth rate till weaning increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder circumference of both Damascus and Zaraibi does.Udder length, both external and internal, positively (P< 0.05) affected milk yield of both Damascus and Zaraibi does. The contents of fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids in milk of Damascus does decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing external and internal udder length. However, the contents of fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids in milk of Zaraibi does increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing external and internal udder length. On the other hand, the weaning weight and growth rate until weaning of Damascus and Zaraibi kids did not significantly affected by the internal and external udder lengths.Udder condition score also positively (P< 0.05) affected milk yield of both Damascus and Zaraibi does. Moreover, the contents of fat, protein, solids not fat and total solids in milk of Damascus does decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder condition score up to 4. However, the contents of fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids in milk of Zaraibi does decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder condition score. Moreover, the weaning weight and growth rate of Zaraibi kids increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing udder condition score. Teat length also positively (P< 0.05) affected milk yield of Damascus and Zaraibi does. Milk protein of Damascus does, increased significantly (P<0.05), however, the contents of lactose, solids not fat and total solids decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing teat length. In milk of Zaraibi does, the contents of protein, solids not fat and total solids increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing teat length. The weaning weight and growth rate till weaning of Zaraibi kids increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing teat length.

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

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.

Comparison of external udder measurements of the sheep breeds Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their crosses

Morphological udder traits have recently become of greater interest from farmers to researchers. In dairy ewes, the udder is very important due to its physiological and conformational characteristics. External udder traits were measured in ewes ( Ovis aries L.) of nine genotypes (355 ewes) created of the basis of Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), and Lacaune (LC) breeds (six traits; 1185 data for each trait) during the milking period 2002-2008. Udder measurements were assessed for: udder length (UL), udder width (UW), rear udder depth (RUD), cistern depth (CDE), teat length (TL), and teat angle (TA). Data were processed by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology using a MIXED procedure from the SAS statistical package. All studied parameters were influenced by the genotype (P < 0.001), many of them also by the effect of parity and lactation stage. The exactly detected UL, UW and RUD during the lactation and with the age of ewes expand gradually (P < 0.001). Teat length was greater in older ewes (expanding, with the parity). Indicator TA during lactation worsened. Crosses with 25 to 75% share of genetic dairy breeds (in particular with LC, to a lesser extent ‘East Friesian’ - EF) were in most cases larger than the udder cisterns of purebred ewes T and IV. Purebred LC had the largest udders, with the largest cisterns. In conclusion, crosses with specialized dairy breeds have more suitable udders for machine milking than purebred default breeds (T, IV, LC) and are suitable for machine milking.

Assessment of udder characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats reared under different management systems in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A study was carried out to assess udder characteristics of 114 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats reared under extensive and semi-intensive systems of management. Udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), udder length (UL), distance between teats (DBT), right teat diameter (RTD), left teat diameter (LTD), right teat length (RTL) and left teat length (LTL) were measured. The animals were classified into two groups comprising animals below the age of two years and above two years of age respectively. Statistical analysis of the data collected showed a significant difference (P 0.05) was observed between the two management systems for the rest of the udder characteristics that were studied in the two groups of goats. Key words: Udder characteristics, management system, reproduction, goat.

Study of factors affecting udder traits and assessment of their interrelationships with milking efficiency in Chios breed ewes

Objective of the study was to assess udder morphology and milking characteristics of Chios-breed dairy ewes. Moreover, by using Principal Component Analysis, the probability of any correlations between various udder traits was studied. Thirty pure-bred Chios-breed dairy ewes in a commercial flock were assessed for 10 udder traits (6 direct and 4 indirect measurements) during three consecutive lactations. Milk yield (MY) and milking time (MT) were electronically recorded for each ewe on a daily basis. Direct measurements included udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder height (UH), gland cistern height (CH), teat length (TL) and teat diameter (TD). Indirect measurements included teat placement (TP), udder depth (UD), udder cleft (UC) and degree of suspension of the udder (SU). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16©. The results showed that mean values for UL, UH and TP increased from first to third lactation; TL and TD did not change, whilst UD and UC decreased. The UH and CH were all negatively correlated with UD and SU (P<0.01) and positively correlated with TP (P<0.01). UW had a significantly negative and positive relationship with UD and UC (P<0.01), respectively. Significant negative correlations were also revealed between TL and TP (P<0.01). Four PCs (‘udder dimensions’, ‘teat’, ‘udder morphology’ and ‘teat and suspension’) were recognized explaining about 76% of the total variance. Effect of lactation number was significant for UL, UH, CH, TP, UD, UC, ‘udder dimensions’ and ‘udder morphology’ variables (P<0.05 to P<0.001). ‘Udder dimension’, ‘teat’ and ‘udder morphology’ were significantly related to MY (P<0.05 to P<0.001). In conclusion, the results provide significant information for udder characteristics of the Chios breed, which is the most popular indigenous Greek breed of sheep. Such information could be used as a basis for genetic improvement of the breed.