Milk yield and composition as influenced by udder measurements in Jersey X Red Sindhi crosses.

摘要

The effect of udder, teat measurements and udder shape on test-day milk yield (TDMY), percentages of milk fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) and a comparison between 3 lactation stages, 3 parity and 4 udder types was studied in 24 Jersey X Red Sindhi cows. The udder length, circumference, width and depth had a positive correlation (P<0.01) with TDMY; a negative correlation (P<0.01) with milk fat percentage except with length and width; and fore and rear teat length and diameter had no significant correlation with 8 TDMY, percentages of milk fat or SNF. Significantly higher TDMY was recorded in pendulous than in round and goat-type udders. Bowl-shaped udders also had significantly higher TDMY than goat-type udders. Milk fat percentage was highest in goat-type udders followed by round, bowl-shaped and pendulous types. Percentage SNF did not differ significantly between the udder types. The differences in udder measurements with respect to parity were statistically non-significant. The highest (P<0.05) udder measurement, except udder length, was recorded in early lactation followed by mid- and late lactation stages.