Relationship of Udder Morphometric Traits with Milk Production in Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pakistan’s dairy industry depends on cattle and buffaloes for milk production. Subclinical Mastitis (SCM), on the other hand, is a serious restriction that lowers milk quality and quantity. Objective: To examine the udder and teat morphometric characteristics of cattle and buffaloes and evaluate how they relate to Somatic Cell Count (SCC), milk output, composition, and mineral content. Methods: A total of 150 lactating animals (75 cattle and 75 buffaloes) were sampled from five farms in Faisalabad. Milk yield was recorded over three consecutive mornings using a digital meter, while composition and SNF were analyzed. with a Lactoscan SLP SCC was quantified, and minerals were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Udder and teat dimensions were taken using a Vernier caliper, tape, and visual observation. Results: The findings showed that funnel/cylindrical teats and pendulous udders had higher width and depth (p < 0.05) significantly larger diameter and length (p<0.05). Pendulous and spherical udders (p <0.01) and funnel, pear, and cylindrical teats (p <0.05) were substantially linked to higher SCC. While several teat measurements, such right front teat length and left front teat diameter, exhibited moderately negative relationships (r = –0.31, p = 0.02, r = –0.26, p = 0.04), there was a positive link between milk yield andudder width (r = 0.45, p = 0.003). Additionally, morphology had a significant impact on the mineral content and composition of milk (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results imply that choosing advantageous udder and teat characteristics could improve udder health and productivity.
Source: MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)
Authors: Muhammad Asfand Yar Asghar, Farrah Deeba, Muhammad Huzaifah Khalid, Anas Sarwar Qureshi, Asma Noor, Muhammad Komal Shah, Ali Zaman, Ghulam Murtaza
Institutions: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Gomal University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413224042