Prediction of some milk production traits using udder and teat measurements with a spotlight on their genetic background in Friesian cows

Abstract

Abstract The aggregate udder shape (Bowl, Round, Cup), udder measurements (udder width, UW, udder front depth, UFD, udder rear depth, URD, udder levelness, ULV, udder heights, UH) and teat measurements (teat diameters, TD, front teat length, FTL, rear teat length, RTL, distance between front teats, DFT and distance between rear teats, DRT) were measured on 1300 Friesian cows located in a commercial farm under subtropical conditions (Egypt) to appraise udder and teats status and to evaluate the possible relationships with some milk production characteristics in conjunction with udder shape, age at first calving, sire and inbreeding effects on udder morphological traits and milk production ability. For such an available sample size, parity had affected (P < 0.01) UFD, TD, FTL and RTL. In addition, udder shape affected (P < 0.01) UW, UFD, URD, ULV and DFT. None of the other studied factors affected milk production traits. The bowl udder shape (P < 0.01) yielded a high total milk yield (3267.19 kg), adjusted milk yield (2443.01 kg) and lactation length (480.70 d) compared to other udder shapes. The genetic correlations of UW with total milk yield and persistency were strongly positive (0.86 and 0.93, respectively). However, strong negative genetic correlations were found between UW with peak milk yield and lactation length (− 0.92 and − 0.80, respectively), between RTL with peak milk yield (− 0.92) and DRT with persistency (− 0.79). As found from the stepwise multiple regression, UW and URD can be used as good indicators for predicting milk yield and lactation length. Additionally, this study spotlights the genetic background of udder characteristics based on reliable studies and the QTL database for cattle as a first step toward applying this knowledge side by side with phenotypic traits to improve the productivity of the Holstein breed under subtropical conditions.