Genetic and phenotypic trends for udder traits and angularity of Holstein Friesian cows

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the genetic trends for udder traits (fore udder attachment; rear udder height; udder depth; front teat placement; rear teat placement; front teat length and rear teat length) and angularity of Holstein Friesian cows in Serbia. A multi-trait animal model was used to estimate genetic parameters, through REML procedures. In the study 10403 first-lactation cows Holstein type from 12 different regions in Serbia were included. The cows were daughters of 221 Holstein Friesian sires. The age at first calving was from 19 to 44 months, and there were 10 stages of lactation. Udder type traits and angularity were classified by 24 classifiers on a linear scale of 1 to 9. Udder type traits had heritability estimates ranging from 0.03 for rear teat placement to 0.12 for fore udder attachment, and angularity had heritability 0.10. Genetic trend for angularity of Holstein Friesian cows in Serbia shows that ribs are becoming less angular and extremely rounded, while genetic trends for udder traits show that teat lengths are becoming longer and inside of quarter, and udder is shallow. The genetic trend for fore udder attachment indicates there is indirect selection for weaker udders.