Phenotypic characteristics of linear traits of udder and angularity in Holstein-Friesian cows and their correlation with milk yield traits

Abstract

Data set including 10860 primiparous Holstein-Friesian breed cows first calved in the period from 2011 to 2015, was used in determining phenotypic variability and correlation between the traits of milk yield and linearly estimated traits of udder and angularity. The average values obtained for type traits (angularity, fore udder attachment, front teats placement, teats length, udder depth and rear udder height) were 6.47; 5.74; 4.96; 5.20; 5.99 and 6.25, respectively. The values obtained for phenotypic correlations between linear type traits and traits of milk yield ranged from -0.042 (udder depth and milk yield) to 0.335 (fore udder attachment and protein yield). Positive phenotypic correlation (0.293) was recorded also between fore udder attachment and milk yield which is deemed the most important trait of milk yield while the lowest correlation between milk yields was determined in relation to udder depth (-0.033). The results obtained indicate a possibility of applying direct and indirect multiple traits selection which should be conducted within a national progeny-testing programme on Holstein-Friesian bulls by using the method of selection indexes.