Breeding for teat size - hand vs machine milking

cowkeeper · #21 01/26/10, 07:25 AM

Hi, It is hard to evaluate an empty udder. From what I can see of it in that picture I think the median ligament is ok. If it was shot the teats would point out to the sides. IMO the udder could use a much higher rear attachment and further forward in front too.
On the plus side, the teats are a nice size for hand milking, the udder overall is holding up well on a cow of that age, and it looks to be a soft texture.ck

Onthebit · #22 01/26/10, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LizD

Hi Gene, I am certainly no expert. Probably there are quite a few others here that could give you a more informed opinion but for what its worth.....

The best time to evaluate an udder is just after the cow freshens. But since this is obviously not the case, The udder should be quite tight to the body cavity and I think that her udder floor has dropped and become rounded, indicating a weaker median suspensory ligament, teats should be equal in length and perpendicular to the ground, her front teats seem slightly longer, I think when her udder is engorged the front would hang lower than the back. Both the front attachment and rear could be higher and tighter.

In spite of saying all of this, your cow has a better udder than a lot of beef cows out there but she just shouldn't really be an example of 'the best' or 'what to look for', imo. L

If the median suspensory ligament is getting weak, I would attribute that to the age of the cow. I would like to see the udder at freshening.

genebo · #23 01/26/10, 06:31 PM

The picture was taken in her 7th month of lactation. Her calf was still nursing and continued for another month, when he was sold.

Here she is on day one. The picture isn't very good, but you can see her udder size and shape.

Breeding for teat size - hand vs machine milking - Cattle

Breeding for teat size - hand vs machine milking - Cattle

I evaluated her using several University standards. Here is the University of Minnesota standard for judging dairy cattle:

http://www.ansci.umn.edu/dairy/docum...iry_cattle.pdf

I showed you mine, now you show me yours.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

sammyd · #24 01/27/10, 04:23 AM

I'd have to go with Genbo, for a beefer that's a very good udder.