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Some Features of the Immature Dairy Heifer's Mammary Development and Their Association with Subsequent Udder Type and Lactation¹

Animal Science Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705²
Department of Dairy Science, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University³ , Columbus 43210

ABSTRACT

Ages at which connection of the mammary glands (front and rear) occurred were obtained for approximately 1,800 Holstein-Friesian calves. Three evaluations of udder type were made for each animal at 3 months after first calving and 3 months after mature calving (first calving after 5 years of age). A score designating the degree of looseness of attachment of the mammary glands (the distance between the glands and the body wall) was assigned at various ages for each of 390 calves.

Correlation coefficients within sire-herd-year-season ranged from .58 to .70 (P<.01) for age of connection of the mammary glands and two udder type scores (shape and size, and attachment) on first lactation and mature cows.

Relationships of .234 and .233 (P<.05) existed between age of connection of the mammary glands and milk and butterfat production for first lactation cows. No significant relationship was found between age of connection and actual mature lactation production.

The correlation between scores for udder shape and size, and udder attachment was .42 (P<.01) for both first lactation and mature cows.

Correlation between scores for looseness of udder attachment and scores for teats, veins, and quality were .27 (P<.01) for first lactation animals and .43 (P<.01) for mature cows. The glandular looseness scores assigned at 4 months of age showed a relationship of .28 (P <.05) with mature milk yields.

¹ Contribution from a cooperative project between the Dairy Cattle Research Branch, ARS, USDA, and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and a contributing project to Regional Project NC-2. Journal Article 15-71.

⁴ Now Professor of Agricultural Science, Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas.