20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Efficacy of Subjective Visual Udder Scores in Beef Cows for the Prediction of Lactation Potential and Weaning Weight of Their Calves
Rebecca E. Pace
Dr. Glenn R. Wehner, Faculty Mentor
A previous study of Gelbvieh cow visual scores and calf growth records was conducted at the University of Georgia, which stated that you can visually predict milk production using only visual scoring methods. In our own study, we visually appraised 9 cow/calf pairs. After visual appraisal which included body condition score, udder attachment, udder depth, and teat size; physical measurements were taken of udder length and depth; front and back teat length, and teat width: top, middle and bottom. From the data obtained, it was possible to narrow down the possible variables to using udder depth and length, overall teat width, and front/back teat length. Also used in the study were three-24 hour milk production measurements. The data sets show that one can use just visual appraisal to predict milk production. It showed that cows with smaller teats produced less milk, while larger teated cows produce on average more milk.
Keywords: visual, appraisal , teat, width, length, udder, depth, suspension
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 62-5
Location: VH 1432
Time: 3:45 pm