Original scientific paper

Morphological and milkability breed differences of dairy cows

Tina Bobić ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Pero Mijić ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Goran Vučković ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Maja Gregić ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Mirjana Baban ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Vesna Gantner ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1 d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

Anatomical characteristics of dairy cattle are not equal for all breeds, meaning that the morphological traits of udder and teats could favor an individual performance or a determined breed. Changes in teat tissue after machine milking occur because of the negative influence of the vacuum and mechanical forces of the teat cup liner. Duration and performance of machine milking also depend on the udder and teat conformation and milkability traits of cows. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in morphological characteristics of Simmental and Holstein cows before and after machine milking, as well as to elaborate the differences in some of milkability traits of the cows during process of milking. A correlation (from -0.30 to 0.37) was determined between exterior and interior traits of teats and the performance of milkability traits. In both cow breeds, statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) was found between the pre- and post-milking values in all investigated traits, with exception of teat end width. Holstein cows had significantly (p<0.001) higher amount of milk per milking, maximum and average milk flow, while cows of the Simmental breed had longer milking time duration, but without statistical significance. In comparison to Holstein breed, results of internal morphological traits of teats showed that cows of Simmental breed had longer teat canals and wider teat ends for both front and rear teats. Holstein breed compared to Simmental had thinner teats wall, but wider teat cistern. If compared to pre-milking stage, differences in teat cistern width and teat wall thickness that occur after milking were more expressed in the Holstein breed than in Simmental. Simmental cows had significantly (p<0.05) longer and wider rear teats. Future research should focus on proving the differences in changes of teat tissue due to milking between different groups of cows, as depending on the milk flow. Ultrasound method of recording can be applied in such assessment.

Keywords

cattle breeds; differences; morphology; milkability; ultrasound

Hrčak ID:

121600

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/121600

Publication date:

21.5.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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