Preliminary Results: Effects of Udder Morphology on Commercial Milk Production of East Friesian Crossbred Ewes

Udder and teat morphology measurements were taken at approximately 7.5 hr after the a.m. milking for 131 East Friesian (EF) crossbred ewes at an average of 71 d in lactation. Additionally, milking time was recorded for each ewe during two evening and morning milkings. Average daily milk production, milking time, percentage of milk fat, percentage of milk protein, and somatic cell count were 2 L/ewe/day, 174 sec, 5.07%, 4.77%, and 56,250, respectively. When compared to reports in the literature on other dairy breeds of sheep, our EF crossbred ewes had larger udder width (14.6 cm), cistern height (2.97 cm), and teat angle (58.3°); similar udder circumference (45.2 cm) and teat width (1.64 cm); and smaller udder height (14.6 cm) and teat length (2.6 cm). Regression coefficients were calculated for these udder and teat measurements on various lactation traits. Ewes with greater udder circumference and udder height had greater commercial milk yield. Greater udder length, udder height, and cistern height were associated with increased milking time. Cistern height was positively associated with percentage of milk fat. In conclusion, ewes having larger udders with more cistern located below the teat canal exit are predicted to have higher milk yield, higher percentage of milk fat, and take longer to machine milk.