Assessment of Udder Characteristics of Lactating and Non-lactating Mammary gland of Non-descript Goats of Maharashtra region

Abstract

Morphological udder traits are very important for dairy animals. During this experiment, morphological traits of the whole udder (width, circumference and length), teats (distance between teats, right and left diameter,length and ground distance)and udder cistern (cistern height) were measured in a total of 30 non-descript goats (15 lactating and 15 non-lactating) belonging to the same experimental flock (Bombay Veterinary College,Goregaon, Mumbai) under semi-intensive systems of management. The animals were classified into two groups comprising animals below the age of two years and above two years of age respectively. Udder shapes found in goats were bowl, cylindrical and funnel while vertical and oblique teat placements were recorded in both species.Statistical analysis of the collected data showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in udder circumference of goats. Teatsize showed significant difference in non-lactating and lactating stage.The difference in the various measurements recorded were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by physiological status (pregnancy and lactation status). In conclusion, morphological udder traits may be used as suitable characteristics for marker selection, to improve milking ability of breeds.