Relationships Among Udder Depth, Hip Height, Hip Width, and Daily Milk Production in Holstein Cows

Abstract

Data from 1,195 lactations of 616 cows of University of Illinois Holstein herd were evaluated for heritabilities, phenotypic correlations, and genetic correlations among udder depth (from the cleft between the rear teats to the ground), hip height, hip width, and daily milk production. Heritabilities of all traits were moderate in first lactation suggesting that selection for single traits could be successful with positive intensities of selection. Expected response to selection for increased daily milk production of first lactation was .6 kg milk per day. Correlated responses were .08 cm, .19 cm, and .25 cm for udder depth, hip height, and hip width. Correlated response in udder depth less than correlated response in hip height implied body and udder capacity may increase. Expectation of selection for increased daily milk production of first lactation is taller and wider cows with udders further off the ground.