Genetic and non genetic factors affecting some udder measurements in Nili Ravi buffaloes of Pakistan

Abstract

Udder length, width and height are very important parameters to identify good dairy animals. Udder measurements including length, width and height on 437 Nili Ravi buffaloes were recorded before and after miking with 1180 records at 6 Experimental Stations in Punjab, Pakistan. Heritabilities were estimated using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction techniques. Environmental factors viz age of the buffalo at scoring, stage of lactation, parity, herd and season were included in the model. Least square means for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 52.65±6.87, 53.52±6.19 and 54.34±4.99 cm and after milking as 47.08±6.57, 48.15±5.79 and 55.39±5.15 cm, respectively. Heritability estimates for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 0.08±0.07, 0.22±0.08 and 0.22±0.09, while after milking as 0.14±0.07, 0.20±0.08 and 0.09±0.08, respectively. All the factors significantly affected before milking udder length. A significant effect of herd, parity, season of scoring and age on udder width before milking was observed. Herd, stage of lactation, parity and age of the buffalo at scoring significantly affected udder height before milking. Significant efect of herd, parity, stage of lactation and age of the buffaloes at classification on most of the traits suggest that managemental factors are important. Moderate heritability estimates for these udder traits provide a fair scope for improvement through selection and breeding which will help to increase milk yield in Nili Ravi buffaloes.