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Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports
2014; Beef; Calf performance; Udder quality; Teat size; Genetics; Cows
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Udder Quality Is Moderately Heritable In Hereford Cattle (2014), Heather L. Bradford, Daniel W. Moser, Jennifer M. Bormann, Robert L. Weaber
Udder Quality Is Moderately Heritable In Hereford Cattle (2014), Heather L. Bradford, Daniel W. Moser, Jennifer M. Bormann, Robert L. Weaber
Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports
Udder quality is an important factor related to cow longevity and calf performance. Cows with tighter udder suspension and smaller teats tend to have greater longevity. When cows stay in the herd longer, fewer replacement heifers need to be developed to maintain herd size. Pendulous, poorly suspended udders and large teats are difficult for newborn calves to nurse, and additional labor might be required to assist those calves. Cows with poor udder quality can have increased calf mortality because the calf struggles to nurse and consumes colostrum later. Because many beef producers sell calves by the pound at weaning, poor …