Relationship of Linear Conformation Traits with Bodyweight, Body Condition Score and Milk yield in Friesian × Bunaji Cows

Abstract

Alphonsus, c., Akpa, G.N., Oni, O.O., Rekwot, P.I., Barje, P.P. and Yashim, S.M. 2010. Relationship of linear conformation traits with bodyweight, body condition score and milk yield in Friesian × Bunaji cows. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 97–100.

To study the relationship of linear body measurements with body weight, body condition score and milk yields, data of 50 (F₁) Friesian X Bunaji cows were collected. Analyzed conformation traits were; stature(ST), chest width(CW), wither height(WH), heart girth(HG), body length(BL), body depth(BD), rump width(RW), rear udder height(RUH), rear udder width(RUW), udder depth(UD), udder cleft(UC), fore teat position(FTP), rear teat placements(RTP) and teat length (TL). The genetic correlations of the body conformation traits (ST, CW, BD, HW, HG, BL, RW) with average BW and BCS were positive and ranged from 0.179 to 0.854 BW and 0.214 to 0.845 BCS, indicating that taller, wider, deeper and fatter cows tended to be heavier. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between milk yield and BCS were negative; −0.465 and −0.373, respectively. However, the genetic and phenotypic correlations between BW and milk yield were positive; 0.625 and 0.247, respectively. The genetic correlations between milk yield and body conformation traits (except ST and BD) were positive ranging from 0.188 (RW) to 0.823 (HG). It is concluded that selection emphasis on milk yield in these crosses might result in taller and less deeper animals. With reduced BCS and pendulous udder causing serious health and fertility problems. Therefore, selection based on more balanced breeding objectives is recommended.

Keywords:

• Friesian × Bunaji
• udder and body conformation
• milk yield