TEAT & UDDER RESEARCH
Teat size and udder suspension are essential traits to the productivity of our cows.
WHY IT MATTERS
Poor teat or udder quality may lower herd productivity, increase difficulty for a newborn calf to suckle and require the culling of females.
THE RESEARCH
Angus Genetics Inc., alongside the American Angus Association®, are currently researching traits for teat size and udder suspension.
Through phenotypes submitted by Association members to AHIR, we have the opportunity to evaluate the variation for each of these traits within the population, ultimately providing a genetic selection tool for these traits. Scores for each of these should be submitted alongside calving data.
The research EPDs (rEPD) for teat size and udder suspension are anticipated to be released by the Association in late summer/early fall.
When to Score:
Twenty-four hours before or after calf birth, which is when the udder would be fullest.
How to Score: Evaluate both the teat size and udder suspension on a scale of 1 to 9 on the combined worst quarter for both traits. Females should be given a separate score for both traits.
Teat: Consider both length and diameter.
Udder: Evaluate on suspension – ranging from very pendulous to very tight.
How-To: Udder Scoring Cattle
How to Submit
Scores should be submitted alongside other calf birth data.
AAA Login
When submitting records in your AAA Login account, you will see in the calving book a place for scores for the female that birthed the calf (whether the dam or recipient dam).
AIMS or Spreadsheets
If records are submitted via AIMS or through spreadsheets, you will also find fields alongside calving data to provide teat and udder scores.
