Udder and Teat Conformation in buffalo and their association with milk production and mastitis: A mini review

Abstract

The study was planned to review the udder and teat morphology of buffalo and their association with milk production and mastitis. Different morphometric parameters of teat and udder were studied and they showed significant difference with milk production and mastitis in buffalo. The udder morphology was categorized into different types such as trough/bowl, round/globular, goaty and pendulous. Similarly shape of teats were also categorized into cylindrical, funnel, bottle, pear shaped, conical, pointy and others. Among them the frequency of bowl shaped udder and cylindrical teats were higher and both of them showed significant positive correlation with milk production but negative correlation with mastitis. Others parameters like udder depth, udder length, udder width, teat length, teat diameter, teat end shape, milk vein size, teat end to floor distance, distance between teats were also observed to see their relation with milk production and mastitis in buffalo. These parameters vary within different breeds and show significant difference with milk production and mastitis. Results showed significant and positive correlation of Udder width with milk production and lactation number. milk vein size also correlates significantly and positively with milk production and lactation number. Whereas negative correlation of milk vein size with lactation stage was observed. Teat length and teat diameter Showed positive and significant relationship with milk production. Pendulous udder showed high incidence of mastitis among buffaloes. Live wight, milk yield, udder depth, teat apex diameter showed significant positive correlation with mastitis. On the other hand, teat end to floor distance 6 | P a g e showed significant negative correlation with mastitis. However, the studies revealed a protective effect of increased teat length, advancement of lactation, culling of animals and more housing space. Teat and udder morphometric traits seem to be associated with indicators of udder health in buffaloes, thus their inclusion in breeding programmes for selection against undesirable dairy types traits may be of value reducing susceptibility to low milk yield and mastitis in buffaloes.