Development, productivity and health research of cow udder quarters

Abstract

Aim of the research: To evaluate the morphological and physiological qualities of cow udder quarters and their relationship to the productivity, milk composition and health. Objectives of the research: 1. To evaluate the morphological indices of the development of cow udder quarters. 2. To carry out a research on the time and speed of milking in cow udder quarters. 3. To evaluate the productivity of udder quarters and the composition of milk. 4. To determine the somatic cell count in milk and to establish the agents of mastitis in cow udder quarters. 5. To evaluate the relationship between the morphological and physiological udder qualities with the productivity and health of cows. For the first time in Lithuania the relationship between the morphological and physiological qualities of black and white cow udder quarters and the productivity, milk composition and health has been established by means of applying statistical modelling. The dependency of the morphological and physiological indices of cow udder quarters from the productivity and health of cows has been established. It shows that it is purposeful to use morphological and physiological indices of cow udder quarters in cow selection. It is especially important when the newest milking systems are installed in the farms of milk producing cattle