Relationship between udder measurements and the linear scores for udder morphology traits in Kıvırcık, Tahirova and Karacabey Merinos ewes

Abstract

This study was conducted to define the udder morphology and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores in 156 ewes of Tahirova, Kivircik and Karacabey Merino breeds. Udder morphology was evaluated with respect to data in mid-lactation (90 days). Udder morphology was assessed for: the traits measured were teat length, teat angle, rear udder depth, udder circumference, udder length, udder width and udder volume. Linear scores were assessed for: teat placement, udder depth, degree of separation and degree of suspension of the udder. Analysis of variance was calculated by using of SAS statistical package. Correlations between udder measurements and linear scores were computed for individual examined breeds separately. Subjectively assessed udder measurements for udder circumference, udder length, teat angle and udder volume determined high correlations with actual measurements of the respective traits on udder in all examined breeds (rp = 0.477-0.729). Linear scores for udder depth and degree of suspension of the udder were highly correlated (rp = 0.714; 0.357; 0.343 for Tahirova; Kivircik and Karacabey Merino ewes). In conclusion, significant different were determined in udder characteristies linear udder traits and phenotypic correlations in Tahirova, Kivircik and Karacabey Merino ewes.