Relationship of Udder Morphometric Traits with Milk Production in Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes

Pakistan’s dairy industry depends on cattle and buffaloes for milk production. Subclinical Mastitis (SCM), on the other hand, is a serious restriction that lowers milk quality and quantity. Objective: To examine the udder and teat morphometric characteristics of cattle and buffaloes and evaluate how they relate to Somatic Cell Count (SCC), milk output, composition, and mineral content. Methods: A total of 150 lactating animals (75 cattle and 75 buffaloes) were sampled from five farms in Faisalabad. Milk yield was recorded over three consecutive mornings using a digital meter, while composition and SNF were analyzed. with a Lactoscan SLP SCC was quantified, and minerals were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Udder and teat dimensions were taken using a Vernier caliper, tape, and visual observation. Results: The findings showed that funnel/cylindrical teats and pendulous udders had higher width and depth (p < 0.05) significantly larger diameter and length (p<0.05). Pendulous and spherical udders (p <0.01) and funnel, pear, and cylindrical teats (p <0.05) were substantially linked to higher SCC. While several teat measurements, such right front teat length and left front teat diameter, exhibited moderately negative relationships (r = –0.31, p = 0.02, r = –0.26, p = 0.04), there was a positive link between milk yield andudder width (r = 0.45, p = 0.003). Additionally, morphology had a significant impact on the mineral content and composition of milk (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results imply that choosing advantageous udder and teat characteristics could improve udder health and productivity.